Advisory Committee on Clean Energy

Advisory Committee's Purpose:

The committee’s purpose is to serve in an advisory role to the Board of Education regarding the Clean Energy Resolution passed by the Board of Education in 2020 to effect the following goals:

1. Develop a long-term plan of energy sustainability and clean energy, possibly including standards for clean energy use, energy and water efficiency, recycling, and clean energy projects, to present to the Board;
2. Review the District’s Wellness Policy to consider inclusion of the effects of climate on staff and students health;
3. Establish goals to guide District operations’ energy needs with carbon-neutral energy goal, as measured by the carbon footprint, on this schedule:
   • 50% carbon neutral by 2035
   • 75% carbon neutral by 2040
   • 100% carbon neutral by 2050
4. Invest in future clean energy efficiency projects.

The committee was tasked with creating an initial plan by December 30, 2024, for meeting the 2035 goal and will monitor progress and recommend changes throughout the plan’s implementation.  

Clean Energy Advisory Committee Charter (Board approved October 23, 2023)

Responsibilities:

• The committee has no expressed power or authority, rather it is an advisory committee.
• Following each committee meeting, the committee shall report publicly at the subsequent Board meeting. 
• Review, discuss and respond to reports provided by designated staff regarding the four main goals:
  • Standards for sustainability, clean energy and carbon neutrality in facilities planning and operation;
  • Possible effects of climate and student health
  • Progress toward carbon neutrality goals for 2035, 2040, and 2050
  • Recommendation for investments toward clean energy improvement
  • Identify and recommend community resources, partnerships and funding to support
  • District efforts toward carbon neutrality.
  • Identify ways to elicit community feedback and make recommendations to the Board.

Timeline & Meetings

• This is a standing committee, intended to continue work indefinitely as needed.
• The committee will create its own schedule, and will meet at least in alternating months, but may meet more often per consensus.
• Meeting times will accommodate the schedule of the designated staff person.
• All meetings will be noticed and open to the public. 

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Initial Plan Recommendations

At the December 2025 Regular Board Meeting, the Advisory Committee for Clean Energy presented its recommendations. 

In alignment with the District’s resolution to establish goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the plan details pathways for decreasing energy consumption, electrifying facilities and transportation, and expanding solar energy capacity. It presents a projected timeline for energy use reduction, identifies key recommendations for achieving these objectives, and outlines the next steps necessary for implementation, ensuring progress toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Recommendations:

• Updates: The committee's recommendations are based on current technology, with the understanding that technological advancements may alter the plan. Therefore, the committee recommends periodically updating the plan to keep it relevant.
• Projected Energy Use: Reduced fossil fuel use to zero and increased electricity demand due to electrification. Approximately 60% of the electricity needs can be met with on-site solar energy.
• On-site Solar: Average 410 kW of solar capacity to be added annually.
• Facility Electrification: An average of two schools to be electrified annually from 2028 to 2050.
• Fleet Electrification: An average of 5% of the vehicle fleet to be converted to electric vehicles annually.
• Facility Improvements: Equipment upgrades will be made over time, with retro-commissioning (RCx) at the worst-performing buildings.
• Off-site Renewable Energy: Carbon-free energy will be purchased to meet the remaining electric demand. The local utility, WPS, aims for 100% carbon-free energy by 2050.

Next Steps:

• Prioritize Energy Efficiency: Implement monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) across all buildings and RCx for the worst-performing ones.
• Develop Electrification Roadmap: Create a phased electrification plan, considering the cost and savings impact while aligning with capital planning needs.
• Increase Solar Capacity: To leverage federal incentives, identify facilities to add 1.2 MW of solar capacity.
• Develop a Waste Resolution Program: Establish a sub-committee to focus on waste initiatives and pilot-related projects.
• GHG Tracking & Communication: Create an annual GHG emissions inventory and develop data dashboards to share progress with students, staff, and the community.

The proposed pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions establish a foundation for the District's long-term sustainability goals, including reaching 50% carbon neutrality by 2035. The following steps emphasize improving energy efficiency, advancing electrification, expanding solar energy capacity, and enhancing waste management, with regular updates to monitor progress. These strategies rely on the availability of essential resources such as technology and funding. Plans will be
adjusted as conditions and resource availability evolve.