The Sustainability House at Barrett (SHAB)
SHAB opened as part of the new Barrett Complex in fall 2009. Barrett student leaders partnered with Barrett administration to help create a residential community of students who are interested in living more sustainably, a place where students can integrate their academic and personal interests enabling them to use their living space as a laboratory for putting ideas into action, and to build a model residential living and learning sustainability community.
The community attracts freshmen to senior students from a wide variety of majors, including Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Business (Sustainability) and other students from many other academic disciplines with an interest in living in a community focused on sustainable living, learning and advocacy.
The Sustainability House at Barrett facilities offer many features focused on putting sustainability practices to work:
- Energy and water use monitoring capabilities through ASU Campus Metabolism
- Experimental green roof
- All LED bulbs
- Rooftop solar panels
- An organic garden
- Individual thermostat controls
SHAB’s rooftop organic garden on the fourth floor of Sage South is a place where students can connect to nature. The garden enables students to practice planning and tending an organic and sustainable garden. The garden is managed by the Sustainability Club at Barrett, whose aim is to educate students about sustainability while providing a platform for change. The club is open to all Barrett students interested in sustainability.
The community features several lounges with natural lighting, where students gather to socialize and study. SHAB’s central hub is the three-story courtyard, furnished with recycled furniture and featuring clotheslines to encourage decreased energy usage.
The Community Director and Community Assistants serve as a support system for students in the community, and in collaboration with Barrett Student Services, plan events and activities that promote sustainable living, educate residents, and develop the community. Examples include:
- Hallowgreen during the week of Halloween – a three-story haunted house made from recyclable materials. This “Zero Waste” event has pumpkin carving and locally-sourced and seasonal food.
- DIY Events, where students learn to create sustainable products and learn about the social, environmental, and economic impact of their consumer habits
- Seminars and panels surrounding current events in entertainment, politics, social media, and more to provide social context to sustainability issues
SHAB offers a one of a kind residential experience where students can explore issues, practice sustainable living, and engage with sustainable communities at ASU and beyond.
