South San Francisco Unified School District and Chevron Energy Solutions Activate the Largest K-12 Solar and Energy Efficiency Program in San Mateo County

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the South San Francisco Unified School District and Chevron Energy Solutions activated the largest K-12 solar and energy efficiency program in San Mateo County. The project has provided nearly 100 local green jobs and is expected to reduce the district's utility costs by $20 million over the next 25 years. The project is anchored by solar panel arrays at 15 elementary, middle, and high school sites throughout the district. In total, the systems are expected to produce 1.68 megawatts of electricity, directly offsetting much of the district's energy needs at each site.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120330/CG79357)

The project was funded through Measure J, a local bond measure approved by voters in November 2010 that raised $162 million specifically to improve school infrastructure and enhance the student learning environment.

Through the use of solar energy, the district expects to cut its annual total electrical usage in half and reduce its carbon emissions by more than 1,500 metric tons, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 330 acres of pine trees.

"Today, a dream becomes a reality because of the trust the residents of South San Francisco have in their school district," said School Board President Judith M. Bush "Without their support, none of this would have been possible."

The project has also dramatically improved the classroom learning environment through the integration of advanced, high-performing energy efficient technologies, a goal central to the intent behind Measure J.

"As Superintendent, I am proud of the partnership we have entered with Chevron Energy Solutions." said, District Superintendent Alejandro Hogan "Their commitment to the success of school districts throughout California is something that will benefit the state and its residents for generations to come."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the project while also installing, operating, maintaining, and guaranteeing the solar systems' performance for 20 years. The company has also implemented energy efficiency improvements in the district's lighting, irrigation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, which are expected to provide better lighting quality and aesthetics, lower maintenance costs and improved indoor climate. Chevron will also provide professional development for teachers, curriculum materials and hands-on experiments aligned with state standards to help create a living laboratory that promotes environmental awareness and energy consciousness.

"As the leader in solar and energy efficiency projects for educational institutions, we are pleased to work with the South San Francisco Unified School District to improve the learning environment for students," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "Through this project, the district is investing in sustainable programs that deliver ongoing value to the community."

The project is the latest in a series completed by Chevron Energy Solutions and local school districts, and celebrated by California state leaders, who have for years stressed the importance of innovation in providing greater resources to public education in the face of ongoing budget deficits. 

"Harnessing the power of the sun helps make our schools more environmentally sustainable, cuts their energy bills, and creates thousands of teachable moments for our students," said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. "That's a win-win-win proposition, for our schools and for California."

An event to celebrate activation of the new system is being held today at Westborough Middle School in South San Francisco. Students, district representatives, government and business officials are expected to attend the event, including State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson, State Assemblymember Jerry Hill, South San Francisco Councilmember Kevin Mullin, and South San Francisco Unified Board President Judith M. Bush.

About South San Francisco Unified School District: The mission of the South San Francisco Unified School District, through collaboration with home and community, is to graduate responsible, productive, and environmentally aware citizens who have the academic and social skills necessary to contribute to a changing global society, through active participation in a quality instructional program defined by a challenging and creative curriculum which ensures opportunities for a diverse population to experience individual expression and collaborative problem solving in a safe and stimulating environment. For more information: www.ssfusd.k12.ca.us.

About Chevron Energy Solutions: Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities. Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron has spent approximately $4.4 billion on renewable energy and efficiency since 2002, and expects to spend $2.2 billion in this area between 2011 and 2013. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com.

Contact: Ken Pimentel, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions; South San Francisco Unified School District