Chartwell School receives LEED Platinum certification

SEASIDE, CA — Chartwell School, an award-winning private school, has become the educational campus to be awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, according to a press release.


LEED Platinum certification, the highest honor available from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is awarded to high-performance facilities that have taken steps to be significantly greener, healthier, more energy efficient and sustainable, the release stated.


Christoph Kubitza, district manager with Waterless Co Inc., which provided the no-water urinals to the school, said: "This is a 45-year-old school that made a commitment to go green and become more sustainable, and do it in a very big way. It shows that the challenges facing an older facility can be overcome if the desire is there. Even with a difficult economy, the momentum for water conservation appears to be picking up."


Some of the steps Chartwell took to achieve LEED Platinum certification are: Incorporating more natural light to save on electricity, reduce HVAC needs and enhance the learning environment and selecting paints, finishes, furnishings and cleaning products that have reduced or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the release noted.


Chartwell was able to reduce water consumption by more than 60 percent by installing waterless urinal systems and low-flow fixtures, the release added.