Schools
SMC Wins Sustainability Award
Over the past year, Santa Monica College has replaced nine old boilers, 11,000 of the approximately 16,000 light fixtures on the campus and renovated the SMC Center for Environmental and Urban Studies.
Santa Monica College was selected this week as the winner of the statewide Energy and Sustainability Awards competition.
SMC, which developed the Santa Monica College Energy Project in 2012, won in the in the facilities and operations category
“It’s great to see the advances that our colleges are making in sustainability and saving energy, which ultimately saves money,” California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Manuel Baca said.
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The initiative featured three main projects, including replacing nine old boilers; replacing 11,000 of the approximately 16,000 light fixtures on the campus and a comprehensive renovation of the SMC Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, according to Genevieve Bertone, SMC’s director of sustainability.
“It’s wonderful to see Santa Monica College being acknowledged by its peers for its commitment to sustainability,” Bertone said. “SMC is a leader in sustainability, but there is always more work to be done. Hopefully, our efforts will serve as a model to other institutions.”
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The renovation included moving all computer equipment into an existing server closet. The heat from the computers is now pumped through the building. Contractors also installed new windows and insulation, Bertone said.
The other winners are Victor Valley College, for district leadership, and West Valley College, which took the top prize in the faculty/student initiatives category.
SMC will receive its award at the May 7 board of governors meeting in Sacramento.
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