The Lucia Mar Unified School District will break ground on a comprehensive sustainability project that will include solar energy systems, energy efficiency measures and improved lighting components that are estimated to save the district about $20 million after paying all program costs over the 30-year project life.
Chevron Energy Solutions will design and build the project.
The project includes 1.7 MW of solar generation capacity at 7 district sites, upgraded HVAC systems, irrigation controls and energy-saving LED lighting. In total, the project is expected to reduce the district's utility-purchased electricity costs by approximately 75 percent.
"This project will not only give us the opportunity to save energy and money," said Jim Hogeboom, Lucia Mar Superintendent, "it is sustainable, which is one of the goals of our Board of Education."
"We are very much looking forward to starting work on this project," said John Mahoney, Senior Vice President of Chevron Energy Solutions, "because we know it will help the district meet its financial, environmental and educational goals."
The groundbreaking event will take place on Monday, March 31, 2014, at 3:15 pm, at Arroyo Grande High School,495 Valley Road, Arroyo Grande.
About Chevron Energy Solutions: Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the US public sector and has developed hundreds of projects that build renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and support sustainability. Chevron invests across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com.