Chevron Energy Solutions and the Huntington Beach City School District have announced the groundbreaking for an energy efficiency and solar project, which is expected to save the district more than $15 million over the life of the project.
The project is the first energy efficiency and solar project at an elementary school district in Orange County. Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the 615-kilowatt solar system and will install, operate, maintain and guarantee the system’s performance, which is expected to meet more than 30% of the district’s demand for electricity. The company is also implementing energy efficiency improvements through lighting system upgrades and through upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The energy efficiency improvements are expected to improve lighting quality and aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs and consistent indoor climate quality.
“We are proud to work with Chevron Energy Solutions to reduce our utility costs and generate annual operating savings,” said Kathy Kessler, superintendent of the Huntington Beach City School District. “The energy savings are paying for the infrastructure improvements and providing budget relief to the district’s General Fund.”
Through energy efficiency improvements and solar power generation, Huntington Beach City School District is reducing its purchase of utility power and in turn, reducing carbon emissions by more than 1,200 metric tons, equivalent to removing nearly 250 cars from the road or planting more than 270 acres of trees. The project is expected to be completed in 2011.
“Huntington Beach City School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency and use of renewable power,” said Dave Stone, senior vice president for Chevron Energy Solutions. “The project also improves the classroom learning environment, which is important for students’ academic performance.”
An event was recently held at Huntington Seacliff Elementary School to celebrate the start of construction. Attendees included students, district representatives, community members and business officials.
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. Chevron is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron spent approximately $3.2 billion on developing these technologies since 2002, and expects to spend more than $2.7 billion in this area between 2009 and 2011.