Seth O’Bryan, Commons Co-Coordinator and teacher of the Living Building class, is always asking questions. That’s what makes working with him such a delight. As we gradually learn more about what is possible with the systems of the Commons and how they interact, Seth is leading the charge to analyze...
Peter Hentschke’s Environmental Science class has begun growing algae. This algae not only will serve to sequester CO2, but it will eventually be used as a biofuel. The first step in this process is to determine the best factors for growing the largest quantity of algae. To determine this, the...
Guest blog–by Seth O’Bryan In some ways, graphs are the literature of mathematics, or maybe the graphic novels of mathematics. Graphs tell a story, often quicker than numbers can. At a quick glance, you can begin to see patterns. These patterns prompt questions, and they also help the reader think...
Guest blog post–by Seth O’Bryan The net zero challenge is a major goal in the Commons. We hope to generate at least as much solar energy as electrical energy we use in the Commons. Ideally, we would have a surplus of energy that can be used to help offset energy...
The Rochester Business Journal ran a story on solar technology in the October 3rd, 2014, printed issue. The 84 solar panels on The Commons were featured as an example of the return on investment that Harley (and other organizations who have chosen to install solar panels) is seeing. The full article can...
You’ve already been introduced to Seth O’Bryan, Upper School math teacher and Commons coordinator, in a previous blog post. His work with students in the Living Building class focuses on understanding and mapping the discrete energy systems of the Commons, and working to integrate them to greatest efficiency and sustainability....
This evening, we were delighted to have Chris Costanza, the architect and primary voice in envisioning the net-zero aspects of the Commons, speak to a roomful of people interested in his take on sustainable design. Chris spoke to a mixed audience of local architects, Harley parents and staff, and other...
What can we learn from this amazing building we inhabit, and what is it trying to tell us? Thanks to last year’s Living Building class and our Engineer in Residence, Richard Lange, we have an abundance of sensors all around the Commons constantly reporting back data to our Commons Control...
We are so excited to begin this 2014-15 school year IN the Commons! As part of the continuing evolution of the building as our teacher, we are delighted to add two capable and vivacious women to Harley in support of the programs and activities in the Commons. They are our...
The middle school students attending our Horizons at Harley program this summer are given a variety of expeditions to pursue. These two-week-long courses offer them the change to really dig into some hands-on learning and then take trips around the Rochester area which support the material learned in the classes....
