Sustainability

In 2013, the high school's vintage building earned the EPA’s Energy Star designation for energy efficiency. Since that time, we've further developed our goals for sustainability.

Sustainability Policy and Plan

Students, staff, administrators, Board members, and community members collaborated to create the district's comprehensive Sustainability Policy , which the Board approved in June 2022. The plan includes ambitious goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 45% of 2012 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The policy mandated creation of the current Sustainability Plan—also collaboratively developed—with specific deadlines and metrics, to ensure the district achieves its goals.

Geothermal System

In January 2024, the Board approved contract negotiations with energy consultant Veregy for design and installation of a geothermal system under the football field. The system will produce enough energy tonnage to heat and cool Project 2, which will be completed in summer 2025. The cost to maximize the full amount of tonnage out of the football field is $10.3 million.

However, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides a geothermal system rebate of $3,346,341, plus an additional rebate of $4,048,328 for the mechanicals in Project 2. The total estimated rebate is therefore $ 7,394,670. Over a 30-year life cycle, geothermal is expected to save the district $5,987,628.

Much more detailed information is available in the Jan. 25, 2024, board packet.

Potential LEED Certification for Project 2

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green-building rating system. To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. Projects go through a verification and review process and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80+ points).

The district will pursue LEED certification of Project 2.