Date of Award

Spring 6-10-2016

Author Requested Restriction

Open Access (no embargo, no restriction)

Work Type

Masters Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS)

Department

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

First Advisor

James E. Gawel

Second Advisor

Ellen E. Moore

Abstract

In our lives we are routinely confronted with images of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. The Sustainable Hub for Education and Demonstration (SHED) reflects my personal commitment to action in confronting this seemingly overwhelming problem. The structure embodies the practice of green building and makes connections among education, resource conservation, service learning, and community action. As a demonstration of resource conservation, the SHED was designed to be recycled, reused, or repurposed at the end of its service life. The materials of the structure will be reincarnated in another use cycle and no deposits will be made to a landfill. Educational and service learning goals of the SHED were achieved by the involvement of students from UW Tacoma and Clover Park Technical College. The participating students learned the advantages of green building and sustainable development while volunteering more than 1600 hours of time. Additionally, the SHED has made a contribution to community action for sustainable development by being the first structure in Tacoma to use industrial hemp as a building material. Earth Day, April 23, 2016, marked a day that brought together students, community members, and industry professionals to install the hemp-lime wall of the SHED in the UW Tacoma Giving Garden. The SHED is small, but has large and lasting implications. It will remain in place and serve as a venue for sustainability education for generations to come.

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