The Esalen
Institute
Big Sur, California
CASE STUDY
We provide the system, nature does the work.
LIVING MACHINE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
FOR ESALEN
In 1962, the Esalen Institute was founded as an
alternative educational center committed to the
exploration of the “human potential.” Since that
time, Esalen has become known worldwide as an
innovative and respected center for experimental
education.
Background
Located between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean,
Esalen chose the Living Machine® system over other
wastewater
treatment
systems
because
of
its
environmental benefits and the ability it gives the Institute
to approach its treatment needs in an integrated way. In
addition, Esalen chose the Living Machine system because
it generates no byproducts, emits less greenhouse gases
and consumes less energy than other wastewater treatment
systems while also being aesthetically beautiful. Finally,
the Living Machine system helps Esalen save a substantial
amount of water every year by reusing the treated effluent.
The Esalen Institute needed the Living Machine
technology to accommodate the wastewater flows from
their laundry and lodging facilities as part of an expansion
and upgrade to their existing primary wastewater
treatment operation. The Living Machine system was
designed to accommodate a planned Phase II upgrade to
allow for the expansion and inclusion of the overall
facility wastewater flows, including kitchen flows and
other facilities as designated by Esalen. The Tidal
Wetland Living Machine system constructed for Esalen
Institute is the most advanced Living Machine system
available and provides high quality effluent that protects
groundwater resources when it is returned to the