LC in the News - 2010

College Moving Forward with Enviromental Center in Covington
November 30, 2010

A rendering of the proposed new Lackawanna College Environmental Center in Covington Twp.

Lackawanna College plans to break ground on the $1.5 million home for the environmental institute in Covington Township this spring. The Lackawanna College Environmental Center will include a new 10,000 -square-foot building with classrooms powered by wind, solar and geothermal energy.  The building will host environmental-based lectures and workshops for the public, as well as classes for students from the college's science-based degree programs. Interactive energy demonstrations will be available to the public, in order to educate the community and encourage green energy consumption.

The mission of the facility is to demonstrate the principles of renewable energy and sustainable design, while teaching the concepts to students and the public. LCEI (Lackawanna College Environmental Institute) will also continue its educational programming for K through Twelve students and teachers. This program, funded through corporations that donate state Educational Improvement Tax Credits is expected to expand at this location.

Designed by Hemmler + Camayd Architects, the center also will include a closed-loop septic system in which wastewater is recycled and can be reused for an onsite greenhouse or the building's grounds. A wind turbine on the property will also provide energy back to the power grid.

The 211-acre property is located off MacKenzie Road in Covington and already has a wind turbine on property that will generate energy for the Center. The project is slated to be completed by late next year, and a campaign to raise funds for the project will kick off in 2011.