Balfour Beatty Construction played a key role in helping the Oak Park Unified School District win a Green Schools Leadership Award. The award, presented at the Greens Schools California Summit, recognizes outstanding accomplishments in environmental sustainability at California K-12 schools. “We credit Balfour Beatty Construction for helping us win this prestigious award by providing us with the knowledge to incorporate sustainable solutions into six of our modernization projects under the Measure R Bond Program,” said Dr. Tony Knight, superintendent, Oak Park Unified School District. “Many of these schools are now benefiting from sustainable innovations such as cool roofs that will save us both energy and money – as much as $12,000 a year in energy cost savings. Other schools also now have infiltration bioswales installed into school parking lots which absorb and clean storm water run-off, then filter it back into the watershed.”
The sustainability enhancements don’t stop at cool roofs and infiltration bioswales. The schools also received programmable digital HVAC thermostats to maximize energy efficiency, the replacement of all interior light bulbs with more efficient bulbs, and overall maintenance of main electrical systems for optimal operation.
Participating schools include: Brookside Elementary School, Oak Hills Elementary School, Red Oak Elementary School, Medea Creek Middle School, Oak Park High School, Oak View High School, and the Oak Park District Office.
The Green Schools Leadership Award was presented to Oak Park Unified School District on October 17, 2011. The School District was also recognized at the Green Schools California Summit for its ongoing efforts to serve as a community leader in environmental awareness and sensitivity. Specifically, the District incorporates environmental education in its instruction program, utilizes organic fertilizers for grounds and turf, utilizes green and safe cleaning products, and has implemented a natural and sustainable food service program. These and other measures were recognized as ways the District is setting a good example for students and other districts by committing to making changes for greener campuses.
“We are honored to work alongside the Oak Park Unified School District and congratulate them for winning this award,” said Eric Stenman, Regional CEO for Balfour Beatty Construction. “Our company is committed to providing sustainable solutions for our clients and we appreciate the opportunity to share in the collective responsibility of building a more sustainable future in our local communities.” he added.