Rieth Village Sustainability

The Built Environment

• Elements

  • Siting of structures relative to climatic conditions, elevation, functions

  • Building design for comfort and function; appropriate materials; passive solar heating

  • Natural building vs. Green building; energy sources and standards

  • Energy uses, efficiency, and retrofits

  • Examples of different natural building techniques

• Learning Goals

  • Address design for function: Energy conservation, shape and placement, materials, utility elements and aesthetics

Waste and Bioremediation

• Elements

  • Conservation and recycling of materials in households and society

  • Reclamation and re-use of greywater, blackwater, and soil and water on toxic sites

  • Hygienic capture, treatment, and cycling of human waste

  • Closed-loop manufacturing strategies (cradle to cradle)

• Learning Goals

  • Guidelines to closing soil nutrient loops

  • Assess personal practices regarding material use

Appropriate Technology

• Elements

  • Holmgren’s Future Scenarios: Relation of energy and technology to social structure

  • Low, intermediate, and high technologies

  • Examples, sources, and importance of appropriate tools

  • Energy sources and energy-conserving technologies

  • Renewable energy generation: Solar, wind, hydro

• Learning Goals

  • What makes technology appropriate, and how to use energy efficiently on a site