By Bekah Ashley, Utah Chapter Organizer
Last year, the Salt Lake City School District said YES to committing to 100% clean, renewable energy—the first district-wide commitment to 100% clean energy in Utah. The board resolution was the first of its kind in Utah, and is sending the 9th largest school district in the state on a path to ensure healthy learning spaces and healthy communities.
The district’s assembled task force included an inclusive advisory team of students, teachers, and district leaders who worked with the Facilities, Transportation, and Equity Departments on developing a plan. For the past 10 months, the taskforce has been meeting to generate ideas and information for the district to achieve 100% renewable energy.
Implementing a commitment to 100% clean energy can improve indoor and outdoor air quality, which is known to improve academic outcomes. It will support learning opportunities in STEM, creating local clean energy jobs, and show what’s possible for schools across the state and country considering similar clean energy commitments.
The Salt Lake City School District realized these benefits and will be presenting a report to the board later this year that includes a phased approach to reach the goals of the Resolution, says Greg Libecci, Energy and Resource Manager at the Salt Lake City School District. “Much of the data gathered by the taskforce will support recommendations for phase 1 of the implementation process, which will focus on energy efficiency, among other things.”
According to Libecci, the district is evaluating LED retrofitting, electric buses, as well as water efficiency measures, building automation, and HVAC upgrades. Additionally, they are considering installing solar on multiple schools, pending funding sources, and pairing solar with batteries which could support increased reliability and resilience.
Later this year, the plan the task force presents will be financially evaluated and undergo a risk assessment before full implementation.
“We’re evaluating funding pathways and investigating the cost-effectiveness of making this happen,” Libecci says. “I am hoping there is agreement, and we can start implementation sooner than later. This is a win-win-win opportunity to showcase responsible environmental stewardship, while demonstrating to the community the economic and social equity benefits of clean energy.”
Salt Lakes’ work is not going unnoticed as three other school districts are considering similar commitments. These efforts build on the trend of young folks leading the burgeoning climate movement in Utah. Utah’s students are not only demanding change; they are enacting it!
To learn more about the 100% Clean Energy School Districts Campaign, and the work that’s happening here in Utah to support clean energy initiatives, visit utahyes.org/utah-schools-for-clean-energy/.