Hartley’s building was designed to not only be a place to teach, but to be a teacher as well. Learn more by paying us a visit!
Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Panels
- 72 roof-mounted panels will produce up to 11.8 kilowatts electrical power (DC)
- 8 pole mounted panels can produce up to 1.3 kW and maintains maximum generation angle by following sun using a two axis tracker
- Grid tied; when we generate more electricity than needed, Minnesota Power buys the surplus
- 165W Schott Solar panels
Natural Lighting
- Windows and clerestory were strategically placed to maximize natural lighting
- A scale model of the building built for laboratory testing of window placement
Ground Source Heat Pump
- Transports solar heat from the ground into building via circulation of a liquid through underground coils
- Coils are buried 8-10 feet underground in front (south face) of the building
- Heat pump heats fluid which circulates in building’s in-floor radiant heat system through zones as needed
Solar Wall (south side of building, just east of entrance)
- Preheats air with sunlight; air is taken in by building ventilation system when thermostat calls for it
Passive Solar Heating
- East-west building orientation brings in sunlight
- Concrete slab absorbs heat and re-radiates it inside building
- Roof-overhangs shade windows during summer months
Energy Conservation
Insulated Concrete Forms
- Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s) are foam-insulated blocks that are stacked and interlocked, tied together with rebar and filled with concrete to make the building’s foundation
- R-22 insulation efficiency
Heat-recovery Ventilation
- Three energy recovery systems recover heat from air exhausted during building ventilation
Energy Production and Consumption Tracking
- Energy system sensors track the building’s energy use and production from solar panels allowing us to adjust usage as needed
Building Materials
100% Recycled-content Roof Shingles
- 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum shingles with a 50-year warranty
Recycled-content Ceiling Tiles
- 77% recycled content (post-consumer paper, iron ore slag and gypsum)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Wood
- Redwood siding grown in FSC-certified forests (California)
- White Ash interior trim, cabinets, wainscot from FSC-certified forests in Pennsyvania; processed by Aitkin Hardwoods, Minnesota
- Other FSC-certified wood: plywood, framing lumber (Douglas Fir), particle board, ceiling decking (Ponderosa Pine)
- Most wood supplied by Certified Wood Products of Minnetonka or Timberweld of MT
Recycled-content Carpet Tiles
- 25% post-industrial recycled content
- 100% recyclable into new carpet tiles
Recycled Latex Paint
- 50% minimum recycled content
Non-PVC materials
- HNC used alternatives to PVC in plumbing (polyethlene plastic and ductile iron), conduit (aluminum) and carpet (recyclable nylon) and wood stains (natural-based wood glaze made from citrus peel oil and other natural oils and resins)
Minimizing Site Impact
Run-off Prevention Walkway and Parking
- Pervious paving systems allow stormwater to percolate into ground
Intentional Site Selection
- Site was old pasture lands, heavily invaded by non-native tansy
- On a south-facing slope, providing good exposure to sunlight
- Outside of delineated wetland areas
- Potential for landscape restoration with native plants following construction
- Required cutting of few trees; some trees were replanted on site
- Site located near major road and already used parking lot which required less underground construction for utilities and driveway.