SUNY Geneseo Unveils "Green" Residence Hall
By: Katrina Irwin
Updated: March 1, 2013
"We've had a lot of positive comments about monroe. Certainly for the features in the building but also because of the demographics in the building and the way it has been set up," says Kevin Hahn, Assistant Director of Residence Life.
Some of the green features include a geothermal system for heating and cooling, energy efficient lights, and much of the waste during construction was recycled.
One of the most unique green features about this building is the rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater is collected in these tanks and is then distributed throughout the building for toilet flushing.
Project Manager David Norton says, "by recycling the water from the roof, we are saving about 150,000 gallons a year."
The project has been in the works for four years. But students like freshman Courtney O'Gorman just moved in. "I saw the rain water collection system in the basement and thought it was pretty cool." she says. Students also like the water bottle re-fill station.
"There's a little meter on there that shows how many water bottles are being saved from landfills by recycling and using refill stations," says Norton.Students can also see the savings by using the energy dashboard. It's a television screen in the lobby that shows exactly how much energy is being used.
Letting students know just how "green" they are.
"I think it's really important to go green and sustainability for the future so I think it's a great aspect of this building," says O' Gorman.
