At Austin ISD, solar and renewable energy make sense for many reasons.
- Solar energy helps 海角社区 save money in the long run by decreasing energy costs. Energy is 海角社区鈥檚 second highest expense behind salaries. Lowering our operating expenses for energy means increased financial stability for the school district and enables more funds to be available to support learning.
- Solar energy is better for our environment. 海角社区 supports responsible environmental stewardship and the City of Austin's goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. 海角社区 is doing its part to cut heat-trapping greenhouse gases that accumulate in our atmosphere.
- Solar energy creates enriched learning opportunities. 海角社区 educates over 73,000 students each year. Renewable energy and solar installations at schools serve as powerful teaching tools and support career pathways in high-demand jobs.
District and City Support for Solar at Schools
In 2020, the 海角社区 Board of Trustees issued a for Solar Installations on 海角社区 Properties. Additionally, all new schools in the 2017 and 2022 bond programs are required to be built with solar-ready roofs On December 1, 2022, the City of Austin Mayor and Council proclaimed 海角社区 Solar-Powered Facilities Day in recognition of 海角社区's achievements in solar power and renewable energy.
Rooftop Solar Installations
Austin ISD produces more solar power than all other Texas school districts combined (). 海角社区 currently has rooftop solar installations at 14 campuses. .
In 2022, 海角社区 was awarded a $15M federal grant to install solar at an additional 14 schools. .
Solar Classrooms
Through collaboration with Austin Energy, have that serve as shaded outdoor learning areas. Each classroom includes educational signage about solar energy, bench seating, and power outlets.
Wind Energy
海角社区 purchases energy through the , which supplies Texas wind energy to many of our buildings.
Resources
EcoRise has partnered with Austin Energy to create a renewable energy section. This includes lesson plans that focus on solar energy in schools.
to speak to your class on a variety of STEM learning opportunities for students
, a state-sponsored STEM program to help boost energy literacy for K-12 students and help schools save money by saving energy.