We Tread Lightly

CGC has made a commitment to build and run our facility in harmony with our natural surroundings, leaving the smallest possible footprint.

  • Our facility's design emphasize s passive solar, natural light, and natural cooling.

  • Buildings are clustered by the edge of fields to preserve open spaces.
  • We use renewable energy - solar panels for electricity, vegetable oil to heat our offices
  • We conserve energy – with efficient appliances, well-designed systems and  extra insulation
  • Renovated barns house our programs. Recycled doors, windows, and equipment add to our facility's charm.
  • We use building materials found on site - lumber from our woods, stone deposited by glaciers (a while ago, to be sure)
  • Sprinkled throughout the property are small projects that exemplify green construction:

1. a straw bale cabin, with natural insulation to keep you cool in the summer

2. a composting toilet outhouse that uses no water to remove waste

3. an outdoor, wood-fired brick oven, that takes the heat out of the kitchen, uses renewable fuel - and makes great pizza

As our facility evolves, we continue to make sustainable design choices. Please click here to see what we are working on now.