Enter the villain, the economic downturn of 2008. With a shrinking economy, greening plans had to be put on hold.
Fast-forward ten years. The tireless efforts of a capital campaign raised $265,000 through the generosity of parents, grandparents, friends, charitable organizations, and community members who contributed to Santa Cruz Montessori’s Going Solar. As a result, SCM is now 98% energy independent thanks to the 160 solar panels that have been placed on roofs of the school that are well oriented for sun exposure, and the school also has a new roof on the Primary building.
“We are thrilled to have environmentally friendly solar panels,” noted Head of School Kim Saxton. “We are not only saving money, but are also making a positive environmental impact.”
Next addition to the solar panels project will be an informational kiosk that will have information for students about how solar energy works. The students will also have access to a digital display of the school’s savings—projected at $85,000 over the next five years–and will be able to track the school’s reduction of CO2 emissions, targeted at 81 tons each year. The kiosk will also acknowledge the generous donors who made this project possible.
All thanks to an under-valued virtue in today’s wired, multi-tasking world: patience.
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Santa Cruz Montessori, 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Tel #: 831-476-1646,Website: https://scms.org