The Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Living

The University of Oregon’s Office of Sustainability will screen the documentary “Cars of the Future” Thursday,  May 28 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at PLC 180.  The film features NPR’s “Car Talk” hosts Tom and Ray Magliozzi as they explore new technologies that will make cars more efficient and less oil dependent. After the one hour documentary join UO professors Robert Young and Shih-Yuan Liu for a discussion. To conclude, we will give away one ticket to be one of the first people in Eugene to test drive a hydrogen powered car at Autzen Stadium on  Saturday, May 30th! This event is free and open to the public.  We hope to see you there.

The University of Oregon Debate Team will debate three University of Oregon professors about funding for sustainable projects on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. in the Gerlinger Lounge. The U of O Debate Team will argue that the University of Oregon should not prioritize the funding of new sustainable projects at the U of O, and the professors will argue the affirmative. Come at 7 p.m. for free food and enjoy a healthy debate hosted by the U of O National Debate Champions!

Mayor Piercy shows her support for CASL on Earth Day

CASL received two thumbs up from The University of Oregon’s daily newspaper, The Oregon Daily Emerald. The Daily Emerald praised CASL for its upcoming summer construction plans with Michael Cockram.  The Daily Emerald also recognized CASL as a program that effectively connects students and community members with the purpose of promoting sustainable living. Click here to read the article.

This summer for the first time, CASL will be offering a class for students at the house for credit. Michael Cockram will teach the class, which is offered through the Department of Architecture and Allied Arts. Cockram, an adjunct professor at the U of O, will instruct the design and building process of a new front porch for CASL’s house.

This four-credit class allows students to learn about low-impact design techniques by incorporating sustainable building practices. The students will first conduct preliminary research where they will investigate sustainable land use/site planning strategies, such as: solar, water catchment, waste management, and much more. The students will then collaborate with CASL members to create the ramp’s design plan. Once the details have been established, they will work on site to build the porch and walkway with the help of CASL members.

In addition to designing the ramp, students will work with CASL members and Cockram to review and determine CASL’s future design plans. Students will be able to imagine how the site may evolve over time with innovative sustainable technology.

Michael Cockram has taught periodically at the U of O since 1994. For eight years he directed the Italy Field School, a hands-on architecture/preservation program in Italy’s Ossola Valley. He has done several design-build projects and is one of the founders of Design Bridge. For the last year and a half he worked in the firm of L.M. Holder FAIA in Austin, Texas. Read more about Cockram’s efforts in sustainable design here. 

For more information, please read the official course description.  Also, e-mail casl@uoregon.edu if you have questions about the course.

Interested in the design aspect of CASL? CASL design team members Sam Rusek and Nick Wakem will provide a CASL house tour located at 1801 Moss St. on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. Meet CASL members at 5:15 p.m. at the Hearth, located on Lawrence Hall’s second floor, where the group will depart on foot/bike to the house. Or arrive at the house anytime between 5:30-7. During the tour, Nick and Sam will explain the updated design plans that incorporate sustainable building techniques; such as, water catchment, passive solar heating, a green roof, and much more. They will also describe the construction process and building plans, which will begin this summer with a course taught by Micael Cockram. Check out the course information here: http://tinyurl.com/p6xnhp. The tour will allow you to see all the CASL opportunities available. Get plugged in by discussing future design positions with Nick and Sam!