Cabrillo’s Green Technology Center opens

Alejandro Cerdas works on erecting a solarvoltaic array for a demonstration at the Solari Green Technology Center opening ceremony. (Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian)

WATSONVILLE — Watsonville is getting greener — thanks to Cabrillo College’s Solari Green Technology Center, which opened its doors to the community Friday.

The new building will house the college’s Construction and Energy Management program, which teaches students sustainable building techniques, including solar and thermal sustainable building design and installation and renewable energy.

The event was attended by officials from Cabrillo, Watsonville and Santa Cruz County, some of whom spoke of the building process and expounded on the benefits to the community.

Perhaps the most visible attendees, however, were the current students and graduates of the program, who came dressed in the dark green shirts emblazoned with the name of the program.

Suzanne Wilson, 47, said she left a career in sales to join the program. She earned an associate in science degree in construction energy management in summer 2011, and has kept taking classes to enhance her skill base.

She said she plans on using her skills to be a liaison between homeowners wanting to add energy efficient elements and the contractors.

“I especially loved the fact that all the teachers are involved in the field,” she said.

Anthony Sosa, 31, of Watsonville, is poised to graduate in the spring. He said he most recently has worked in the retail industry but has also dabbled in landscaping.



For the complete article see the 09-08-2012 issue.

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