Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) is a public school district located in Chandler, Arizona, United States. The district serves over 44,000 students across 45 schools, making it one of the largest school districts in the state. CUSD is committed to providing high-quality education to its students while also prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.

One of the ways CUSD is working towards sustainability is through decarbonisation. Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing carbon emissions in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. CUSD has taken several steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in renewable energy sources.

One of the ways CUSD is investing in renewable energy is through corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). A corporate PPA is an agreement in which a company agrees to purchase renewable energy from a specific project for a set period of time. By investing in renewable energy through PPAs, CUSD is able to reduce its carbon footprint and support the growth of renewable energy in the United States.

In 2019, CUSD signed a 20-year PPA with a local solar company, which will provide the district with 100% of its energy needs from solar power. This PPA is expected to save the district over $3.5 million in energy costs over the course of the agreement. By investing in renewable energy through PPAs, CUSD is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also saving money that can be reinvested in education and other programs.

In addition to PPAs, CUSD is also implementing energy-efficient practices in its schools and facilities. The district has installed LED lighting, upgraded HVAC systems, and implemented energy management systems to reduce energy consumption. These practices not only reduce the district's carbon footprint but also save money on energy costs.

CUSD is also committed to educating its students about sustainability and environmental responsibility. The district has implemented several programs to teach students about renewable energy, recycling, and other sustainable practices. For example, some schools have started composting programs to reduce waste and teach students about the benefits of composting.

CUSD's commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, the district was recognized by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for its efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The district was awarded the "Gold" level recognition, which is the highest level of recognition awarded by the department.

Overall, Chandler Unified School District is a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through its investment in renewable energy, implementation of energy-efficient practices, and commitment to educating its students about sustainability, CUSD is setting an example for other school districts and organizations to follow. By prioritizing sustainability, CUSD is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also saving money and providing a better future for its students.