November 1st 2006 The Madison Area Technology Teachers (MATT) met this past November 1st to visit a local state of the art building for the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC). The building that is being constructed is an initiative by WECC to “Think Globally, and Act Locally”. WECC has contracted Vogel Brothers Construction to set a high standard in energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Several local contractors; including Mr. Horeb Plumbing, General Heating and Air Conditioning, Monona Masonry, Service Electric and Schmelzer Paint, are also involved in the process. The building itself involves many improvements and innovations in material / resource use and recycling, always keeping in mind the bottom line of consumer byproducts, the environment, and budget. Thinking Globally, Acting Locally The Building: *High-efficiency HVAC system which will provide 40% lower operating costs to heat and cool the building *Use of exterior sunshades and interior light shelves, and light pipes to optimize use of natural day lighting instead of fluorescent lighting *Photovoltaic panels which use solar energy to generate electricity for the building *Solar panels to collect heat for the building’s domestic hot water needs *Use of locally manufactured building materials reduces transportation costs to get materials to the construction site *Use of low VOC paints, adhesives and finishes provides improved indoor air quality *Innovative plumbing fixtures, such as waterless urinals and dual flush toilets will help conserve water The Site: *Native plants reduce need for landscaping irrigation, saving water *Bioswales and rain gardens will reduce storm water runoff *Demonstration rooftop rain garden *Demonstration of pervious materials for parking and entryway to reduce storm water runoff *Preferred parking to promote alternative fuel vehicle use and carpooling *Easy access to bus transfer station and bike paths *Controlled exterior lighting to reduce light pollution and enhance the night sky Educational Elements: *Green Touchscreen computer-based module will provide current efficiency and conservation information to users *Facility open to youth education and class tours *Donor recognition and information dissemination *Incorporation of building design elements into school curriculums This Excerpt is taken from the WECC Brochure (http://www.weccusa.org/pdfs/WECC_LRFinal.pdf)

IMAGES OF THE WECC BUILDING

Before the tour of the facilities, Joan Pregler of Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) Careers Advisory Group took the opportunity to address the 45 people in attendance on the importance of A Skilled Labor Force and the shortage they are experiencing in finding people to fill this void. Joan, as well as several local contractors repeatedly made mention of the need for young skilled laborers to enter into the Trades. The word is out that the apprenticeship programs in the area are a viable and profitable option for our students to look into. MABA, along with several other groups and companies state-wide, are looking to connect with teachers and schools to give them the support needed to help create a skilled labor force in their areas. This would feasibly help fill the need for so many construction career related jobs that will be available in the very near future. For more information on this contact your local builders association. This was a great opportunity for Local Businesses, the Madison Area Builders Association, WECC, and a large number of MATT and WTEA teachers to network and discuss the future of construction and trades in the world today. If you would like to be a part of the MATT group and learn about their upcoming meetings please e-mail Greg Granberg @ggranberg@madison.k12.wi.us.

© Copyright 2005 Wisconsin Technology Education Association

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