At Austin °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ, solar and renewable energy make sense for many reasons.
- Solar energy helps A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ save money in the long run by decreasing energy costs. Energy is A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ’s 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. A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ supports responsible environmental stewardship and the City of Austin's goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ is doing its part to cut heat-trapping greenhouse gases that accumulate in our atmosphere.
- Solar energy creates enriched learning opportunities. A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ 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 A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ Board of Trustees issued a for Solar Installations on A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ 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 A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ Solar-Powered Facilities Day in recognition of A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ's achievements in solar power and renewable energy.
Rooftop Solar Installations
Austin °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ produces more solar power than all other Texas school districts combined (). A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ currently has rooftop solar installations at 14 campuses. .
In 2022, A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ 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
A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ 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.