Concordia Magazine

The Green House Effect

Concordia has long been committed to environmental sustainability.

Now students are practicing ways to reduce waste and use fewer resources in their own home.

The EcoHouse, an off-campus house dedicated to sustainable living, is inhabited by four residents: Emily Kimball ’13, Eagan, Minn.; Sarah Vlasak ’13, Stillwater, Minn.; Julia Kuebelbeck ’14, St. Cloud, Minn.; and Sara Conley ’14, Helena, Mont. Managed by Concordia’s Residence Life staff, the EcoHouse became a housing option for the first time this fall.

“It is a living, learning community for students dedicated to sustainable living,” says Kristin Brethova, Concordia’s sustainability coordinator.

Living in the EcoHouse means that students develop projects and activities that support sustainable living each year.

Some of the projects being considered this year include sealing the windows for the winter, hanging thermal curtains to retain heat, replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescents and using a vermiculture composting system. Vermiculture is the process of using earthworms to decompose food waste.

Long-term projects include installing a fuel-efficient furnace and replacing a drafty front door.

Photos: Sheldon Green/Briann Sandholm

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