Sustainability Goes To The Dogs at the Green Beagle Lodge

Green Living is the Life For Me!

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Green Beagle Lodge in Chapel Hill, NC.  There I met one of the owners, David Schmidt who took me on a tour and discussed some of the sustainable aspects of the new 10,000 square foot facility for dogs (and cats).

Green Beagle Lodge

The Green Beagle Lodge was designed by architect, Mark Schmidt of  Knapp Schmidt Architects who specialize in veterinary and animal care building designs.  The orientation of the site optimizes the natural sunlight.

Rain Water Harveting

One of the sustainable features includes a rain water harvesting system (a 3,000 gallon cistern) that help feed a dog swimming pool / water feature, the wet /dry vacuum system as well as the toilets in the facility.

The cistern was installed by Rain Pro NC. According to Mike Stroud with Rain Pro, a one inch rainfall on a 1000 square foot roof will generate 600 gallons of water. With the system at Green Beagle Lodge, the cistern is at capacity with only 1/2 inch of rain because the roof is so large.

3,000 gallon cistern for collecting rain water

Water feature

Wet / dry vacuum system by Aqua-Air

Reclaimed field turf

A second sustainable aspect of the Green Beagle Lodge is the field turf used in all the outdoor runs and play areas.  The Green Beagle purchased their field turf from RS Global. The field turf "re-use" allowed two soccer field that were being replaced to be diverted from the landfill to a second life in this incredible dog daycare and amusement park.

Another section of reclaimed field turf

Sun Tube lighting up hallway

Natural lighting is the final sustainable feature that sets this facility apart.  Throughout the lodge, there are eight 24" and three 12" Sun Tubes by Velux that bring in natural lighting from the outside. Additionally, there are several high ceiling transom windows and glass block windows that insulate from the outdoor temperatures but allow natural daylight to illuminate the building on a sunny day.

Outside view of Sun Tubes

Transom windows bringing in natural lighting

Glass block windows

Dog cabins illuminated by natural lighting

Conclusion

David Schmidt and his partners did a great job of making the Green Beagle Lodge an example of sustainability for other animal care and veterinary buildings. I was impressed with the size of this facility and the thought and initiative that went into making it truly the GREEN Beagle Lodge and hope others will follow their example.

Website Resources

Green Beagle Lodge

Knapp Schmidt Architects

RS Global

Rain Pro NC

Aqua-Air

Velux Skylights

Professional Building Systems

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Rick
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