If you were a student at Skyline five years ago, then you know how much has changed around the campus. From small changes in the landscaping to the addition of new buildings, Skyline has been transformed. However, with the Capital Improvement Plan’s second wave (CIP 2) underway, more and more change is on the horizon.

CIP 2 is funded by bond money given to the district and is made up of two main projects, the first being the construction of the Facilities Maintenance Center. Contracted to John Plane Construction, the Facilities Maintenance Center is a central area for the groundskeepers to use as a base of operations. This part of the project is wrapping up.

The second part of CIP 2 is known as the Design-Build project. Contracted to Hensel-Phelps Construction Company, this project includes parking lot improvements, more landscape changes, new pathways and the addition of new buildings. The buildings being constructed as part of the Design-Build project include Buildings 4 and 11.

Building 4 will house the Cosmetology department, the new Multicultural Center and administration offices. The building will also serve as a place to hold events and gatherings. Building 11 is an addition to the Automotive department, expanding the program facilities with service bays and new equipment. “In the spring the auto building will open and…about fifteen months from now the other building will open up,” says Victoria Morrow, President of Skyline College. According to Morrow, everything is on track and going according to plan.

The district is also trying to get all of our new buildings LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) certified. President Morrow said that certification is based on “national standards that classify buildings in terms of how many elements of sustainability are in the construction process and ongoing maintenance of the building.” Some example elements that factor into this certification are energy efficiency, heating, lighting and overall recycling.

Skyline has been awarded by an organization known as Sustainable San Mateo County for its progress in preserving the environment. Their annual Indicator Report lists that Skyline has recycled over 80 percent of its trash whereas the standard is only 50 percent. “Our district has actually been working on issues of sustainability for quite a while,” Morrow said.

Expect construction to continue around campus, but know that everything happening at Skyline is heading to a more efficient school and a better tomorrow.

—–

For more information on Sustainable San Mateo County, visit their website at www.ssmc.org.