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(Boise, ID -- 11/14/2024) Boise School District has been selected as one of 60 local education agencies in the country to participate in the 2024-2025 Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools (Energy CLASS) program. The one-of-a-kind energy management and training program will support Boise Schools in fostering healthier, more sustainable schools.
Boise School District is the only local education agency in Idaho selected to be part of the 2024-2025 Energy CLASS program.
The Energy CLASS program is a strategic initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, and is backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As part of a cohort with 59 other local education agencies across 31 states, Boise Schools will receive training, coaching, and expert guidance to develop and execute projects prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and improved indoor air quality.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this innovative cohort to advance sustainability efforts in schools across the country,” said Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor Alison Ward. “This is an exciting opportunity to engage with other school districts and local education agencies in a space where we can share ideas, gain invaluable guidance and support, and make meaningful progress toward our unique sustainability goals.”
Boise School District applied and was ultimately chosen for the Energy CLASS cohort because it “demonstrated a dedication to creating impactful or scalable energy plans and sustainability goals that align with the goals of DOE and can be successfully supported through the Energy CLASS program,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement. Among Boise School District’s sustainability goals are expanding building energy efficiency programs, studying indoor and outdoor air quality, and further evaluating opportunities for clean renewable energy. The district also plans to embrace all curricular and workforce training opportunities for students and staff.
Beginning this month, Boise School District energy champions will engage with the New Buildings Institute (NBI) and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) to receive six months of resources, training, and tailored one-on-one expert advice to assist with Boise Schools’ individual sustainability goals.
The new Energy CLASS program, which builds on the success of previous Department of Energy initiatives, will explore topic areas including strategic energy management, project development, and funding pathways, while allowing collaboration with peers in the Energy CLASS network to share resources and knowledge.
In 2021, the Boise School Board of Trustees passed a Collective Commitment to Clean Energy, and has been faithfully involved in moving forward the district’s sustainability goals and initiatives ever since. The district has made progress each year in its sustainability efforts, such as the establishment of a “Green Team” in each school, school-specific efforts to reduce waste, district-wide energy-saving initiatives.
Participation in the Energy CLASS program is an exciting step in the Boise School District’s continued work to prioritize sustainability, improve energy efficiency across the district, and promote a healthy learning environment in our schools.
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