Renewable Energy Institute

---

Renewable Energy Institute
Architecture Department
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) is a non-profit organization established to promote teaching, research, development, and community service in solar and renewable energy technologies and sustainable community infrastructure. Its teaching and research programs are of an applied and interdisciplinary nature involving students, faculty, staff and off-campus persons from the fields of Agriculture, Architecture, Science and Engineering. The Institute is engaged in the collection, development, and dissemination of information and research about renewable energy and sustainability for the improvement of environmental quality, economics, and human life.

Current Projects Include:

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE (CSI)
The Mission of the Cal Poly Campus Sustainability Initiative (CSI) is to promote sustainable practices on the Cal Poly campus.  CSI will demonstrate and put into action our campus' commitment to the future through conserving resources, protecting our health and environment, and educating our students by modeling socially and environmentally aware behavior.  CSI, with active participation from the campus community, will develop an environmentally responsible campus that is economically viable and reflects the values of the Cal Poly Master Plan and campus community members.  The REI is a co-sponsor of the activities and goals of this initiative.

HAY FUND GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH
Mr. Harold Hay, chemist and inventor of the Atascadero, CA Skytherm house, is offering a grant program in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Institute (REI) at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, to advance applied research in the areas of passive solar design and water conservation in the built environment. Grants will be awarded to individuals or teams which include members of the Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE) for the further development of the concepts and principles of solar energy design initiated by Mr. Hay. The program is funded at the $100,000 level for the first year with the intention of awarding approximately four grants of $25,000 each. To learn more about the grant program (and SBSE), visit the Hay Fund web site at http://suntzu.calpoly.edu/ehhf. Questions about the program may be directed to Prof. Margot McDonald at mmcdonal@calpoly.edu.

Past Projects Include:

Alternative Uses of Rice Straw Report, preparation of a document for the California Air Resources Board outlining the diverse uses of straw that can replace waste disposal. This document was used to assist in the passage of California Assembly Bill 1314 for straw bale construction.

Straw Bale Workshops, hands-on learning and demonstration of straw bale construction techniques open to students, professionals, and others.

E2R2, a technical and economic feasibility study of a biological solid waste and wastewater treatment facility for Cal Poly-SLO that reclaims valuable nutrients, energy, and water. If adopted, the facility will be designed as a model for small to medium sized communities through teaching, research, and demonstration, as well serve as a fully functioning campus infrastructure.

CSUMB Master Plan, development of a sustainable campus master plan for the recent Fort Ord Military Base Conversion into a California State University campus at Monterey Bay.

For more information, contact:

Professor Margot McDonald, AIA
REI, co-Director / Assistant Professor
Architecture Department, Cal Poly
mmcdonal@calpoly.edu
(805) 756-1298

or,

Dr. Doug Williams
REI, co-Director / Professor
Bioresources and Agricultural Engineering Department, Cal Poly
dwwillia@calpoly.edu
(805) 756-6153