After years of infrastructure work and the tireless collaboration of community, District and School, Bay View Elementary held a "Flip the Switch" event in December to activate the final solar panel needed to qualify as the city's first "Zero Net Energy" school.
From Solar power to water retention, eco-heating to insulation upgrades and LED lighting, Bay View is leading the way in Santa Cruz in sustainable energy.
“We are so proud to be helping lead the community in sustainability,” said Superintendent Kris Munro of the district’s push to expand its solar infrastructure. “It’s not only that our families, our students and our community have time and again made it clear what a priority it is—we’re also committed to being responsible with the public’s investment into our schools. With this step, we’re not only addressing the unfolding climate change crisis but significantly reducing our energy budget going forward.”
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The improvements are a part of a four-phase infrastructure renewal and sustainability program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously enhancing student learning and lowering maintenance and operations costs. Santa Cruz City Schools first launched the program in 2014. In three phases, the district started modernizing HVAC equipment, adding smart building controls and upgrading to interior and exterior LED lighting.
The district now enters its fourth phase, implementing these energy optimizing technologies across its four schools. Once construction is done, the district will accomplish LED lighting district-wide, as well as have a new source of renewable energy, a solar-mounted carport at Bay View Elementary.