Site Features

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ReNew the Earth Institute Features

The Facility
The ReNew the Earth Institute is a 4,200 square foot building on twenty rolling acres. The building incorporates energy efficient features including passive solar design, daylighting, energy efficient light fixtures, and infloor radiant heat. The building includes a beautiful lobby, numerous offices, a large education room, a kitchen, and separate attached apartment. There are many demonstration features located at the Institute. These include:

3.6 kW and 2.5 kW wind electric systems with monitoring equipment, and now a 20kW turbine

stand alone and tracking PV systems,

masonry stove,

prairie plantings,

solar powered pond,

off-grid PV powered refrigerator,

solar water heating,

solar hydronic floor heating system, and

straw bale and rammed tire demonstration walls.
Our landscaping has won the Audubon Society's Backyard Habitat award for its water conservation efforts and plant diversity.

A Travel Green Destination
The Institute has a been certified as a green tourist desitination, by Travel Green Wisconsin. Travel Green Wiscosnin recognizes businesses that are reducing their environmental impact through operational and facility improvements. To gain certification businesses have to meet a wide range of goals, which include reduction of solid waste, water conservation, and electrical efficiency.

MREA was recognized for the following best practices:

80% of total energy consumed on site comes from renewable energy,

restoration of monoculture pine plantations,

organic and fair trade products used on site, and

passive solar building design.

To learn more about Travel Green Wisconsin vist www.travelgreenwisconsin.com.

Renewable Energy Tours -
Visitors to the Institute can participate in self-guided tours of the facilities and renewable energy systems. Or guided tours are offered at 1p.m. every friday.

See the Institute without Leaving Home:

Take a Virtual Tour of the Institute Today! Tour Link

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	Midwest Renewable Energy Association 7558 Deer Road - Custer, WI 54423 Ph: 715-592-6595 Fx:715-592-6596 info@the-mrea.org
Page Last Modified: Tuesday, September 25, 2007