SBCCD, Crafton Hills College Receive LEED Certification for Aquatics Center

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) and Crafton Hills College received their first LEED Certification on a new construction project for the Crafton Hills College Aquatic Center, a project which was completed in three phases. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," a program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to set a benchmark for design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. The award was presented to the SBCCD Board of Trustees at the Nov. 14 board meeting by Geoff Bachanas, Project Manager with Kitchell/BRj, which oversaw the construction project. Chancellor Bruce Baron noted, “This LEED Certification for the Aquatics Center at Crafton Hills College is the first of several in the SBCCD’s plans, established by our Board’s Sustainability Plan. It would not have been possible without the support of the community through the Measure M bond, which allows us to maximize our resources as we design a sustainable learning environment for our students and employees.” To be LEED Certified, a project must achieve twenty-six points in the six categories, and this project achieved twenty-eight in total, exceeding the standard. The Center earned eight points for Energy & Atmosphere; six points for Sustainable Sites; four points each for Materials & Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality and for Innovation, & Design Process, and two for Water Efficiency. The Aquatic Center and Pool were dedicated in October 2010, the LEED Landscaping and Sitework in November 2011, and the LEED Solar Heating Panels in April 2013, and was within its $12.4 million budget. Funding for the project was part of the Measure M Bond Program passed by the SBCCD service-area taxpayers in 2008. The 7,424 square foot building includes a multi-purpose room, lockers, offices, storage, the pool mechanical room, and related spaces. The 50 meter by 25 yard Olympic trial competition pool is used by students, staff and the community for classes and team contests. The site development included the new parking lot, landscaping and building access. There are 246 solar heating panels designed to aid in pool heating. The City of Yucaipa, where Crafton Hills College is located, boasts an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Community college district and campus leaders decided to take advantage of this abundant natural resource to achieve a more sustainable future, and they have done so in the utilization of solar power for this facility and the Solar Farm on campus. The Sustainability Plan adopted by the San Bernardino Community College District defines sustainability as using, developing, and protecting resources at a rate and manner that provides for the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This project meets these criteria and will continue to do so for many years.