At Austin ISD, solar and renewable energy make sense for many reasons.
- Solar energy helps ºÚÁϹÙÍø save money in the long run by decreasing energy costs. Energy is ºÚÁϹÙÍø’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. ºÚÁϹÙÍø supports responsible environmental stewardship and the City of Austin's goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. ºÚÁϹÙÍø is doing its part to cut heat-trapping greenhouse gases that accumulate in our atmosphere.
- Solar energy creates enriched learning opportunities. ºÚÁϹÙÍø 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 ºÚÁϹÙÍø Board of Trustees issued a Statement of Support for Solar Installations on ºÚÁϹÙÍø 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 ºÚÁϹÙÍø Solar-Powered Facilities Day in recognition of ºÚÁϹÙÍø's achievements in solar power and renewable energy.
Rooftop Solar Installations
Austin ISD produces more solar power than all other Texas school districts combined (see the map). ºÚÁϹÙÍø currently has rooftop solar installations at 14 campuses. See the locations and real time energy production.
In 2022, ºÚÁϹÙÍø was awarded a $15M federal grant to install solar at an additional 14 schools. Learn more about the project.
Solar Classrooms
Through collaboration with Austin Energy, 13 schools have solar classrooms that serve as shaded outdoor learning areas. Each classroom includes educational signage about solar energy, bench seating, and power outlets.
Wind Energy
ºÚÁϹÙÍø purchases energy through the Austin Energy Green Choice Program, 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.