Off-grid water project for new Sustainable Living Center underway

Maharishi University of Management - The Review    Translate This Article
20 October 2012

The Excellence in Action page of Global Good News is featuring this article with colourful photos.

Please click on the following link to read more about 'Off-grid water project for new Sustainable Living Center underway'.

The next step in bringing the Sustainable Living Center at Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, completely off the grid is now underway as workers begin construction of a cistern that will hold 10,000 gallons of water—a water source that will replace the connection to Fairfield's city water.

The building was constructed to capture the rainwater that falls on the roof and divert it through large tubes on the northeast corner of the building to a concrete cistern in the ground north of the building.

Ultimately, as more funds are raised, the building will be completely off the grid in all respects: heating, cooling, energy, water, and waste. It is currently a 'net-zero energy' building, meaning that it produces as much or more energy than it uses.*

Also coming as soon as funds are raised will be eight-foot verandas on the east and west sides that will help reduce the sun's heat streaming into the building during the summer. The east veranda allows the early morning light, but then shades the windows when the heat of the sun begins to be excessive.

Enjoy the full article on the Excellence in Action page.

* The Sustainable Living department's website explains that the building goes beyond the usual concept of a green building, which is measured primarily in terms of its carbon footprint. The SLC is actually beyond carbon neutral, creating more energy than it uses, but the building also offers much more. A unique feature of the SLC is that it is built in accordance with Maharishi Vedic architecture. MVA is an ancient system of architecture which uses orientation, precise proportions, and specific placement of rooms. The entrance of the building is to the east to take advantage of the enlivening rays of the early morning sun. Precise proportions are used to connect the built environment with the natural environment. Specific room placement harnesses the different qualities of sunlight at different times of the day, to support different types of activity. This all creates a building which is in tune with nature.

© Copyright 2012 Maharishi University of Management



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