West Chester University residence halls go green
West Chester University is in the process of implementing a plan that will save millions in energy costs and be safer for the environment.
The university, located in West Chester, Pa., has undertaken a new residence hall project that will utilize geothermal energy systems, which reduce the workload for heating and cooling pumps by using underground cool pockets.
The ground several feet below the surface maintains a constant temperature year-round, making geothermal energy a reliable and renewable source. Any excess heat from the unit will be distributed into storage wells where the energy can be stored for later use.
The minimal amount of maintenance associated with these systems means the units can have a lifetime of 20-30 years, further reducing the cost.
The new dorms will also use non-gaseous carpeting and light-harvesting sensors, which cause less harm to the environment and are more efficient.
The school estimates that the project will cost over $2 million in all, but they expect to earn that money back with their "green" innovations within just a few years.
In a continuing attempt to make the campus environmentally friendly, the administration at West Chester plans to completely replace its coal power plant with geothermal energy systems.
The university, located in West Chester, Pa., has undertaken a new residence hall project that will utilize geothermal energy systems, which reduce the workload for heating and cooling pumps by using underground cool pockets.
The ground several feet below the surface maintains a constant temperature year-round, making geothermal energy a reliable and renewable source. Any excess heat from the unit will be distributed into storage wells where the energy can be stored for later use.
The minimal amount of maintenance associated with these systems means the units can have a lifetime of 20-30 years, further reducing the cost.
The new dorms will also use non-gaseous carpeting and light-harvesting sensors, which cause less harm to the environment and are more efficient.
The school estimates that the project will cost over $2 million in all, but they expect to earn that money back with their "green" innovations within just a few years.
In a continuing attempt to make the campus environmentally friendly, the administration at West Chester plans to completely replace its coal power plant with geothermal energy systems.
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