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There is no shortage of information regarding environmental
consciousness and all the reasons for embracing it. Overflowing
landfills, melting ice floes, impossible to get into packaging, just
to name a few... Here at the Adult School I think of it more as
the "business of going green." Do we have a plan to waste less
energy and utilize green technology to save money and lessen
our impact on the environment? Yes, we do.
Our energy audit started at the roof and moved down to the green
grass. In 2004 we were warned that our roof had been installed using the cheapest type
of tar and gravel and was beginning to wear dangerously thin in places (in just a short
10 years). That, and our interest in using less air conditioning to cool our second story,
prompted us to install a "cool" roof. The blinding white roof is well known to deflect those
intense summer rays. We sometimes joke that if you can't find us, climb the maintenance
ladder to the roof where we will be sunbathing and listening to Beach Boys tunes.
In 2004 our student leadership group, Helping Hands, led by staff member Ailene Genoff,
worked with the city of Mountain View on a recycling awareness campaign. Thus, wellused
recycle containers are now part of the indoor scenery. And they are heavily used
six days a week.
Moving to windows... We have lots and lots of windows which make our building really
stand out. They also let in way too much sunlight, especially in our student lounge facing
southeast. We had all of these windows tinted in 2005. The rebate was significant and
ended up paying for nearly one third of this project.
Lights − our steepest utility cost. We are open 8-9:30PM four days a week and two days
8AM-5PM. Our lights are on A LOT. Starting in 2006, we have replaced all classroom
and office florescent bulbs with energy efficient bulbs. We are now getting excellent,
cool lighting using two bulbs instead of three. We have also strategically installed some
automatic light switches − which has met with mixed success.
Water − low flow toilets as mandated in buildings starting in 1991. Watering plants and
lawn at night and on a timer for the minimum amount of time needed. No cacti plants
− yet.
Of course, like many of you, we have switched to energy efficient refrigerators and
microwaves in our staff room, student lounge and child care center. Our copy machines
automatically kick in to sleep mode as needed and are on a timer. That's a quick rundown
on what is happening here at the school front.
Other steps we will be taking include changing out our outdoor and parking lot lighting.
Though now on a timer, we could really save money on energy by switching to more efficient
bulbs and perhaps a less archaic type of timer. That is a project slated for 2008-09.
So you can tell that I am a "Believer of Green" because I see how it not only positively
affects our budget, but also our staff, students, and community. Learning through modeling
and good practices might be the greatest and greenest education of all.
Yours in service,
Laura Stefanski, Director
Laura.Stefanski@mvla.net
650-940-6025
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Laura Stefanski, Adult School Director |
