Jurupa Unified School Districtand Chevron Energy Solutions are embarking on a 2.7 megawatt solar and energy efficiency project to save the district $34 million. The project will add solar photovoltaic panels mounted on parking shade structures at nine campuses; replace 400 air conditioning units, most of them more than 20 years old; and upgrade more than 21,000 lighting fixtures. Through the project, the district is expected to cut its electrical utility usage by 42 percent and its carbon emissions by more than 4,500 metric tons, which equates to taking 882 cars off the road.

"This is the next step in our ongoing quest to keep Jurupa Unified School District as sustainable and well-managed as possible," said school district Superintendent Elliott Duchon. "We're making our schools a better place to learn and teaching our children the importance of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship."

Chevron Energy Solutions will design and engineer the project, and will install, operate, maintain and guarantee energy-saving performance. The company will also implement efficiency improvements designed to provide better lighting quality and aesthetics, cut maintenance costs and improve the educational environment. Chevron will also provide professional development for teachers, curriculum materials and hands-on experiments aligned with state educational standards to help create a living laboratory that promotes environmental awareness and energy consciousness.

"As the leader in solar and energy efficiency projects for America's educational institutions, we are proud to work with Jurupa Unified School District to improve the learning environment for students," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "The district is investing in sustainable programs that will deliver ongoing value to the community's students."

A groundbreaking event to celebrate the implementation of the project is being held today at the district's Education Center in Jurupa. Students, district representatives, government and business officials are expected to participate.