August 31, 2004 == MEDIA ADVISORY
The newest building at Calvin College - the Vincent and Helen Bunker
Interpretive Center - is independent of the city's sewer system. Waste is
processed through chemical composting toilets and the soil from those toilets,
processed by worms, will eventually enrich the center's landscaping - all
indigenous plants grown in the preserve. Gray water (from sinks) is recycled
through a biomass, a large window box filled with plants that filter the water
and return it to preserve ponds.
In addition much of the 5,270 square foot Bunker Center - including paneling,
insulation and interior trim - is made from recycled materials. On days the
weather permits, the windows open automatically to heat and cool the building.
And more than 60 percent of the center's operating power comes from a
photovoltaic array on its roof.
Little wonder then that the Bunker Center qualifies for a Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating from the US Green Building Council.
(LEED specifications award points for every aspect of a building's
sustainability: design, site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere,
materials and indoor environmental quality design).
The center has been used some this summer, but will be officially dedicated on
September 10 with a variety of activities, including a 2:30 pm dedication
service and then tours of the center from 3 to 5 pm.
The following day, Saturday, September 11, Calvin will host Kalamazoo
natutralist Wil Redding for a 10 am event at the center. And the following
week, from September 13 to September 18 the center will play host to such
things as a special creation Chapel service, an open house for area teachers, a
showing of the film Winged Migration and a birding and breakfast event.
Calvin architect Frank Gorman says the Bunker Center is intended as a tool to
help people better understand the environment and concepts of sustainability,
even as it educates visitors about the wonders of the preserve, home to 135
species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 235 plants and a variety of fish,
reptiles and amphibians.
For the whole story see
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2003_04/bunker_center2.htm
-end-
Received on Tue Aug 31 10:53:53 2004
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