Home
MREA Info
Energy Fair
Education & Training
Join or Donate
Marketplace
ReNew the Earth Institute
Site Features
Solar Tour
Travel & Accomodations
Resources & Links

ReNew the Earth Institute Features

REIweb1.JPG 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:

    DSCF0011.JPG Take a Virtual Tour of the Institute Today! Tour Link




  • [Home] [MREA Info] [Energy Fair] [Education & Training] [Join or Donate] [Marketplace] [ReNew the Earth Institute] [Solar Tour] [Travel & Accomodations] [Resources & Links]  


    Download Free Acrobat Reader

    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