The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is a public community college district located in Los Angeles, California. It is the largest community college district in the United States, serving more than 250,000 students annually across nine campuses. The district is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, and has been recognized as a leader in sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.

Decarbonisation is a key priority for the LACCD, which has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable energy system. The district has developed a comprehensive sustainability plan that includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy sources.

One of the key strategies for achieving these goals is through the implementation of corporate energy initiatives, such as corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) and renewable energy projects. The LACCD has already made significant progress in this area, with several successful renewable energy projects already in operation.

One such project is the Solar Photovoltaic System at Los Angeles City College, which was completed in 2016. The system consists of over 4,000 solar panels and has a capacity of 1.2 megawatts, generating over 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. This project not only reduces the district's carbon footprint but also saves the college money on energy costs.

In addition to solar energy, the LACCD is exploring other renewable energy sources such as wind and geothermal. The district has also implemented energy efficiency measures across its campuses, including the installation of LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, and building automation systems.

Corporate PPAs are another important tool in the LACCD's decarbonisation strategy. These agreements allow the district to purchase renewable energy directly from a supplier, often at a lower cost than traditional utility rates. In 2019, the district signed a 25-year PPA with 8minute Solar Energy for the construction of a 400-megawatt solar and storage project in the Mojave Desert. This project is expected to provide enough energy to power all nine LACCD campuses and save the district over $28 million in energy costs.

The LACCD's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, the district was awarded the prestigious Climate Leadership Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its outstanding efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. The district has also been recognized by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office for its leadership in sustainability and energy efficiency.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles Community College District is a leader in the decarbonisation of the education sector. Through the implementation of corporate energy initiatives, such as corporate PPAs and renewable energy projects, the district is reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a more sustainable energy system. The LACCD's commitment to sustainability has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, and serves as a model for other educational institutions to follow.