EHE News
Protect your wallet and the environment
Courtney Burnett (BS '05), who studied with Susan Zavotka during her degree program, now describes the benefits of Universal Design to clients of Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers as interior design manager. Here, she and Vice President Bryce Jacob work together on product selections for the new "green" laundry at Farm Science Review.
Related story: Visit EHE at the 48th annual OSU Farm Science Review
Would you like to save hundreds of dollars, acquire features for your home that last a lifetime, and help the environment, all at the same time?
Let Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers, in partnership with the College of Education and Human Ecology, show you how at the "Universal Design Goes Green" exhibit at Ohio State's 48th annual Farm Science Review (FSR) from Tuesday, September 21 - Thursday, September 23, 2010.
The partners added to the long-standing Universal Design (UD) kitchen and bath exhibit this year, creating an energy-efficient, water-saving laundry. In addition, a new "green" garage/farm shop is accessible to everyone.
"UD is a holistic approach to the design of products and environments," says project leader Susan Zavotka, an associate professor in the college's Department of Consumer Sciences. "It is functional, attractive and supports independence for people of all ages and abilities.
"UD embraces the philosophy of designing living spaces to conserve and last," says Bryce Jacob, vice president of Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers, Columbus. "It's a waste of energy and resources when you tear something apart because it wasn't built for longevity."
Jacob not only implements UD principles daily on the job, he is also a trainer for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), preparing remodeling professionals nationwide to take the Universal Design Certified Remodeler Exam.
"Designing it right the first time prevents overuse of the earth's resources," he says. "That's why I'm enthusiastic about working with the UD exhibit. Sharing this knowledge with the public is one of our company's missions."
Laundry saves energy and water, garage features green products
Susan Zavotka
Margaret Teaford
To make the additions reality, Dave Fox Remodelers created the design for the new space and donated material and labor for construction.
Fifth Avenue Lumber, Columbus, contributed the lumber, thanks to President Bill Cady.
Forbo Flooring Systems, a charter member of the U.S. Green Building Council, donated Marmoleum for the addition floors and the kitchen and bath counters. Marmoleum is organic, resists bacteria growth naturally and lasts 30 years when properly maintained.
At Farm Science Review, the laundry room exhibit features:
- Front-loading clothes washer that saves water
- Energy-efficient dryer
- Drying rack for air drying to save energy
- Paint that emits low or no toxic gases (VOCs)
- Low energy lighting
Margaret Teaford, an EHE alumna and an associate professor in Ohio State's School of Allied Medical Professions, partners with Zavotka in teaching universal design/green concepts.
Known at state and national levels for their expertise, the pair have taught UD in various venues since the concept originated in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Hundreds of students and members of the public have learned from them, not to mention the estimated 2,000 people who tour the UD exhibit each year at Farm Science Review.
"Among the garage features, we have recycled plastics in the shelving and containers," Teaford said. "Antifatigue matting at the work benches is made from recycled materials, and the home's recycling bins will be here. Plus, Ohio State's AgrAbility project provided ergonomic tools and equipment for farmers with disabilities."
Cork flooring, another renewable resource, was installed in the kitchen by Lowe's, an original donor with Dave Fox Remodelers to the college's 2006 kitchen and bath exhibit.
Zavotka and Teaford emphasize the importance of choosing Energy Star rated appliances. "You can save up to 74 percent in water and 72 percent in energy compared to other models," Zavotka said.
Your wallet and the planet will thank you.
More information about FSR and UD
The OSU Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the College of Education and Human Ecology, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts as many as 140,000 visitors each year from across the U.S. and Canada to learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.
After Farm Science Review, workshops about "Universal Design Goes Green" can be arranged during the warm months of autumn and spring at the Universal Design exhibit at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. Contact: Pat Holmes, OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, at holmes.86@osu.edu or (937) 456-8174.
Consumers can learn more about Universal Design online at http://ehe.osu.edu/cs/ud/. The site contains a 20-minute video showing Universal Design features at the Farm Science Review site. The video is also available on DVD and can be ordered for $5 plus shipping and handling through OSU Extension's online store at http://estore.osu-extension.org/.
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