Background+Information

The Aiken Center is the headquarters of The Rubenstein School Of Environment and Natural Resources at The University Of Vermont. The Aiken Center's energy uses consist of electricity, heating and cooling. However, Aiken is unique because part of that energy is produced by seventeen photovoltaic solar trackers that are located at an off-site complex on Spear Street. Although these solar trackers produce energy, it is only part of the total energy consumed. In order for Aiken to become a Net-Zero building, it will need to produce as much energy as it consumes. Therefore in order to obtain our ultimate goal, we must install more trackers to counter-balance the energy use. First, we collected all of the necessary data to determine the exact number of solar trackers that are required. Then, we were able to determine how much extra space would be required for the additional solar system. Finally, we had to iron out the logistics of this project, such as proper funding from Green Mountain Power, site alterations, environmental impacts of site alterations, the possible buy-back period, etc. Luckily we were able to complete most of this process! The Dean of Rubenstein, Nancy Mathews, has decided that two other Rubenstein buildings, Bittersweet and Johnson House, should also become Net-Zero. We went through the same process of obtaining data as was done with Aiken. Additional improvements to these two buildings will further prepare them to be Net-Zero.


 * Aiken**


 * Bittersweet**


 * Johnson**