MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
May 7, 2013
Dave Chakraborty, Assistant Vice President for Operations, Planning and
Construction
Austin Eriksson, Sustainability Coordinator
Brett Heater, Sustainability Student Assistant
Vegetation Propagation Project Proposal
Project Summary
Plant propagation is a common method of growing trees and shrubs from stems, cuttings and
bulbs. The process requires a structure in which consist of a series of sections that allow
different amounts of light to protrude. These sections are necessary to allow for proper growth
at different stages in the propagation process. The Vegetation Propagation Project presents the
opportunity for CSU Channel Islands to grow native vegetation for campus use, reduce campus
expenditure, promote campus sustainability efforts, and allow for student involvement.
As a certified Tree Campus USA, it is without question CSU Channel Islands places much effort
in the planting and maintenance of all vegetation on campus. The project allows for a decrease
in campus expenditure on trees and shrubs every year by propagating them ourselves. The
Vegetation Propagation Project will allow for the campus to continue to move forward with
sustainable, environmentally friendly operations, and to uphold our reputation as a Green
Campus. The project also allows for students of all disciplines to become involved by obtaining
service learning by working with grounds crew member in the propagation operation. This
project will also allow students associated with university programs such as, Biology and
Environmental Science & Resource Management, to develop and implement independent
research that incorporates plant propagation.
Below you will find a rough order of magnitude project estimate that outlines the various
components of the structure and the options associated with it.
Cost Break Down
The propagation structure will require resources to fund the materials cost:
Estimate Summary Table:
Tree Propagation House Total Cost Break Down
Component
Cost: Solar
Structure Cost
$3,094.18
Shade Materials
$1,881.08
Heating
$433.69
Solar Power
$1,495.00
Estimate Totals
$6,903.95
Cost: Non-Solar
$3,094.18
$1,881.08
$471.97
$0.00
$5,447.23
The estimate includes two totals, one with the cost incurred of running the structure off the
grid and the other is with the structure tied into the grid. Although the cost for the off-grid
(solar) option is substantially more than the previously proposed estimate of $5,000, the solar
option will further the Universities goals of becoming a Green Campus.
The off-grid option will comprise of the same building structure as the alternative option. The
two options differ in the way that the vegetation seedlings and cuttings germinate and root.
The off-grid option will utilize solar energy to heat water and absorb solar radiation through
solar panels to power a pump. The heated water will be pumped through a series of pipes that
run through the planter beds to heat the soil. In the alternative structure that will rely on grid
power is equipped with electric heating coils that will run through the planter beds the same
ways as the water pipes. The electric heating coils will provide a more consistent heat, however
they demand a higher wattage and are unable to be ran on a cost effective solar array. The
heating of the soil is necessary to maximize the propagation yield. Below you will find a cost
breakdown of the different options:
Tree Propagation House: Solar Power
Item
Model #
Count
Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
GS-400-KIT
1
Estimated total
Cost
$ 1,495
Total Cost
$1,495.00
$1,495.00
Solar Heating
Item
Model #
Count
Cost
Wayne 1/10 HP Portable Transfer Utility Pump
1-1/2 in. x 10 ft. PVC Sch. 40 DWV Plain End Pipe
Mueller Streamline 1-1/2 in. PVC Schedule 40 90-Degree
Slip X Slip Elbow
Homewerks Worldwide
1-1/2 in. PVC Schedule 40 Slip x Slip Ball Valve
DURA 1-1/2 in. Sch. 80 PVC Threaded Plug
Mueller Streamline 1-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 1/2 in. PVC Slip x
Slip x FPT Tee
MSU, Inc. 9 cu. ft. Bulk Washed Masonry Sand
Black Quick Color 10-oz. Aerosol Paint
Estimated total
PC2
531111
1
20
$76.96
$5.11
Total
Cost
$76.96
$102.20
406-015HC
2
$1.22
$2.44
VBVP40E7B
1
$10.73
$10.73
C850-015
1
$4.12
$4.12
402-209HC
1
$2.33
$2.33
478119
J2853812
8
3
$29.00
$0.97
$232.00
$2.91
$ 433.69
$74.99
$89.99
$29.00
$149.98
$89.99
$232.00
$471.97
Electric Heating Option
Soil Warming Cables 300 watt (60in)
Phytotronics RHT-2, Thermostat, 2 Outlets, 1800 Watt Load
MSU, Inc. 9 cu. ft. Bulk Washed Masonry Sand
Estimated total
536G
PHY-8526
478119
2
1
8
Summary
This project will cost $6,903.95 for the off-grid option and $5,447.23 for the grid tied option.