Paradise Valley Unified School District energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly green products used for construction / remodel projects

The Paradise Valley Unified School District is committed to designing buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines are used for selecting products in all new projects and remodels. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmarks for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The following are examples of products that are currently used or are being installed in future projects funded through the 2005 bond election.

• Carpet Tiles (Mannington) manufactured using recycled material are being installed in all new buildings and all schools when the flooring is replaced.
• High efficiency lighting retrofits will be completed at North Canyon HS, Paradise Valley HS, and Shadow Mountain HS, by the end of 2007, using T8 and T5 fluorescent lamps and optanium electronic ballasts.
• VFD (Variable Frequency Demand) devices are being installed in all new chillers and cooling towers, allowing them to start with less electrical usage, not having to start at 100% running up and down on demand.
• New EMS (Energy Management Systems) are being installed to help control use of electrical consumption at three of our high schools and several elementary and middle schools.
• During the summer of 2007 a synthetic athletic field will be installed at Paradise Valley High School in an effort to reduce water consumptions and maintenance and operation costs.
• Waterless urinals are being installed in our new Desert Cove Elementary School rebuild.
• Solar panels are being installed at Desert Cove to power the restroom/pavilion building.
• We are currently researching environmentally friendly paint for future projects.
• All new buildings will incorporate greater use of natural lighting.