The partnership between Huntington Beach City School District and Chevron Energy Solutions has resulted in the completion of a 592-kilowatt solar-electric system that will ultimately reduce the electrical utility usage of nine Huntington Beach elementary school sites by 30 percent. This project will not only reduce energy costs, but will also save the District more than $15 million in future costs.
With this new system set in place, five campuses will be given solar photovoltaic panels mounted on shade structures, nine campuses will receive upgraded interior lighting, and two campuses will have its rooftop cooling and heating unit replaced. As the first energy efficiency and solar project at an elementary school district in Orange County Chevron Energy Solutions, who designed, engineered and installed the solar power system, will help the Huntington Beach City School District’s 30 percent decline in energy consumption with its performance operation and maintenance services.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at the Huntington Beach City School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources,” says Jon Archibald, Huntington Beach City School District Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. “In fact, a unique benefit of this solar project is providing protective shade for our students. We are grateful to all those involved for their dedication that has enabled the Huntington Beach City School District to realize the benefits of solar energy to our community.”
Not only will the solar electric system project reduce electrical utility usage, but it will also reduce carbon emissions by more than 850 metric tons, which is equivalent to 167 less cars on the road or 181 acres of trees planted.
In addition to this project towards energy efficient improvements, schools are taking advantage of this knowledge by establishing a comprehensive energy education curriculum, where students can learn about clean energy methods. Real-time data taken from this project provide teachers with material to add to their math and science lessons.
“Huntington Beach City School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency and use of renewable power,” says Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. “The project also improves the classroom learning environment, which is an important element in boosting student achievement.”
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