Santa Monica College and Chevron Energy Solutions Announce Completion of Energy Efficiency and Solar Project

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), and Santa Monica College will hold a dedication ceremony on October 29 for its newly completed solar and energy efficiency project, which is expected to save the college more than $14 million over the life of the project.

The project includes a 408-kilowatt solar system, which provides electricity through solar panels located on the top level of two parking structures that is generating power for the two garages and a significant portion of the Business Education Building at Santa Monica College. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered, installed and operates the solar system and maintains and guarantees the system's performance. Santa Monica College has also improved its energy efficiency through a campus-wide lighting retrofit, variable speed drives, new heating hot water boilers, fire alarm system and emergency circuit upgrades that were also implemented by Chevron Energy Solutions.

"We are committed to academic excellence, global responsibility and educational, environmental and economical awareness," said Dr. Chui L. Tsang, president of Santa Monica College. "Our collaboration with Chevron Energy Solutions allows us to reduce the amount of energy used and lessen our college's carbon footprint."

Through the energy efficiency improvements and use of solar, Santa Monica College is reducing its purchase of utility power, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,500 metric tons, equivalent to preserving 13 acres of forest from deforestation each year. The project is paid for exclusively by energy savings on utility bills.

The $3.6 million project generates approximately 50,660 kilowatt hours each month and is saving the college about $8,100 per month.

"The comprehensive energy efficiency and solar project at Santa Monica College is an example of how budget relief can be maximized by combining energy efficiency with renewable power," said Dave Stone, senior vice president for Chevron Energy Solutions. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Santa Monica College on this project."

The dedication ceremony will be held on October 29 at 3:00 p.m. under the solar panels on the top level of Parking Structure 3, located on Pico Boulevard at 17th Street. The featured speakers will be Tsang, Stone and Stuart Cooley, a Santa Monica College professor who teaches in the college's solar panel installation program. Appropriately, the dedication ceremony comes during "Solar Energy Month." For information, call (310) 434-4303.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron spent approximately $3.2 billion on developing these technologies since 2002, and expects to spend more than $2.7 billion in this area between 2009 and 2011.

About Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College – a two-year community college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – opened in 1929 with 153 students. Today, the college has grown to a thriving community with approximately 30,000 students and offerings in more than 80 fields of study. Santa Monica College is a leader among the State of California's 110 community colleges in transferring students to the University of California, University of Southern California and other four-year campuses.

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions