Phase I of Prop O construction included ten major project addresses some of the oldest schools in the district. These schools will each be receiving repairs and renovations, which incorporate sustainability and green building practices.
The Board of Trustees of Sweetwater Union High School District has laid the ground work for a long-term vision of the environmental and economic impact of the District facilities by adopting Board Resolution 3794. The resolution directs that green building practices be employed where possible during the Prop O bond construction program. The adopted resolution along with the commitment to the green building movement has resulted in the largest green building program of a school district in the state of California.
Going Green with Prop O
The first 10 projects under Prop O are designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council LEED standards for Gold certification. Future projects will be designed to meet LEED standards and/or CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) but will not be submitted to the USGBC. Project certifications received are:
In February 2014:
- LEED Gold certification on the National City Middle School Prop O Modernization Project 1
In January 2014:
- LEED Gold certification on the Mar Vista High Prop O Modernization Project 1
In December 2013:
- LEED Platinum certification on Chula Vista HS Project 1
- LEED Platinum certification on Hilltop HS Project 1
- LEED Platinum certification on Montgomery HS Project 1
- LEED Platinum certification on Sweetwater HS Project 1
Building A Green Community
The key to ensuring that green building practices extend past the classrooms and into the community is not only lead by example, but to also educate the community on the significance of building green. As a green building advocate, the Prop O Team has educated people through community outreach, a partnership with the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, speaking platforms, and media outreach.
Since the early stages of the bond program, we have outreached to over 60 groups and individuals within the San Diego community. Information has been presented regarding green building characteristics, the process, benefits, challenges and best practices of the Prop O construction program. These audiences have included regional elected officials, school officials, business organizations, trade and community organizations, parent and civic groups.
United States Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates.
The District has been recognized and lauded as a leader in the green building movement. Representatives from the District were invited to participate at the May 2009 Green Meet held by the USGBC-SD. This venue brought together more than 100 stakeholders interested in building healthy and sustainable schools. The District continues to work in collaboration with the USGBC and its green schools education and awareness campaign, designed to educate legislators and schools boards, parents and teachers about the overwhelming benefits of building green, high performance schools.
In 2009, the District was given to opportunity to Co-Chair the Green Schools Subcommittee for the U.S. Green Building Council-San Diego Chapter (USGBC-SD). The Green Schools Subcommittee serves under the USGBC-SD Advocacy Committee in order to advocate for the adoption of Green School Design & Construction policies by all school districts within San Diego County.