Cool Planner Winner – Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion
Louisville, Kentucky
CO2 Reduction: Anticipate 21 metric tons/year
According to Buddhist teaching, there is a very close interdependence between the natural environment and the sentient beings living in it. “At this time it is extremely important that every human being, according to his or her ability, consistently puts effort into ensuring the conservation and protection of this planet’s environment and its inhabitants,” says His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In keeping with its core values, the Drepung Gomang Center in Louisville is planning a major energy efficiency upgrade of its existing building and a new energy efficient building construction project.
The project will involve an upgrade to HVAC equipment and ductwork, lighting upgrade, roof deck insulation, and a new energy efficient building extension with a 20 kW solar array producing 23,520 kWh/year, rain barrels to collect water for laundry, Energy Star rated windows, low VOC concrete flooring, light-colored shingles to assist with summer cooling, lower water volume shower heads, dual flush and low water volume toilets, and many other innovative, energy saving improvements. In the planning process Drepung consulted with LEED certified architects, with Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light, with three solar energy companies, with the builder of the zero-carbon footprint Louisville Green Building, and with energy-efficient HVAC and water installers. Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion will launch expanded programming this spring. A primary component of the compassion education vision is to teach practical everyday steps toward care for the Earth. Drepung hopes to take a leading role in the city by linking engaged compassion to sustainability with its new building serving as a model.
