Ojai Valley School has emerged as a leader in the independent school community with its pursuit of environmental sustainability and conservation initiatives. These include reducing water usage, pursuing energy efficiency improvements, incorporating green-building practices in new building projects, and embracing solar technology.
The School was awarded the state’s top honor for environmental excellence in education in the 2016-2017 school year in recognition of its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. Today, the School continues to emphasize the importance of being a good steward of the environment in its building practices, its outdoor education program, and its evolving Land & Climate curriculum.
Our students are part of a generation that will play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis; therefore, a solid foundation in the various aspects of environmental studies, including both the sciences and the humanities, will provide them with the skills and perspectives to be part of a solution. Learn more on the Land & Climate curriculum page.
Our community to sustainability extends beyond the classroom. The new buildings at the Upper Campus, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners architects, are expected to all meet LEED certification, demonstrating they are environmentally sustainable and healthy for students and staff. Here are a few of the green initiatives linked to the new building project:
- Solar panels supply nearly 100% of the electrical demand for the high school
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) allows for excess energy produced from solar panels to be stored and then used at a time when consumption outstrips renewable output, reducing the consumption of grid power at peak times. In the evening, when the solar panels are no longer producing power, we are able to use the energy stored in the “BESS” to run the Upper Campus
- 65% of the demolition and construction waste diverted from landfills and recycled
- Landscaping irrigation systems designed to meet “Water Sense” standards which call for a minimum 50% reduction of water usage in irrigation. All faucets, showers, toilets and urinals meet “Water Sense” standards
- The project was built on an existing developed site and did not disturb “sensitive” areas
- The project excelled at conserving existing natural areas and restoring damages areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity
- The project achieved an innovation credit by providing a comprehensive green cleaning program to protect the health of students, staff and teachers
- Learn more in this sustainability tour from our Upper Campus students
Here are additional ways OVS teaches and demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability:
- Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade environmental education in classes and activities
- Comprehensive recycling programs
- Retrofitted lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures
- Water-efficient irrigation systems and plumbing
- Drought-tolerant and native plantings, including reforestation of native oaks
- Non-chemical fertilizers, pesticides and cleaning products
- Partnering with local farmers to provide produce in the school’s own gardens