Live Oak School District and Chevron Energy Solutions Dedicate New Solar Installation to Long-Time Sustainability Champion Barney Bricmont

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, May 17, the Live Oak School District will celebrate completion of solar power installations and lighting efficiency upgrades at its six schools by dedicating a solar-shaded garden bench to the late Bernard "Barney" Bricmont, former member of the Live Oak School District Board and long-time supporter of solar and sustainability projects in the district.

The solar installation is expected to generate 416-kilowatts of electricity and, together with a set of energy efficiency measures, reduce the district's annual electricity use by over 80%, and save almost $2.5 million over the life of the project. Chevron Energy Solutions was selected by the district to design and build the solar power system, and maintain and guarantee its performance.

"With this project, the Live Oak School District will not only save energy and money, but closely align with our district's existing commitment to investing in world-class instructional technology," said Superintendent Tamra Taylor. "We want our students to have early exposure to the benefits of clean technology, and provide opportunities for them to see real-world applications of their educational experiences."

"We're proud to work with a visionary school district like Live Oak," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions, "that has, in a fiscally responsible way, both enhanced its students' educational environment and demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainability."

The late Barney Bricmont served on the Live Oak School District Board for more than three decades. He was well known and respected in the community as a tireless advocate for both student achievement and environmental sustainability. He was an early and effective champion in Santa Cruz County for organic farming and renewable energy. The bench that will be dedicated in his honor will sit next to a school garden and in the shade of a solar canopy.

"We thought this would be the best way to celebrate and honor Barney's legacy," said Larry Perlin, president of the Live Oak School District Board. "This project meant so much to him." 

The dedication will take place at 11:00 am on May 17^th at Live Oak Elementary School, 1916 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz.

About Chevron Energy Solutions: Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the US public sector and has developed hundreds of projects to develop and build renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and support sustainability.  Its parent, Chevron Corporation, invests across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com.

About Live Oak School District: As a diverse community in the heart of Santa Cruz County, LOSD's mission is to prepare preschool through 12^th grade students to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing world. District students have had three years of strong academic progress as a consequence of teachers focusing upon high levels of student engagement in an academically rigorous curriculum within a collaborative, innovative learning environment. For more information: http://www.losd-ca.schoolloop.com/.

Contact:
Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4697
Carol Watt, Live Oak School District, 831.475.6333

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions