As local schools get ready for the new academic year, they have an opportunity to lead by example in combating climate change. By undertaking initiatives to electrify their infrastructure, schools can contribute significantly to sustainability while educating students about the benefits and importance of clean energy.
The Case for Electrification in Schools
Electrification refers to replacing fossil-fuel based systems with electric alternatives. Electrification is a crucial step toward a carbon-free future and achieving climate goals. Schools have several areas of opportunity for transitioning to an all-electric future:
- Transitioning gas heating systems to electric heat pumps
- Electrifying their transportation with electric school buses and vehicles
- Installing solar panels paired with battery storage to help reduce the need for fossil fuel resources
- Purchasing renewable energy for their power needs
These efforts could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and provide educational opportunities for students.
Successful Electrification Efforts at the Pittsburg Unified School District
A notable example of successful school electrification is the Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) in Contra Costa County, California. PUSD has made impressive strides in transforming its campuses into models of sustainability by installing solar arrays at 13 schools, generating 53% of the district’s energy. With the support of MCE, PUSD has paired 2.3 megawatts of solar with battery storage on 10 campuses, potentially saving over $2.8M in seven years. PUSD has also implemented energy-efficient upgrades, including LED lighting, HVAC systems, and energy management. These energy efficiency updates create a more comfortable learning environment, which can improve student concentration, while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, PUSD is transitioning to electric transportation with 3 electric buses, 6 passenger EVs, 22 charging stations, and plans to replace 35 more buses with electric school buses through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.
How Schools Can Get Started
- Involve students, teachers, and staff in the planning and implementation process. Their input and enthusiasm can drive the success of the project and foster a sense of ownership.
- Look for grants, incentives, and partnerships with local organizations that could offer financial support and technical assistance for sustainability projects.
- Once funding and partnership are established, schedule an energy audit to identify areas where electrification can make the most impact. The audit could include evaluation of heating and cooling systems, lighting, and transportation.
- After the energy audit, set clear goals by defining specific objectives for electrification, such as reducing energy consumption by a certain percentage or transitioning to electric buses within a set time frame.
These initiatives can help your school save on energy and maintenance costs while providing valuable learning opportunities for students and the community to engage with clean energy technologies.
Blog by Madeline Sarvey
