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Sustainable Design Strategies
for the Modernization of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
by Joseph J. Ferraro, AIA and William D. Brooks, AIA
1. Abstract
Located on the polar plateau at an elevation of 2,835 meters (9,301 feet) above sea level, the South Pole is arguably the most pristine and extreme environment on earth. To the worldwide community of scientists, it offers a unique platform for scientific research including aeronomy, astrophysics, glaciology, climatology, and seismology.
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (United States) is situated on the plateau within one hundred meters of the geographic South Pole. Operational since 1956, Amundsen-Scott is undergoing its second significant reconstruction and modernization. To extend the station’s useful life, minimize the operational energy it consumes, and provide a healthy habitat for its occupants, the new station incorporates a number of sustainable design strategies. Many of these strategies are uniquely suited to the climatic conditions of the polar plateau.
This paper will briefly introduce the philosophy of sustainable design, describe the primary sustainable characteristics of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and discuss how the station’s innovative design could set the standard for future development of the polar plateau.
Proceed to next section: 2. Sustainable Design
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Sustainable Design
3. Construction History at Amundsen-Scott Station
4. Sustainable Design Goals
5. Minimizing Impacts to the South Pole Research Environment
6. Ensuring a Station Useful Life of 25 Years or More
7. Energy Efficiency
8. Indoor Environmental Quality
9. Conclusion
10. References
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