Roanoke City Public Schools, located in Roanoke, Virginia, has been chosen as one of only 60 school districts nationwide to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy CLASS program. This program, which stands for Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools, aims to help school districts become more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Jeff Shawver, the senior director of Physical Plants for RCPS, expressed his excitement about being selected for this program. He believes that RCPS’s experience with solar energy and renewable projects can be shared with other school districts in Virginia and help them in their own sustainability efforts.
Over the next six months, RCPS will receive valuable resources, training, and expert advice from the DOE to help them implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that align with their sustainability goals. This includes learning how to collaborate with other school districts, raise funds, and apply for grants to launch these programs.
RCPS has already taken steps towards sustainability, such as installing LED lighting fixtures in all of its schools and using electric school vehicles. They also have a large solar array on the roof of their district office, which provides 40% of the building’s power.
As part of the CLASS program, RCPS plans to install more solar arrays at schools, with the goal of having the solar energy pay for the restoration of the roofs. They also have plans to install electric vehicle charging stations and expand education on solar energy for students.
Shawver believes that involving students in the education of solar energy will not only benefit the environment but also inspire them to become future solar engineers and champions of renewable energy.
To learn more about the CLASS program and RCPS’s involvement, visit their website. By participating in this program, RCPS hopes to lead the way for other school districts to go green and make a positive impact on the environment.