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June 17, 2008
Manoogian-Demirdjian School Goes Green
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A view the solar panels installed on the roof of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian campus. -
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A detail of some of the solar panels installed at the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School.
With international attention focused on environmentalism, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School (MDS) of Canoga Park, California is doing its part to stop global warming with its recent installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the school. The brainchild of AGBU Central Board member Sinan Sinanian, this bold environmental move makes MDS the first private school in the Los Angeles area to incorporate solar power into its energy needs.
Last year, the Board of Trustees contracted California Green Designs, a company that designs and installs renewable energy sources, to provide the school with sun-powered electricity. The solar panels were installed on the roof of the high school building and the gym to eventually provide the school with 40% of its energy needs.
Not only does the solar energy decrease the energy costs, but the school will also be decreasing harmful emissions to the air by using this environmentally friendly energy option.
"We believe we have made the right choice, pioneering for the sake of our environment by providing a great example for other schools to follow," MDS announced in a press release.
The panels were installed on the rooftop of the school so space would not be taken away from the playground. The primary advantage is increased student awareness of environmental and economic benefits through alternative energy. Through this project, the students have become more environmentally aware and, in turn, can educate other students in the same vein.
Sinan Sinanian knew solar power was a good fit for the school. "The solar panels helped the institution save on energy costs while promoting the values of conservation and environmental awareness. Manoogian-Demirdjian is dedicated to the goals of excellence, which extends beyond the classroom. We hope our students learn to become not only good students but also good citizens," he says.
The cost of the project was $1.2 million (USD). The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power gave a rebate for almost half the amount and the energy cost savings will pay for the rest of the project in about 7 to 8 years. "As of today, we are saving thirty percent on our electricity bill," said Levon Keshishian, MDS' Director of Business Operations.
To keep students, parents and the public informed about MDS' ambitious program, the school has created a solar power page on the MDS website, which keeps track of the amount of greenhouse gases that have been avoided since installation last year. Since August 29, 2007, the MDS solar panels have generated enough energy to power 1,539 American homes for one day. For more information, please visit www.agbumds.org and click on the red "Solar Power Meter" button for a full report on the energy savings.
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