What's Next for Macalester
Future Building Schedule for Macalester
Currently Macalester looks for a 7-10 year return on investments. Retrofitting buildings is very expensive and given current energy costs ($.048 kWh), solar energy would not meet this criteria. It is likely that a typical return on solar investment would take a minimum 25-30 years.
By designing a building specifically equipped for a solar energy system, costs for hardware and wiring are significantly reduced compared to building retrofit. Additionally, if designed for reduced energy consumption, less hardware is needed to provide electricity for the building, allowing for reduced costs and increased feasibility.
With the most feasible option for renewable energy at Macalester being new construction, this provides a GREAT OPPORTUNITY for students to get involved in future development planning. According to Mark Dickinson, planning for a proposed new student residence on the corner of Summit and Snelling will begin in the fall of 2000. Contact him in the fall for more information and GET INVOLVED!
Currently under construction: Campus Center, scheduled completion Summer 2001
Spring 2001: Construction begins on Kagin Commons remodeling
Summer 2001: Construction begins on internal remodeling of Doty and Wallace
2002-2003: Turck Hall internal remodeling
** New Construction on Summit and Snelling for student housing
(planning begins Fall 2000!)
2004: Fine Arts Center remodeling (Art, Music, Theater Buildings)
2005 and beyond: Field House (new construction)
**New constructions allow for the most feasible implementation of solar or other renewable energies at Macalester. Mark Dickinson suggests that interested students get involved in the planning process for the new student house (Summit and Snelling lot) in the Fall of 2000! This house would have lower energy consumption than many of the existing buildings at Macalester. With this reduced energy load, alternative forms of energy are more feasible due to lower equipment costs. A number of local Twin Cities businesses are interested in helping to make this idea a reality. Ralph Jacobson at Innovative Power Systems and Heather Ilse at MN Environmental Initiative are two contacts who should be included in the meetings from the start.
Ralph Jacobson
Innovative Power Systems
ralphj@wavetech.net
(651) 647-0070
http://www.wavetech.net/~ralphj
Paul Chramosta
Low Impact Living
newecolife@aol.com
(651) 290-0405
http://www.lowimpactliving.com
Heather Ilse
Energy Alley Coordinator
Minnesota's Environmental Initiative
(612)334-3388
hilse@mn-ei.org