Sustainability Demonstration House: Residential Learning Environment for Practicing Sustainability

Michigan Tech's Sustainability Demonstration House is a residential learning environment where students test and practice sustainability in their daily lives. Its all about learning by doing and then sharing those experiences across campus and around the Houghton/Hancock community. In 2017 students took residence and started retrofitting the Kettle Gundlach house, which was built in the 1950s. The mission is to practice sustainability, research what works by testing engineered and practice-based solutions using a combination of high and low tech, and share ideas, findings, and inspiration broadly. The Alternate Energy Enterprise collaborates with student residents on these efforts. Funding supports student projects to improve energy efficiency, transition to renewable energy sources, waste reduction, support of local/sustainable foods, and community outreach on all of these and more sustainability projects, including engagement with K-12 schools and local community organizations. Learn more on the Facebook page "Michigan Tech Sustainability Demonstration House". You'll see how solar panels + battery system keeps the house near net zero electric consumption. The panels are located at the south entrance to Michigan Tech's campus; a powerful symbol for our commitment to sustainability. Replacing indoor light fixtures with more efficient LED bulbs, some of which were donated to us and the others were bought using money donated from sponsors like you, helped us reduce lighting energy use by about 75%. Aquaponics systems produce healthy food year round, and outside, bees make honey and pollinate the sustainable garden, which is fed by a rain-water collection system. Check out our dozens of other activities and community outreach on the Facebook page.