Schools in the United States spend almost 8 billion dollars a year on energy, a cost greater than all the money spent on textbooks and computers combined and second only to salaries.  Some school districts, recognizing that this money could be better spent directly supporting educational goals, are building net-zero schools which use less energy and generate the energy they need through renewable sources. As it begins to design and construct several new schools, it is the right time for Racine Unified School District to build schools that will eliminate the costs of energy, provide healthier indoor environments, and embody the principles of sustainability as an educational resource. 

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes new financial incentives for school districts to adopt energy efficiency measures and renewable energy options. These incentives will significantly shorten the payback period for the initial investment and relieve the school district of the energy burden for decades to follow.  In addition, net-zero schools also insulate the school district from the volatility of rising energy prices.

Net-zero schools can also add resilience to the local community.  Buildings that include battery storage capacity can be “islanded” in times of emergency so that they can offer heating, cooling, and electricity when surrounding infrastructure fails. As weather extremes worsen, schools can become a refuge for their neighborhoods.

Net-zero schools can also serve as living laboratories that demonstrate a number of STEM concepts for both students and the broader community.  In addition, such  schools have led to heightened student performance, increased average attendance, better occupant health, and improved teacher satisfaction and retention.

The Forest Edge Elementary School in Fitchburg is Wisconsin’s first net-zero energy school. Built in 2020, the school includes a number of features such as solar panels, natural lighting, geothermal heating and cooling and daylighting controls that enhance the learning environment while saving the district money. Michael Barnett, an engineering project manager for the school, believes “This project is a testament of what’s possible with dedication and innovation. It’s proof that a net zero-ready design is cost-comparable to a traditional school.”l

Schools have always been future focused, an investment in our community with the hope that our knowledge and our values will live on. At this critical time to mitigate climate change it is appropriate for Racine Unified School District to build net-zero schools that will use educational and natural resources more efficiently while addressing one of the gravest threats to our future health and prosperity.