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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 November 2024, the district will begin installation of a geothermal system under the stadium field. The new system will provide 100% of the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the new Physical Education (PE) facilities being built at the southeast corner of the building, known as Project 2, which will be completed in summer 2026. The geothermal system will be completed in summer 2025, necessitating the relocation of graduation for the Class of 2025. (More information for seniors will be forthcoming during second semester.)

The 270 geothermal wells to be installed under the turf will contain 500-foot lengths of piping filled with fluid. Electric pumps will send the fluid in and out of the PE wing, moving heat energy from the building into the ground during the summer and pulling heat from the ground into the building during the winter. 

An analysis comparing the geothermal system to a more traditional boiler-and-chiller system found that geothermal will save the district roughly $385,000 per year while reducing CO2 emissions by an amount equivalent to driving an average passenger car 504,984 miles.

The total cost of the geothermal project is $12.5 million ($10.5 million for the well field plus $2 million for new drainage and turf). However, this cost does not include what are expected to be significant federal rebates. 

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.

District Receives Oak Park Green Award

District 200 Board President Tom Cofsky and Superintendent Greg Johnson have won a Green Award from the Village of Oak Park’s Environment and Energy Citizens Commission. Green Awards recognize leadership in advancing equity-centered climate action, climate resilience, and sustainability. Read more.

Student Presentation

Members of the Environmental Club created a video about the school's sustainability efforts. Click here to see it.