Our new site has been designed by Various Artists and includes wonderful photos from Vince Tarry Photography.

In 2002, we began looking at the school’s buildings and facilities with an eye toward the future.

Over time, after so many years in use, the school buildings had become worn down with outdated, old lighting and plumbing fixtures, heating and ventilation systems with single pain windows, and little or no ceiling and wall insulation. All the animal cages were old and in need of upgrading. We needed a plan to slowly “remodel” the campus so that it would last longer, cost less to operate, and improve the quality of the “Montecito” experience for future children, their parents, and the faculty. Within this plan we needed to reuse, reduce, and recycle in order to conserve natural resources, increase energy efficiency, add durability, and promote a healthier environment.

So in 2002, the work began and now, after 4 years, Montecito has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into environmentally responsible improvements and energy saving upgrades to the entire campus.

• ENERGY USE – How can we reduce electricity and gas usage?
  • Bulbs- Lighting accounted for over 30% of all the energy used at the school. All interior incandescent light fixtures and bulbs were replaced with all fluorescent fixtures and bulbs and halogen units in select exterior applications.
  • Windows- In order to reduce heating and cooling costs and improve on building insulations, we are replacing all existing old single pane windows with energy efficient double pane windows. 
  • Refrigerators- Older units were replaced with ENERGY STAR label energy efficient units. This label denotes products that exceed energy performance guidelines for efficiency.
  • Insulation – In order to reduce heating and cooling costs, we placed additional ceiling insulation with increased R-value and no formaldehyde content in the classroom buildings.
  • Future Actions- Replace the water heater to a new energy efficient unit, install on-demand hot water circulation pumps. Seal all HVAC ducting with mastic to reduce energy loss and improve room comfort.

• RECYCLING – How can we reduce waste and/or reuse materials?
  • Recycling Program- We now have separate bins for recycling of all paper goods, cardboard, plastics, tin and aluminum products.
  • Paper Products- No paper plates or disposable utensils are used for the staff, and all purchased paper goods at the school are non-bleached products made from recycled paper.
  • Construction Waste- All jobsite construction and demolition waste is separated for recycling or for delivery to vendors that re-use materials and related construction products. This includes wood waste, Styrofoam, metals, rubber, etc.
  • Hazardous Materials- All paint and stain products, cleaning solutions, etc., are delivered to the appropriate County agencies for proper disposal when no longer needed.
  • Future Actions- A compost station will be constructed on site to provide new mulch to the landscape areas and also to improve the soil biology.

• WATER – How can we reduce the amount of water used?
  • Drip Irrigation- All existing sprinkler systems on the campus were replaced with drip irrigation systems to use much less water with little or no waste.
  • Lawn Replacement – An existing lawn in the middle of the campus is used as a general play and outdoor assembly area for the school. The lawn needed constant watering, mowing, fertilization, and care. We replaced the lawn with artificial Field Turf. This surface has silica sand and rubber infill made from recycled tires and tennis shoe soles. It is laid on a base of open graded stone which provides a fully pervious surface that drains water back into the soil below. As a result, we have a durable, resilient and safe play area that requires no water, no fertilizer or pesticides, and no gas or electricity for mowing.
  • Drought Tolerant Plants- We replaced the old landscaping with new indigenous and drought tolerant plant species. As a result we again use less water and have less maintenance with native and hardier plant selections.
  • Toilets- A preschool for young children has many toilets. All the old fixtures were replaced with new generation low-flow toilets for better efficiency and less water use.

• BUILDINGS – What can be done to improve building components?
  • Flooring- We removed carpeted areas and replaced it with laminate flooring for durability and ease of maintenance. This surface uses less wood product, has no glues, and can be reused for other locations as needed.
  •  HVAC Filtration- Our intake vents for each new system now uses HEPA filters with high efficiency ratings per MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) for better removal of micro-particulates. This not only protects the HVAC equipment but primarily improves the indoor quality of conditioned air.
  • Composite Wood- Many exterior decks, stairs, landings and play equipment needed to be replaced or rebuilt. Recycled-content lumber (made from recycled plastic and wood fibers) is a durable, environmentally sound option for nonstructural deck components. As a result we have a long lasting component that requires no paint or stain and contributes to reducing the pressure to harvest forests for such wood applications.

•  TRANSPORTATION – How can we reduce fuel consumption for school related activities?
  • New Hybrid Vehicle- The school purchased a new gas-electric vehicle that has low emissions and greatly increased gas mileage.
  •  Bio Diesel- The school work truck runs on this alternative fuel source made from refined soy bean oil, meeting ASTM standards, for a big reduction in fossil based fuel use.
  • Reduce- The school initiated a carpool program for its faculty and parents.
  • Donate- The school donated a 2003 luxury van to Project Purr, a non- profit cat rescue organization based in Santa Cruz County.

• ANIMALS – How can we give the Montecito animals a healthier environment?
  • Enclosures- New custom built outdoor animal facilities were constructed on site, including a chicken coop, iguana house, rabbit and guinea pig walk-in run, a large bird aviary and indoor terrariums, fish tanks and rat and mice condos. The outdoor animal enclosures have special PVC coated open wire mesh on all sides for plenty of fresh air. The framing allows for removable vinyl sheeting to be placed in winter for cold protection. Polycarbonate roof panels let in plenty of light but block out all UV rays. The cages are also over-sized so that a teacher may share hands-on learning with the children right inside the animal’s homes.
  • Care- We hired a professional animal care giver who visits the animals every other day to provide organic bedding and food, fresh vegetables and fruits and even special treats from her own kitchen. We also provide each animal with an annual veterinarian health check.
  • Community- We formed a partnership with the Humane Society Silicon Valley to help bring attention to our homeless domesticated animals and bring in additional animal care instruction and awareness to all the students.
    

We now have completed an initial round of improvements that have reduced our electrical use by over 20% and reduced our water use by over 15%. We have reduced our waste generation substantially through all the above mentioned items. All these energy efficiency, durability, safety, and conservation projects have paid off and make us want to do more. We are convinced that going “green” does not mean substandard or expensive, but actually better products and choices that positively affect all those who use the facilities.