Greenforce Initiative Grant helps St. Clair County Community College show off Living Labs concept

This blog is written by St. Clair County Community College

St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Mich., uses its green campus to teach students about sustainability and green issues.

Thanks to a $3,000 Greenforce Initiative Innovation Mini Grant, the college was able to produce three videos showcasing how it uses its green technology as Living Labs.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdj1RVLq2Vk[/youtube]

The college’s Living Labs concept immerses students in real-world technology by turning campus buildings and components into instructional spaces. As a result, students get hands-on learning through the same equipment the college uses to power and operate its campus.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7LTicyrQvw[/youtube]

The videos show how students study bioswales; rain gardens; green roofs; solar hot water, heat and electrical systems; wind turbine technology; and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Professor Don Reuba said the green components and Living Labs allow him to teach at a higher level. He’s able to get students out of the classroom and into a hands-on work environment.

The videos of the Living Labs are valuable because they help show others what the college can offer.

“You can have the best product in the world, but if nobody sees it, it doesn’t do you any good,” Reuba said. “The videos help us get the word out about our green campus.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzHnMn32teY[/youtube]

You can find more information on St. Clair County Community College’s Living Labs program here.

For more information on the Greenforce Initiative, please visit our website.

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Published: November 20, 2012