News From the Pond
Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District Award — Pacer, February 2010
McColl Pond ELC won an award for its Implemented Stabilization projects on eroding ravines and intermittent streams that drain directly from the Credit River through the Mc Coll Pond ELC area at the Savage Community Park encompassing 10 acres of woodland and restored prairie. On the grounds surrounding the building, storm water runoff was addressed through the installation of pervious pavers and concrete, rain gardens, native grasses and wildflowers along the sidewalk and parking areas. Vegetated roof( sedum) absorbs rainfall and helps to keep the building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Savage Receives Grant for McColl Pond ELC Solar Panels — Pacer March 2010
Savage received a 2009 Solar Energy Legacy Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to install solar panels on the south side of the ELC. The $41,000 grant will be used to keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter at the McColl Pond. The grant will cover approximately 75% of the $ 55,000 needed. These panels will reduce the dependency on the electricity grid and reduce overall costs of power usage. Legacy grants are provided by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by voters in 2008 for municipal parks and trails.
McColl Pond ELC Achieves LEED—Gold certification — Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 2010
What is LEED Certification?LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a rating system is used to distinguish the sustainability of one building when compared to another. In other words, it provides for buildings the same measuring stick that gas mileage standards gives to cars. It was developed by the non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the gold standard sustainability standard. Earning a LEED credential will provide you with an invaluable overview of what exactly green building and sustainable development means. No matter your experience level, everyone learns something. The insights gained and the overarching perspective attained by learning LEED will allow you to find your passion and specialize in a particular niche.
