Several buildings in Ithaca and the surrounding area will be open for free visits from the public on Saturday, October 5th from 10 AM to 4 PM to showcase renewable energy systems and green building design features. Visitors will be able to see solar panels and wind generators in action as well as learn about passive solar design and energy efficient building materials and appliances. The Tompkins County Public Library, site of one of the largest solar electric panel systems on the East Coast, will be included in the Open House.
The local open house is part of a region-wide Green Buildings Open House being organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). The regional event is being held in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society's National Tour of Solar Buildings.
The United States uses 25% of the world's electricity but includes only 5% of the world's population. Typically, this electricity production contributes substantially to air pollution and global climate change. The renewable energy systems and green building design features showcased in this Open House are helping to reduce our nation's impact on the environment and public health. The Tompkins County Board of Representatives has been a leader in promoting cleaner energy systems by installing a 143 kilowatt solar panel system on the roof of the public library. This system is expected to reduce emissions from its traditional power source by seven tons of nitrogen oxides, twenty-fine tons of sulfur dioxide, and 4,500 tons of carbon dioxide over a thirty year timespan.
Participants who visit Open House sites will see that renewable energy systems, like solar panels, are economical even in Ithaca's climate. They will have a chance to talk with homeowners and learn more about ways to make their own homes more energy efficient.
Several Open House homes will feature solar panels and a few also have wind generators. Some of the buildings are completely powered by renewable energy systems while others are connected to their local power grid. Passive solar architecture, which uses sunlight to help heat the house on winter days without adding to the heat in summer, is featured in some of the buildings. The newly built duplex at EcoVillage also includes green features such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) for well-insulated walls, locally harvested wood floors, and radiant floor heat for comfort and efficiency.
Information and directions for local homes included in the Green Buildings Open House is available on the NESEA website, www.nesea.org or call 607-256-1043. This information will also be available at the Tompkins County Public Library the day of the tour. Both drivers and riders wishing to carpool should meet at the Tompkins County Public Library at 11 AM or 1 PM.
The open house in the Ithaca area is being coordinated by Katy Duggan-Haas, a member of the American Solar Energy Society, 607-256-1043 and Abigail Krich, founder of the Cornell University Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, 607-256-3903.
