“Solar panel, or photovoltaic (PV), technology has seen some impressive improvements in the past decade, bringing high-tech into a price range everyday users are better able to afford. The question remains: Is it really practical for camp? Well, it depends. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Green
Thinking about installing solar, but don’t have all the capital funds? A power purchase agreement (PPA) might be an option, using a local organization. Here’s some background information about PPA. “A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement … Continue reading
“At Blue Star, as at many camps, we care passionately about healing the planet. As third generation owners/directors, we are humbled and honored to continue and deepen the long tradition of social justice that breathes at the core of our … Continue reading
By John Dwyer, Food Service Director, YMCA Camp Chingachgook At Camp Chingachgook, we use Earth Tub Technology for group composting. (And if you come to the maintenance conference in March you can see it in person!) It’s a composting program for … Continue reading
While you may be involved with the facilities, your colleagues may have interest in these great programming books. The publisher is Human Kinetics, the same publisher for Outdoor Site and Facility Management (see sidebar). See all the books by clicking on the … Continue reading
Saving energy and water doesn’t require a massive remodel. 5 ways to start: minimize waste, easy steps to saving, savings in the kitchen better insulation and windows, and HVAC options. “Easy Steps to Energy Efficiency: Saving Money on Your Facilities … Continue reading
Producing electricity with photovoltaics (PV) emits no pollution, produces no greenhouse gases, and uses no finite fossil fuel resources. The environmental benefits of PV are great. But just as we say that it takes money to make money, it also … Continue reading
The people inside your building play a critical role in how energy is used. After all, plug loads typically account for 30 percent of a building’s energy use. Their actions also impact how your systems run, especially if they do … Continue reading
Have you seen a solar-powered picnic table? At Mt. Hood Community College, three tables have been purchased. Check out these two websites for more information on how they work, how many recycled milk cartons were used in the manufacturing process, … Continue reading
Often, participants are bringing their own water bottles and filling them on site. Is it easy for them to fill their bottles? In a recently modeled building, the Warren Willis Camp, installed regular drinking fountains with a second spigot to … Continue reading
Fiske’s article describes eight ways to save money: keeping equipment clean, having regular maintenance, using reputable repair services, cooking efficiently, having complete loads in the dishwasher, turning off unused equipment, using energy efficient equipment, and regularly replacing equipment. There are … Continue reading
At Camp Winacka, this new straw bale welcome center includes a metal interlocking panel system that has a 50-year life span and is fire rated. Other buildings are scheduled to have a cement-based siding material (also fire rated). Text and … Continue reading
Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center (Little Rock, AR) is hosting a 7-day Straw Bale Building Workshop the week of April 8th-14th. The workshop will be taught by Andrew Morrison of Strawbale.com, a leading expert in the field. This very ‘hands-on’ … Continue reading
ENERGY STAR qualified new and rebuilt refrigerated beverage vending machines can save you more than 1,700 kWh/year, or $150 annually on utility bills. On the website, in the right-hand column, are two lists of Qualified Vending Machines: new machines and … Continue reading
Below are the published articles for November/December 2012 relating to site and facilities. Topics include: Flagpoles Solar panel installation Interpreting Green to Retreat Guests Insurance “Building Principles: On Old Glory.” By Rick Stryker, PE. ACA Camping Magazine. November/December 2012. “…U.S. flags … Continue reading