Berea College

The Berea College Ecovillage is an on-campus ecologically sustainable residential and learning complex designed to meet the housing needs of <a href="https://www.berea.edu/non-traditional-student-program">nontraditional students</a> (parents, married couples, students over 23 years of age) and graduating seniors. The 50-unit complex is a part of the Nontraditional Student Program and houses 96 residents in a combination of one, two, and three-bedroom apartment configurations. To accommodate different needs and family sizes, there are eight one-bedroom apartments, 38 two-bedroom apartments, and 4 three bedroom apartments. All apartments are equipped with central heat and air, a full kitchen, office/study, and full bathroom. A laundry facility is on-site in the Commons House. Berea College Facilities Management is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Ecovillage.

core/paragraph

Berea College family housing was built in the late 1980s, starting with 22 apartments, and was later expanded and renovated in 2005 to include 28 townhouse-style units. The Ecovillage's green buildings and commitment to teaching sustainable living practices are what give this unique community its name. The apartments are designed to save water and energy, and most buildings face south for additional energy savings. Ecovillage is a tangible example of Berea College's dedication to sustainable living. Ecological design is the foundation of Berea’s transformation to a sustainable campus.

The College has provided the Ecovillage with a Toyota Prius that residents may use. A hybrid car, the Prius combines a gas engine and an emissions-free electric motor. This low-emissions vehicle does not have to be recharged. The Ecovillage is within walking distance of the campus, so the Prius is available only for off-campus needs such as grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments.

Residents of Ecovillage will have the opportunity to participate in sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, use of green cleaning products, and community activities and programs that are educational and fun for the entire family. WE WORK HARD, BUT PLAY HARDER! The Ecovillage is a family-friendly community with many amenities for residents to enjoy.

Altogether, the Ecovillage apartments, Commons House, Child Development Laboratory, Food Forest, and Non-Traditional Student Center create an innovative, sustainable community.

Non-Traditional Student Center Address: 121 W. Jefferson, Berea, KY 40404

field_6283326ff79f7

<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>On-Site Child Care (Child Development Lab)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Central Location to Berea Community School, Memorial Park, and Old Town</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>On-Site Parking (Street parking and two parking lots)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Community Car - Toyota Prius</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Community Garden, Tree Nursery, and Composting</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>COMMONS HOUSE
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Patio</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Grill</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>On-Site Laundry</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>City Post Office Mailboxes</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Smart TV w/ Soundbar</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Study Café &amp; Lounge
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>24 Hour Coffee Station</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT CENTER (Clubhouse)
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Full Kitchen</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Ping Pong Table</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Smart TV w/ Soundbar</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Video Games</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Children's Playroom</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li>Greenhouse</li>
 	<li>Non-Traditional Student Program Associate Office</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Amenities

When you receive the application for the Ecovillage in the mail, you should return it as soon as possible, along with the application for the <a href="https://www.berea.edu/cdl/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Child Development Lab,</a> if needed, and a background check form for yourself and for your spouse, if married. Make sure that you have a witness to sign who has seen you sign your form.
<ul>
 	<li>The rent is charged to the student account at the beginning of each term and must be paid before in order to register for the next term.</li>
</ul>
<strong>For Questions and/or Applications, Contact:</strong>

Sharonda Steele

<em>Associate Director of Nontraditional Student Programs &amp; Operations</em>

Phone: (859) 985-3179

Application Information

acf/accordion

As a tenant of the Ecovillage, you will be expected to participate in environmentally friendly practices and community-building activities. Recycling, conflict mediation training and energy monitoring is an expectation of everyone. Some programs you might be expected to engage in while living in the Ecovillage, include:
<ul>
 	<li>Composting</li>
 	<li>Attend one educational or social program a year on sustainability</li>
 	<li>Participation in gardening/ landscaping/ grounds/ outdoor activities</li>
 	<li>Production and distribution of green cleaning products</li>
 	<li>Participation in governance or leadership of Ecovillage Association</li>
 	<li>Apartment maintenance</li>
</ul>