One of the main goals of PAGA is to create a sustainable campus. The school’s construction includes earth bricks, cross ventilation, and a wind turbine. The earth bricks and cross ventilation keep the temperature of the rooms low, and the wind turbine allows the school to be independent of the electrical grid. The school is currently developing a water collection system that will allow the school to support its water needs.
Earth Bricks
- Earth bricks let air permeate through them so that the air circulates, keeping the school cool.
Architectural design
- The school resides on the top of a hill and is situated in such a way that the wind flows through the school, circulating air and keeping the school cool. This enables the school to not need air conditioning or fans.
Wind Energy
- The wind turbine was constructed in 2013. The project was spearheaded by Prof. Catherine Peters and Prof. Elie Bou-Zeid (Engineers at Princeton University). Interns David Newill-Smith, John Davies, and Carolina Nunez, from Princeton University, designed and built the turbine. The wind turbine has been a huge success and has enabled PAGA to generate electricity when the power goes out.
- Funded by Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI), EPICS, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).