A Platinum Green Jobs Training Ground

 
Written by Frank Robbins | October 5, 2009 | read more: Alt Energy, Frank, LEED

9115_39

Hocking College — a two-year technical college in Nelsonville, Ohio — has trained its students for jobs in Ohio’s manufacturing sector since 1968.  As these jobs began leaving the state, Hocking College saw the potential for growth in alternative energy jobs.  The school launched the Energy Institute in 2002, with just three students to offer training in advanced energy and fuel cells.  Enrollment has since increased to 125 students and the curriculum has also expanded to include hybrid and plug-in vehicle courses, as well as courses about wind and solar power. 

The school’s newly completed building, located in Hocking County, reflects Hocking College’s commitment to participating in the new green economy.  The 12,200 square-foot building is on track to become the first higher education building in Ohio to receive LEED Platinum certification.  

9115_52

9115_45

Some of the building’s green features include the following:

  • 26 geothermal wells for heating and cooling;
  • A 21 kW roof-integrated photovoltaic system;
  • An expansive vegetated roof;
  • North-South orientation to maximize natural light;
  • CNG filling station and plug-in hybrid charging stations;
  • A solar hot water heater; and
  • Durable, low-maintenance concrete floors. 

Building and designing this structure to LEED Platinum specs involved the collaborative efforts of several parties, including the Energy Institute, Robertson Construction, and architectural firm Design Group of Columbus, Ohio.  Once up and running, HCEI will use half as much energy as a similar building.  It’s estimated to save the college about $10,000 a year. 

Full story at http://www.jetsongreen.com/2009/10/hocking-college-energy-institute-leed-platinum.html

LEED http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19