Energy Conservation & Sustainability

Glendale Unified School District implements a districtwide energy conservation program to control rising utility costs and preserve the environment for future generations. The Facilities Planning & Maintenance department monitors energy usage, identifies energy-saving opportunities, audits school sites, and makes energy-saving recommendations based on GUSD's Board-approved Energy Policy. The district also seeks out low- or no-cost programs for energy efficient upgrades and investigates alternative energy sources.

Since implementing our Energy Conservation Program, GUSD has saved over 20% in utility costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 147,908 million British Thermal Units (MBTUs), or the equivalent of 12,660 metric tons of CO2. That is like removing 2,273 cars from our highways for one year or planting 323,929 tree seedlings and letting them grow for ten years.

Solar Energy Generation Systems

Glendale Unified is committed to energy conservation and sustainability. In 2012, the Board of Education authorized the installation of solar energy generation systems at 12 school sites, and in summer 2017, the solar program expanded to nine additional school sites.

Energy cost savings from solar energy generation systems support the GUSD general fund. Additionally, the solar structures provide shade to GUSD playgrounds, lunch areas, and parking lots. Solar energy is an eco-friendly form of power generation that will reduce the release of harmful pollutants that contribute to climate change. GUSD is proud to do our part to help California reduce its carbon footprint. GUSD Solar FAQs

Phase I & II – Funded by Measure S (2012)

In summer 2012, Glendale Unified completed solar projects at seven sites: Columbus, Keppel, Monte Vista, and Mountain Avenue Elementary Schools, Rosemont Middle School, and Clark Magnet and Crescenta Valley High Schools.

Initial sites were chosen for their energy-generating potential and exposure to sunshine. Additionally, several sites in La Crescenta (Monte Vista, Mountain Avenue, Rosemont, and CVHS), which are served by the Southern California Edison (SCE) utility, received priority to take advantage of limited time California Solar Initiative (CSI) rebates and incentives. These credits saved the district an estimated $900,000 beyond regular energy savings in the first five years. View Full Media Release.

Phase III & IV – Funded by Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (2015)

In summer 2015, Glendale Unified expanded the solar program to seven additional sites in the Glendale Water and Power (GWP) service area: Balboa, Franklin, Fremont, and Marshall Elementary Schools, Roosevelt Middle School, Glendale High School, and College View School.

The district supported this expansion by taking advantage of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs), a federal tax incentive offered to certain entities in the public sector to finance renewable energy projects.

Solar Expansion – Funded by Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (2017)

In summer 2017, Glendale Unified further expanded its solar program to nine additional school sites in the GWP service area: Cerritos, Jefferson, Mann, Muir, and R.D. White Elementary Schools, Toll and Wilson Middle Schools, and Glendale and Hoover High Schools, once again benefiting from CREBs tax credits. View Full Media Release.

Follow the links to view real-time energy usage and solar energy generation at each site.