The facility supports a wide array of applied technology programs, including EV and hybrid automotive, electricity and electronics, HVAC&R, machining, water technology, and industrial automation. Hands-on labs, flexible classrooms, collaboration zones, and outdoor learning environments are strategically integrated to foster cross-disciplinary innovation, hands-on exploration, and real-world skill-building. The building systems and technology program made it a fitting project to be the district’s net-zero pilot project.

As San Bernardino Valley College’s Net Zero Pilot project, the building incorporates strategies that contribute to LEED Platinum goals, a 64% energy savings over Title 24, and significant cost savings.

Key Sustainability and Innovation Features:

  • Thermal Chimneys and natural ventilation in conjunction with High-Velocity Low-Speed Fans: Integrated into the automotive labs through a collaboration with Southern California Edison’s Emerging Technologies Program, these systems support passive ventilation and reduce mechanical cooling demands.
  • High-Performance Envelope: Inspired by the aerodynamic efficiency of automotive design, the building’s adaptable skin features solar-responsive shading, daylight wall systems, and metal paneling tuned for energy performance and occupant comfort.
  • Water Stewardship: Modular wetlands and underground storage tanks capture and treat stormwater onsite, contributing to groundwater recharge and reducing downstream runoff.
  • Educational Transparency: An interactive building dashboard in the lobby displays real-time energy, water, and carbon data, empowering students and visitors to engage with sustainability metrics and deepen environmental literacy.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality: Daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal comfort strategies are prioritized throughout the learning spaces to promote wellness and enhance learning outcomes.
  • Photovoltaic Integration: A rooftop PV system powers nearly 70% of the building’s energy needs. The solar canopy at the entry doubles as a learning platform, giving students direct access to working DC power systems for assembly and testing.
  • Integrated with education: Design elements like the photovoltaic deck serve as an active learning zone, where students in the electricity program can assemble, test, and analyze photovoltaic systems in real-world conditions.

Partnership was a key driver in shaping the project’s sustainability strategies. HMC’s Sustainability team collaborated closely with consulting engineers and partnered with Southern California Edison’s Emerging Technologies Program. This partnership not only brought expert knowledge on building systems but also provided funding support for the project’s five thermal chimneys and a DC power technology demonstration integrated with the photovoltaic glass entry canopy. Data from these and other sustainable strategies will be collected through the building management system and displayed in real time on an interactive dashboard in the building’s lobby. This display will offer students, faculty, and visitors insight into the building’s energy, water, and overall performance—while also supporting ongoing research and collaboration with industry partners.

By embracing green building practices, we are reducing our carbon footprint and setting an example for our students and the community. — Farrah Farzaneh, Director of Facilities Planning

Through seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies, environmental strategies, and hands-on learning opportunities, the SBVC Applied Technology Building stands as a high-performance hub for sustainability, education, and innovation.