Going Green
Recent trends indicate that 38 percent of American teenagers are concerned about the environment and, of that number, more than 80 percent of American teens are concerned about the role that the U.S. plays in causing pollution. Furthermore, adolescents who have embraced the green movement are more likely to be "opinion leaders with their friends and family."
Here at Sierra Canyon School, we are making efforts to foster opinion leaders. From the Eco-Fair to AP Biology to School-wide recycling programs and beach clean-ups, Sierra Canyon's curriculum and service learning initiatives focus on the ecology and the environment. Throughout our learning community, we are endeavoring to improve upon opportunities for "teaching moments" and to be better citizens of our community, country and world.
Our new Science and Humanities Classroom Building on the Upper Campus underscores Sierra Canyon's commitment to the environment by integrating environmentally sensitive components (fixtures and furnishings; natural flooring and wall covering materials; sustainable woods for millwork and cabinetry) and building features. To conserve energy required for air conditioning, south-facing elevations are shaded with a continuous perforated aluminum sun screen. All windows feature 1-inch thick, insulating, dual pane glass to minimize heat gain and/or loss, and have operable panels to allow natural conditions when desired. Florescent lighting is utilized throughout the building and is governed by motion sensors that turn lights off when rooms are not in use. The classrooms are served by individual HVAC units to allow individualized temperature control.
Beyond the building design itself, we are proud of the fact that the new Upper Campus was designed to maximize efficiency-and to serve as a positive model for our students and the larger Sierra Canyon community. From the ground up, here are some of the "green" design features of the new Science and Humanities Building:
Transportation
The site encourages the use of public transportation. Access points are provided for future public transportation at the street level. Bicycle racks are provided for faculty, staff, and students.
Water Resources
Native plant species are being used in landscaping where possible to conserve water use. To minimize the impact of the city's storm drain system and reduce the pollution of coastal waters, a rainwater infiltration system is provided so that initial storm water runoff will be retained on site.
Energy Efficiency
The parking garage is lit by sunlight. Furthermore, by opening the perimeter to the parking facility, we have an all-natural, fresh air ventilation system-and no ventilation equipment. Windows are operable wherever possible and skylights supplement artificial light with daylight.
Plan for Recycling
Every effort has been made to minimize campus waste. Recycling bins are available on each floor, and a central, on-site recycling area is provided on the Lower Campus.
Future Plans
As we endeavor to expand our programs and instill a culture of mindful citizens, we are exploring many possibilities, including implementing a weekly Sierra Canyon School Organic Farmers Market. This hands-on learning experience would serve to educate students about the food web and entrepreneurial business opportunities-and parents would be able to pick up farm fresh produce after carpool drop off.
We encourage you to check this site often, as we continue to develop our green initiatives. Please join us as we work together to ensure a greener future for our children and our world.
