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| New Middle School Classrooms |
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The first-ever Gen7 green classrooms, installed at Bolsa Knolls Middle School in Salinas, California, have become the nation!s first modular classrooms to receive the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS®) Verified recognition for New School Construction. They are only the second school in California to successfully complete the CHPS® Verified review process.
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| Showing off the Award |
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“Santa Rita opted to choose Gen 7’s modular classrooms because they wanted to save money but still get quality construction. We’ve got to get the word out— there are choices out there.” –Trevor Miller of School Solutions Associates, Construction Facilities Consultant, Santa Rita Union School District
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| New Classrooms |
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Designed and built to provide both a superior learning space and a durable, cost-effective structure, the Bolsa Knolls classrooms exceed standard building codes in energy use and indoor air quality, while substantially reducing construction and operating costs. The energy-saving strategies—a well-insulated building envelope and advanced mechanical system, coupled with extensive daylight harvesting via skylights, lightshelves, operable windows and daylight sensors—reduce energy usage by 60%. As it should be with all schools, indoor environmental quality is a top priority. Classrooms are naturally lit, and large low-E windows give students a direct view of the outdoors. The ultra-quiet Thermal Displacement Ventilation (TDV) system responds to changes in temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels to ensure superior indoor air quality. All systems are controllable and allow teachers to adjust for natural filtration, bringing in 100% fresh, filtered air without the use of a mechanical cooling system. Air enters closer to the floor, keeping fresh air closer to students and teachers, while low- and no-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials and carpeting eliminate toxins and odors.
100% Occupant Satisfaction
In post-occupancy surveys, teachers credit the abundant natural light, learningenhancing acoustics and improved air quality for increasing productivity and reducing illness. Bolsa Knolls principal, John Gutierrez, says teacher absenteeism is down and student attendance is up since moving into the Gen7, with Bolsa Knolls now reporting the District’s second best student attendance record.
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“For Schools, there’s a long-time financial gain to utilize this type of structure. It’s less expensive than a conventional classroom and the ongoing operational expenses are less. Current energy savings in a conventional building will have a hard time matching what Gen7 can in energy efficiency.” —Trevor Miller of School Solutions Associates, Construction Facilities Consultant to Santa Rita Union School District. Mr. Miller assists with planning, funding, acquisition and design.
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