Press Releases

SEASIDE, Calif. – December 20, 2007 – Chartwell School in Seaside, California is the first newly constructed campus in the nation to receive LEED Platinum certification, the most prestigious and difficult to achieve, from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With the help and direction from Ausonio Incorporated and EHDD Architects, Chartwell School was certified in November at the highest level of sustainability. Forty percent of all children find learning to read the hardest academic task; as a result, the new high performance-learning environment enables Chartwell to continue its mission of educating children with a wide range of language-related visual and auditory learning challenges, such as dyslexia.

"We take great pride in building the nation's first Platinum campus," said Andrew Ausonio, President of Ausonio Incorporated. "Chartwell School will not only provide a healthier environment for our children and community, but act as a benchmark and educational tool for the rest of the country."

With the coveted goal of LEED Platinum certification from the start, Ausonio Incorporated's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional implemented a number of green designs and construction features required by the USGBC. Special construction techniques and materials used include:

• Slag concrete - Added to the concrete mix, it achieved a high-quality product that is stronger, lighter in color, and reduces CO2 emissions by 70% compared to conventional concrete.
• Alternative framing - Buildings were constructed 24 inches on center rather than 16 inches therefore using less wood while maintaining high construction standards.
• Water saving methods such as waterless urinals and dual flush toilets, and an 8,700 gallon rainwater cistern reduced campus water usage by 60%.
• Recycled materials - Buildings were constructed for disassembly to allow for classroom relocation and further campus building phases.
• Construction Waste Management - Of the 2,570 tons of debris generated during construction, 2,104 tons of debris was diverted away from the landfills and recycled. This amounts to an 82% diversion.
• Solar panels - In conjunction with Blueline Power, a 30 kW solar laminate system was installed; it is estimated to produce more than 53 million watt hours annually, has a 20-year lifespan, and an estimated payback period of 10 years. The system should offset the production of 54,000 pounds of CO2 annually.
• Radiant heat system - A radiant heat system was installed in the floors for more efficient distribution of heat to where the students and teachers need it.
• Daylighting and lighting controls - Skylights and windows were sized and placed to take advantage of the sun. Natural lighting saves electricity and has been shown to enhance student learning in language arts and mathematics by 20% or more.
• Low VOC installations - Much care was taken in selecting furnishings, finishes, materials, and equipment specifically designed to eliminate pollution from Volatile Organic Compounds and other sources, reducing the likelihood of irritating or toxic fumes. CO2 sensors were installed to adjust natural ventilation as needed.
• Building Management Systems - Working with Digital Solutions of Gilroy and Taylor Engineering, Ausonio developed a web-based Building Management System that allows for remote control of the HVAC and electrical systems.
• Computer Technology – Working with A.M.S. (a Cisco affiliate), an internet-based phone, computer, and teaching intranet system, wired to each classroom, was developed. This allows the faculty to utilize the building management system to teach the students about their environment and the effects of wasted energy.

About U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit community of leaders committed to expanding sustainable building practices and transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated. Founded in 1993, the USGBC is composed of more than 12,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Visit www.usgbc.org to learn more.

About LEED
Created in 1993 by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the "nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings." LEED supports building sustainability by measuring performance in five vital areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Certification levels include: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.