Manteca, CA, February 8, 2011 – The first-ever Gen7 green classrooms, installed at Bolsa Knolls Middle School in Salinas, California, have become the nation’s first modular classrooms to receive Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS®) Verified recognition for New School Construction. They are only the second school in California to successfully complete the CHPS® Verified review process.

The Gen7’s high performance features underwent a rigorous third party review of compliance with the California CHPS® Criteria school rating system, ensuring that the new school meets the highest green building standards for health, comfort and environmental sustainability. Designed and built to provide both a superior learning environment and a durable, cost-effective structure, Gen7 classrooms exceed standard building codes in energy use and indoor air quality, while substantially reducing operating and maintenance costs.

“The Gen7 classroom proves that a prefab structure can achieve the same desired high performance results as a conventional building,” said Bill Orr, CHPS® Executive Director. “This project is a major breakthrough for modular construction. The green design is exemplary, offering flexibility and resource efficiency while providing valuable long-term benefits for students, teachers, school districts and local communities.”

Though feature-rich, the new 5,760-square-foot facility was designed and installed in a little over 60 days, adding six permanent, fully-functional classrooms to meet the needs of Bolsa Knolls’ sixth- and seventh-graders. Ultra green, the Gen7sare constructed almost entirely of recycled and recyclable materials, low- and no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) interiors and learning-enhancing acoustical design and climate control. Environmentally-friendly insulation in walls and roof reduce noise and minimize heating and cooling loss. Advanced energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems combine thermal comfort with innovative smart lighting and natural daylight harvesting to make each classroom a model of energy efficiency, exceeding California Title 24 Energy Code by more than 30 percent.

In just six months, the Bolsa Knolls Gen7 classrooms have significantly reduced energy usage, while positively impacting health, student performance and teacher satisfaction. In post-occupancy surveys, teachers credit the abundant natural light, whisper-quiet learning environment and improved air quality in increasing productivity and reducing allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses that can lead to missed school days.

According to Trevor Miller, Construction Facilities Consultant to the Santa Rita Union School District, it’s a difference that can be appreciated both today and for years to come.“The Gen7-built school is unlike traditional modular buildings and students can tell,” Miller said. One of the first things you notice when you walk into the building is that it feels different in a really good way. And while traditional modular buildings may last for 10 to 12 years, we selected the Gen7 green classrooms because they will last as long as traditional stick-built schools.”

Inspired by Gen7’s performance, the Santa Rita Union School District has initiated Phase Two of the Bolsa Knolls expansion. Installation of eight additional high performance Gen7classrooms and an eco-friendly restroom facility are planned for June 2011.

 “Santa Rita opted to choose Gen 7’s modular classrooms because it wanted to save money but still get quality construction,” Miller said. “We’ve got to get the word out—there are choices out there.”

Anyone can experience the energy-saving features and benefits of a Gen7 classroom by visiting the Gen7 Green Learning Center in Manteca, California. To schedule a tour—or learn more about Gen7 classrooms—go to www.gen7schools.com or call (209) 825-1921. For the latest green school news, connect with Gen7 on Facebook and Twitter @gen7schools.

About AMS and Gen7

American Modular Systems(www.americanmodular.com) is one of the nation’s leading modular manufacturers, designing and building quality commercial, institutional and educational facilities since 1983. With the launch of Gen7 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly classrooms in 2009, the California-based builder empowers communities to create safe, healthy, energy-efficient learning environments that will benefit students and educators for generations to come.