For students at Chabad Hebrew Academy in San Diego, learning has begun to shine as bright at the sun. In March, the 27-acre California campus declared energy independence, changing over to a solar-powered electricity system.
“Every part of the solar project was an educator’s dream,” says the school’s principal, Liz Earne. “The students were mesmerized by the construction, which helped to jumpstart several great projects. But the best part was that the energy savings offset by our solar installation will go directly towards a new scholarship program for students to benefit from an independent school education.”
Chabad Hebrew Academy, which has 340 students from six weeks old through eighth grade, opened its doors in 1979 and has since grown to include six large buildings. The school had been investigating switching to solar power for more than two years. Local contractor Sullivan Solar took only five weeks to complete the turnover, which will save the school some $150,000 annually in energy costs.
“As a school community, we wanted to honor and cherish our natural surroundings. By using solar energy to heat and cool our school, we can take advantage of an infinitely renewable energy source, while contributing toward a healthier planet,” explains Wendy Gold Leberman, the school’s director of admission and marketing.
“In addition, we were cognizant of how the money spent on electricity could be used for tzedakah, which is core to our mission. Our school community rallied around the concept of building solar panels to offset the electric bills and therefore provide more money for scholarships.”
The project was entirely funded through a match-a-thon campaign, with parent and faculty participation. The school raised more than $900,000 for the project in 24 hours.
“What I really love about this project is that Chabad Hebrew Academy is ahead of the curve—not just compared to other Jewish day schools in San Diego, but as an educational institution in general,” says parent Tina B. Eshel. “They’ve gone solar before many others. And this type of forward-thinking doesn’t end with energy; it’s just another example of how the school offers the best and brings out the best in its students, educators, leaders and staff. Leading by example, that’s the CHA way.”
‘It Saves Us Money’
The students were an integral part of the solar-transformation process. Once construction began, various classes toured the site and learned about renewable energy from the contractor.
“Solar power is cool because it’s taking the sun and using it for electricity. It doesn’t waste it; it’s like recycling,” says Zachary E., from third grade.
Fourth-grader Merav G. also enjoyed learning about solar energy: “I learned all about how it only takes the sun to make electricity. It was smart to change to solar power because it saves us money to spend on other things.”
Fifth-graders built their own solar panels in the school’s laboratory and also created individual solar ovens.
“I thought it was smart and eco-friendly to do this project because we live in such a sunny community and should take advantage of our natural resources,” states Ariana E., a student in eighth grade.
The entire school community was inspired by the project. Students were also involved in soil testing, and many classes became aware of their own energy consumption. In addition, there is a live energy-usage display in the school lobby, which students and parents enjoy observing.
Says Nathan N., also in eighth grade: “It’s good to start generating our own electricity to help save the planet and save money.”
‘Integral to Our Mission’
The school is environmentally friendly in other ways as well. The recently built campus was constructed utilizing the LEED and Green Building principles, as well as north/south-facing windows with cross air flow, and open work spaces. The campus design employs many indoor/outdoor spaces and natural greenery throughout.
The project has enhanced the school in ways that they could not have predicted. The yellow solar structure outside welcomes people to the campus, and has continued to pique students’ curiosity about solar power and other topics related to the environment. For example, plans for a “Farm to School” cooking program are in the works, as well as an enrichment program focused on sustainable architecture and environmentally friendly design.
“Taking care of our planet and global citizenry is integral to our mission at CHA,” says Gold Leberman. “Our integrated curriculum seeks to bring awareness to global issues and sustainability in a way that shows the connections between population, environment, consumption and our personal responsibility to repair the world.”
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