Jurupa Unified School District: Leading the Way in Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy

Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD) is a public school district located in Riverside County, California, serving over 19,000 students across 23 schools. As a local agency, JUSD is committed to providing quality education to its students while also being a responsible steward of the environment. In recent years, JUSD has taken significant steps towards decarbonisation and renewable energy, making it a leader in the education sector.

Corporate Energy and Decarbonisation

JUSD has made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy-efficient. To achieve this goal, the district has implemented a range of measures, including energy-efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, and the installation of solar panels. These measures have not only reduced the district's energy consumption but have also resulted in significant cost savings.

One of the key strategies that JUSD has adopted to achieve decarbonisation is the use of corporate energy. Corporate energy refers to the procurement of renewable energy by a company or organisation to meet its energy needs. JUSD has entered into a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with a local renewable energy provider, which has allowed the district to purchase renewable energy at a fixed price for a set period. This has not only helped JUSD to reduce its carbon footprint but has also provided the district with a stable source of energy at a predictable cost.

Renewable Energy

JUSD's commitment to renewable energy is evident in the installation of solar panels across its schools. The district has installed over 6,000 solar panels, which generate over 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This has not only reduced the district's reliance on fossil fuels but has also provided a valuable educational opportunity for students.

In addition to solar panels, JUSD has also implemented other renewable energy measures, such as the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems. These systems use the earth's natural temperature to heat and cool buildings, reducing the district's energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.

JUSD's renewable energy initiatives have not only had a positive impact on the environment but have also resulted in significant cost savings. The district has saved over $2 million in energy costs since the installation of solar panels, which has allowed the district to invest in other areas of education.

Community Engagement

JUSD's commitment to decarbonisation and renewable energy extends beyond its own operations. The district has also engaged with the community to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

JUSD has partnered with local organisations to promote energy conservation and sustainability. The district has also implemented educational programs for students, such as the Green Team program, which encourages students to take an active role in promoting sustainability in their schools and communities.

JUSD has also worked with local government agencies to promote sustainable practices. The district has participated in the Riverside County Energy Conservation and Management Program, which provides funding and technical assistance to local agencies to implement energy-efficient measures.

Conclusion

JUSD's commitment to decarbonisation and renewable energy has made it a leader in the education sector. The district's use of corporate energy, solar panels, and other renewable energy measures has not only reduced its carbon footprint but has also resulted in significant cost savings.

JUSD's engagement with the community and promotion of sustainable practices has also had a positive impact on the environment and raised awareness about the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, JUSD's commitment to decarbonisation and renewable energy serves as a model for other local agencies and organisations. By taking bold action to reduce carbon emissions, JUSD is not only providing a better future for its students but is also helping to create a more sustainable world for future generations.