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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the definitions of green is “one concerned with or supporting environmentalism, tending to preserve environmental quality.”
For nearly a decade, San Diego Unified has made a concerted effort to “Go Green.” Numerous unique and innovative programs have been implemented - saving energy, the environment and millions of dollars for the district.
Students are learning first-hand the importance of being good global citizens. From organic school gardens to the production of biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil, teachers and schools across the district are including green education in their curriculum. Many schools have established recycling programs that bring in needed funds and provide teachable moments for students.
The Energy/Utilities Management (EUM) team has taken the lead on many of the district’s green initiatives and has received local, state and national awards for its efforts. The team has pursued opportunities to provide the district with a sustainable and predictable source of discounted electricity. The photovoltaic (solar) roofing project converts the sun’s energy into electricity, reducing energy costs. The new roofs and the maintenance are of little or no cost to the district.
“As record temperatures soared last September, San Diego Unified used the power of the sun to power 24 school sites,” said J. Naish, the district’s energy/utility coordinator. “Our district has one of the largest solar power systems in Southern California. The solar power generated by the district during the peak demand hours of the heat wave made an important contribution to the stability of the San Diego Gas & Electric grid during peak times of severe stress.”
Other green initiatives and projects include:
- Transportation Services implements a Clean-air Program. All district buses are fueled with low-sulfur/no-sulfur “Green diesel.” Transportation has a “no-idling” campaign and installs particulate traps on the buses to reduce emissions/pollutants.
- Food Services recycles Envirofoam trays, cardboard and No.10 tin cans, and is considering reinstituting reusable delivery systems and cutlery to reduce waste.
- Landscape Services has a new program that is saving the district money and recycling landscape debris at the same time. Altas Tree Service is donating clean, untreated landscape debris to the district. The savings for one month was approximately $400.
- Facilities Planning and Construction worked closely with the SDG&E Savings-By-Design Program during the design of the 12 school sites built under Prop MM. Each school has been exceeding California’s Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standard by an average of 30%. The district received a $119,761 check from SDG&E for the energy-efficient features built into Lincoln High School.
- Information Technology purchases computers, enterprise servers, Uninterruptible Power Supplies(UPS) to name a few, from vendors E.G. IBM, DELL, American Power Conversion and Liebert that produce or market energy efficient products and use industry best practices that promote "green" initiatives.