Energy bills are the second highest operating cost for our school district behind salaries. Austin ISD is committed to providing optimal learning environments for students while pursuing opportunities to reduce energy and water use, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
At Austin ISD, solar and renewable energy make sense for many reasons.
🏦 Smart Investment. Solar energy helps reduce long-term energy costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward teaching and learning.
🌎 Clean Energy. Renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports AISD’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These investments also contribute to the City of Austin’s goal of achieving net-zero community wide emissions by 2040.
🎓 Enhanced Learning. Solar installations transform school buildings into living laboratories where students can explore renewable energy, sustainability, and STEM careers. From outdoor solar classrooms to curriculum partnerships, students learn through real-world examples on their own campuses.
Renewable Energy in Action
Rooftop Solar
Austin ISD currently has solar arrays at 14 campuses and produces more solar power than all other Texas school districts combined. . A $15M federal grant will expand solar installations to an additional 12 schools.
Solar-Ready Schools
All schools constructed through the 2017 and 2022 Bond Programs include solar-ready roofs, making future renewable energy installations faster and more cost-effective.
Solar Classrooms
Through collaboration with Austin Energy, 13 schools have solar classrooms that serve as shaded outdoor learning areas. Each classroom includes educational signage about solar energy, bench seating, and power outlets.
Wind Energy
Through the Austin Energy Green Choice Program, many district facilities are powered with Texas wind energy, reducing the district’s carbon footprint beyond on-site solar generation.
Community Leadership
Austin ISD is recognized as a leader in renewable energy, in part due to support from District and City leadership:
- 2020 Board Statement of Support for Solar installations
- 2022 AISD Solar-Powered Facilities Day proclamation by the City of Austin
- Ongoing partnerships with Austin Energy and community organizations
Resources
AISD Solar for Schools Student Engagement Resources
EcoRise Sustainable Intelligence - Renewable Energy Curriculum EcoRise has partnered with Austin Energy to create a renewable energy section. This includes lesson plans that focus on solar energy in schools.
Request an Austin Energy presenter to speak to your class on a variety of STEM learning opportunities for students
Check out Watt Watchers of Texas, a state-sponsored STEM program to help boost energy literacy for K-12 students and help schools save money by saving energy.
Explore the AISD Utilities Dashboard
