Los Angeles Better Buildings Challenge highlights Los Angeles Unified School District's efforts towards fostering environmental stewardship, committing to 100 clean, renewable energy by 2030. 

“LAUSD is committed to energy conservation through a variety of projects and policies that increase efficiency in district facilities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase conservation behavior throughout the district through awareness and education programs.” 
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CHRISTOS CHRYSILIOU 
Director of Architectural and Engineering Services, Los Angeles Unified School District 


​CHALLENGE: The second largest public school district in the United States, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) serves more than 650,000 students attending some 1,300 schools and centers. Through a variety of energy efficiency programs and policies, LAUSD continues to pursue a longstanding mission to become the most sustainable and environmentally friendly urban school district in the country. Beyond early efforts to reduce energy and water consumption 20% from a 2014 baseline by 2024 across its many campuses, the L.A. Board of Education in December 2019 approved a resolution to further commit the district to achieve 100% clean, renewable energy for its entire portfolio in its electricity sector by 2030—and all other energy sectors, including heat, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), cooking and transportation by 2040.
To achieve such sustainability goals for its expansive portfolio, which spans 26 cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, LAUSD was challenged to adopt management strategies based on processes that were simultaneously realistic, achievable, aggressive and replicable. In 2020, the impact of COVID-19 on LAUSD facilities and sustainability initiatives were significant. While the initial impact indicated lower utility costs due to school closures, the district anticipates incurring higher utility costs overall due to new air quality enhanced filtration requirements and mechanical system operations.


STRATEGY: In 2020, LAUSD continued laying the groundwork for achieving its sustainability goals. Under the leadership of Director of Architectural and Engineering Services Christos Chrysiliou, sustainability initiatives and energy management units were reformed to focus on the following areas to achieve its long-term mission of becoming the most sustainable urban school district in the nation: Energy Conservation, Water Stewardship, Education and Awareness, High Performance Schools Green Building Certification, Campus Ecology and Emerging Technologies. 
To achieve its 2019 Board Resolution, LAUSD formed the “100% Clean Energy Task Force,” made up of representatives from sustainability, education, facilities, food services, transportation, health and safety and other LAUSD divisions, as well as key community members and experts in related fields. Together, these key team members are building momentum toward finalizing an action plan, having already contributed to a proposed “100% Renewable and Clean Energy Pathway,” as well as alignment with the L.A. Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) LA100 Plan. The team’s efforts to meet the district’s goal have also included hosting a Solar Industry Forum and arranging for a Solar Procurement Plan.
Through various partnerships, collaborations, grants and state programs, LAUSD has over the years focused on addressing energy efficiency first. Programs it implemented to facilitate energy conservation included: a direct install lighting program in partnership with LADWP to retrofit 67 schools with nearly 13,000 interior and exterior LED fixtures; LED retrofits at 34 additional schools to upgrade nearly 13,500 fixtures; a Prop 39 energy efficiency program to complete 112 projects consisting of LED retrofits, occupancy sensors, high-efficiency transformer replacements, new variable frequency drives for pools, HVAC upgrades and energy management system upgrades; Prop 39 Student Energy Audit Training (SEAT) to prepare students for future energy-related careers; Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) green building certification standards for all new construction and modernization projects; energy conservation pilot projects and awareness programs, such as its “Heros for Zero” contest, which encourages students to engage in activities that make them “ZNE Ready.” 
To facilitate water stewardship, LAUSD has implemented a low flow plumbing retrofit program, recycled water projects, water conservation projects, groundwater recharge programs (such as Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools, or DROPS) and partnerships with the City of Los Angeles, LADWP, Metropolitan Water District, Tree People, Council for Watershed Health and the State Water Resources Control Board. In addition, LAUSD has worked to identify and pilot cutting-edge sustainability technology, create or improve school greening projects by planting “learning gardens.”


IMPACT: LAUSD’s long-term and continued commitment to sustainability across six areas of focus has proven transformational, with varied and wide-ranging results. Efforts have resulted in a solar program that generates 21.5 million kWh and saves about $4.5 million a year; more than 600 school gardens to promote eco-literacy; 134 projects verified by the CHPS (six of which are LEED certified); 67,000 lighting fixtures replaced, and 3,600 low flow plumbing fixtures installed. 
Many of these initiatives were supported by California’s Clean Energy Jobs Act (Prop 39), which has provided the district with $138 million to invest in energy efficiency projects across its portfolio. These projects, with a focus on lighting, HVAC systems and controls and plumbing, are predicted to significantly reduce energy use in existing building systems among 112 campuses. With a projected annual project savings of 27% or $5.6 million, Prop 39 has not only supported LAUSD’s energy conservation goals but has also significantly reduced the district’s energy bills and overall carbon footprint.
In partnership with LADWP, an investment of $45.3 million was made in energy, water, education and pilot programs over the last five years and both agencies recently approved the continuation of the program by investing another $87.5 million over the next five years. LADWP recently awarded LAUSD its 2020 Sustainability Excellence Award in the Demand Response category for curtailing 6,247 kWh of energy by raising the temperature of chilled water 2 to 4 degrees, reducing interior lighting and plug loads and turning off miscellaneous fans and parking structure lighting. 
 In 2020, though COVID-19 impacted its facilities in myriad ways, LAUSD adjusted quickly to utilize the latest technology to work remotely and continue site visits for projects as needed. LAUSD altered its sustainability and education programs to accommodate remote learning, maintaining 40 schools participating in its “Empowered” program to train students in environmental skills and stewardship. LAUSD also continues to partner with organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council to offer remote sustainability education programs to school custodians.

On March 26, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge visited Los Angeles Unified to recognize the energy productivity advances made at our schools. As a Better Buildings Challenge partner, Los Angeles Unified is committed to reducing energy use by at least 20% by 2024. The U.S. Department of Energy toured Helen Bernstein Senior High School and the Santee Education Complex to see firsthand the numerous upgrades made to these campuses to conserve energy. The U.S. Department of Energy also made a presentation at the Committee of the Whole to recognize and highlight the District’s sustainability efforts to reduce energy.

U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Director Maria Vargas said, “Thank you, because your commitment and success is an example for other school districts.”
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Vargas added, “As schools become true centers for their community, there is a lot you can do with energy and energy issues that really drives a value in that property for the community.”

Click to find out more about the District's participation in the Better Buildings Challenge.

(Los Angeles) - The Facilities Services Division’s Sustainability Initiatives Unit of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is proud to announce a new and innovative program, which prepares students for jobs in the energy management field. Fifteen students from throughout LAUSD are participating in this first cohort of the program.

Called the Student Energy Auditor Training (SEAT) program, the concept was developed to train students to become energy auditors, provide them with work experience and create a pathway to earn a livable wage after high school. `

The SEAT Program is one of the Facilities Services Division’s many initiatives developed and implemented as a result of the passage of the California Clean energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39).

“This program is another example of our mission to ensure that all youth achieve and are college and career ready,” said Steve Zimmer, President, Board of Education. “We are proud of our ability to continually develop programs that meet the educational needs of our communities, while providing opportunities for students to have gainful employment learn needed job skills and in some cases provide financial assistance to their families.”

The SEAT program was developed in partnership with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps; LAUSD’s Work Experience Education Office provides oversight for the program.

The students, 11 seniors and four juniors, participate in 18 weeks of training; half in the classroom, with an LAUSD teacher, and half in the field, under the direction of the CCC or LA Corps and a SEAT program associate. While in the field, students gain hands-on experience, auditing pre-selected schools. During the classroom training, the student trainees learn about energy and its usage; conservation measures; equipment safety; hand tool training; life skills; and physical fitness. Additionally, the students learn job skills, resume and cover letter writing, and goal-setting, while developing enhanced critical thinking skills. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from the California Conservation Corps, which is widely recognized by employers across the State and certifications from nationally recognized energy-related associations.

“We know the students will benefit from this program”, said Mark Hovatter, Chief Facilities Executive. “These skills will be valuable to them, not only in school, but in life; enabling them to increase their earning potential, improve their quality life and make valuable contributions to their communities.”

Under Proposition 39, funds from corporate income taxes are allocated to California’s General Fund, which in turn makes annual allocations to California schools for entry-level employment training, creating career pathways for youth and veterans via improved qualifications for energy-related occupations, state-certified apprenticeship programs, community college career programs, and direct job placement. 

On June 2, 2016, Local District Northwest held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its Environmental Sustainability Garden, which was designed and installed as part of the Local District's Global Humanitarian Challenge.  The Challenge is a system-wide Pre K - 12 instruction plan which uses the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) as global context for local schools to solve real world problems.  

The Environmental Sustainability Challenge asks students to design and create a xeriscape (drought tolerant garden) that addresses the need for green space in schools while taking into consideration the State's current water shortage crisis.  These projects are intended to promote sustainability, engage the community, and support the school curriculum.  Several schools are participating in the Challenge, including Canoga Park High School, Miller CTC, Andasol Ave ES, Hale Charter Academy, Northridge Academy, Northridge MS, Panorama City ES, Parthenia ES, Pomelo Community Charter, Porter MS, Valley Alternative Magnet, Wooden HS, and Woodlake Community Charter.  At the same time, Local District Northwest worked with students and other partners to design and install the xeriscape at its Valley offices.

The xeriscape includes drought tolerant plants native to areas around the world with climates similar to Southern California (Mediterranean, Australian, and South African), as well as local California sun and shade plants.  

Local District Northwest's Global Humanitarian and Environmental Sustainability Challenges are a key component in LA Unified's achievement of the District Sustainability Award from the California Department of Education and US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools programs.  

More information on the Challenges may be found at LDNW's website.

Work in Progress

Re-posted from LAUSD Daily

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. was joined by Managing Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss to announce the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees on the Department's YouTube channel. LA Unified joins 15 Districts, along with 47 schools and 11 post-secondary institutions which were honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

"I congratulate these schools, districts and post-secondary institutions for their commitment to sustainable facilities, health, and classroom practices," King said. "The healthiest, most inspiring school facilities can and should be another tool to level the playing field, particularly for under-served students. These honorees are 21st century learning environments that encourage every student and teacher to perform at his or her best."

"Earth Day reminds us of the great strides we've made to address climate change and protect our planet, but there is still a long way to go to ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience our earth's natural treasures just as we have," Goldfuss said. "By inspiring young people to connect with their environment every day, today's honorees are creating the next generation of environmental stewards."
The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 25 states, Washington, D.C., and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The honorees include 41 public schools and six private schools. The schools serve various grade levels, including 27 elementary, 18 middle, and 14 high schools, with several schools having various K-12 configurations. Fifty-one percent of the 2016 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body. The post-secondary honorees include two community colleges and one work-college.

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here. A report with highlights on the 73 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found here.

In partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor’s office and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, L.A. Unified on Monday launched a multimedia contest aimed at encouraging conservation and promoting drought awareness.

​The LAUSD Water Conservation Contest encourages individual students or teams of kids in grades K-12 students to use art, photography, media, community projects or other methods to illustrate their ideas for saving water at their school, home or in their community. Action Plans will be judged on innovation, inspiration, feasibility, educational value, artistic interpretation and level of school and community engagement.

Winning multimedia projects will be incorporated into the 2016-17 Sustainability Calendar and/or posted on the LA Unified Sustainability Initiatives website.

The top Action Plan in each grade level will receive $10,000, while the top Action Plans for the elementary, middle, and high school levels will win $50,000, with the prize money going toward a school project.

“We are excited to partner with the Mayor’s Office and LADWP to increase water literacy among the District’s students,” said Christos Chrysiliou, director of Architectural and Engineering Services.  “The District aims to reduce our water consumption and looks forward to seeing some really creative solutions from the students.”
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The registration deadline is Sept. 16. Click here to register and for more information.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today nominated LA Unified and two California school districts and two individual schools to compete in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition program, which honors schools that conserve resources while promoting health and environmental literacy.

In addition to LA Unified, the nominees are:

•Manhattan Beach Unified School District, Los Angeles County
•San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco County
•Bay Farm School, Alameda, Alameda County
•Bishop O’Dowd High School (private), Oakland, Alameda County
           
The schools and districts were also named "Green Achievers," the highest honor in the California Green Ribbon Schools recognition program.

Two LA Unified schools, George K. Porter Middle School and Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets, were awarded California Green Ribbon Schools' Gold Award for their sustainability efforts.  

“I commend these schools and districts for reducing their environmental footprints and engaging students using sustainability and the environment as the context for learning,” Torlakson said. “Their efforts are helping to build healthier, more resilient communities and a more prosperous California.”

Today's announcement came at a news conference at Bay Farm School in the Alameda Unified School District. Torlakson was joined by Dr. Ron Reynolds, Executive Director of the California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO).  On hand at the awards ceremony was Teacher Curtis Ward from Porter MS, and Christos Chrysiliou, Director of Architectural and Engineering Services, which includes the District's Sustainability Initiatives Unit.

"We are thrilled to be honored by the California Green Ribbon Schools program and nominated for recognition by the US Department of Education for the efforts of so many Divisions and staff members District-wide towards sustainability, student and staff health and wellness, and environmental education," said Mr. Chrysiliou.
           
Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate exemplary achievement in three “pillars.” Pillar I: reduce environmental impact and costs; Pillar II: improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and Pillar III: provide effective environmental education that teaches many disciplines and is especially good at effectively incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, civic skills, and green career pathways.

The California Green Ribbon Schools recognition award uses the applications submitted for nomination to ED-GRS to recognize schools and school districts for environmental excellence. Private school awards are conferred by CAPSO.

California is one of 25 states as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity that are expected to nominate schools and districts for federal recognition this year. Continued participation and leadership in the program is a recommendation of Torlakson’s Environmental Literacy Task Force.

 The U.S. Department of Education will confirm state nominees on Earth Day, April 22, 2016.
           
For more information, please visit the California Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Award Program Web page and download A Blueprint for Environmental Literacy: Educating Every Student In, About, and For the Environment 
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Six LAUSD campuses have been selected by the California Water Resources Controls Board to receive $6 million to develop low-impact features through the state’s Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) and Proposition 84 grant programs.
These programs aim to create features that serve to capture, treat, and infiltrate storm water into groundwater basins to mimic a natural watershed. These features include bioswales, permeable pavement, infiltration galleries, rain-gardens, and cisterns.
The six selected campuses are Belvedere, Normandie and Victory Elementary schools; and Markham, Northridge and Webster Middle schools.
The District’s Architectural and Engineering group and Sustainability Initiatives Unit had initially identified these schools as being in critical need of site improvement and took advantage of DROPS program to develop comprehensive projects that address the deteriorated paving conditions while incorporating features crucial for capturing and infiltrating storm water.  This also serves to recharge our local aquifers.
The DROPS grant also requires development and implementation of a robust education and outreach component at each school, so while the LID features will vary by campus, each project includes benefits extending to the classroom and beyond.  Through partnership with the Council for Watershed Health, TreePeople and Los Angeles Audubon Society, the LID features will serve as outdoor, experiential classrooms and learning laboratories that can be incorporated into the curriculum and activities at school.  Students will be engaged during design and construction, and will create signage and collaborate on aspects such as plant selection.  Additional DROPS program components include field trips, student leadership training, professional development, teacher trainings, and formation of eco-clubs.
“We are excited to be working with the State Water Resources Control Board to implement these crucial projects.  We are looking forward to partnering with the Council for Watershed Health and community-based organizations to engage students and raise awareness in the community about the importance of storm water management and stewardship of our local aquifers,” said Christos Chrysiliou, Director of the Architectural and Engineering Services unit of the Facilities Services Division. District.
The District’s DROPS program also includes staff training for Maintenance & Operations employees responsible for managing the LID features and maintaining the native landscaping.  The DROPS LID program will serve as a model for other schools and districts seeking to use water resource management as a tool for education and advocacy.