Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) is a public school district located in the state of Maryland, United States. The district serves over 83,000 students in 128 schools, making it the fifth-largest district in Maryland. AACPS is committed to providing high-quality education to its students while also prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. As such, the district has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources.

One of AACPS's key sustainability goals is decarbonisation. The district recognizes the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. To achieve this goal, AACPS has implemented several measures to reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, the district has invested in energy-efficient lighting systems, HVAC upgrades, and building automation systems to reduce energy consumption. AACPS has also implemented a district-wide recycling program to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Another important aspect of AACPS's sustainability efforts is corporate energy management. The district recognizes that energy is a significant expense and has implemented measures to reduce its energy costs. AACPS has partnered with energy management companies to conduct energy audits and identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced. The district has also implemented a real-time energy monitoring system that allows it to track its energy consumption and identify areas where energy use can be optimized.

AACPS has also implemented a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) to increase its use of renewable energy sources. The district has partnered with a local solar energy company to install solar panels on several of its schools. The solar panels generate clean energy that is used to power the schools, reducing the district's reliance on fossil fuels. The PPA allows AACPS to purchase the solar energy at a fixed rate, providing cost savings over time.

In addition to its solar energy initiatives, AACPS has also implemented other renewable energy projects. For instance, the district has installed geothermal heating and cooling systems in several of its schools. These systems use the earth's natural heat to regulate the temperature of the buildings, reducing energy consumption and costs. AACPS has also installed wind turbines on some of its properties to generate clean energy.

AACPS's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy initiatives. The district has implemented several other measures to promote environmental responsibility. For instance, AACPS has implemented a district-wide composting program to reduce food waste and promote sustainable agriculture. The district has also implemented a green cleaning program that uses environmentally friendly cleaning products to reduce the use of harmful chemicals.

AACPS's sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed. The district has received several awards and recognitions for its environmental initiatives. In 2019, AACPS was recognized as a Maryland Green School for its commitment to environmental education and sustainability. The district has also received the Energy Star Partner of the Year award for several years in a row, recognizing its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.

In conclusion, AACPS is a leading school district in the United States that is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The district has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources. AACPS's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy initiatives, with the district implementing several other measures to promote environmental responsibility. AACPS's sustainability efforts have been recognized with several awards and recognitions, highlighting the district's leadership in sustainability and environmental responsibility.