Public Schools

Schools are some of the best candidates for impactful energy efficiency projects. After personnel costs, energy costs are the leading draw on K-12 school district operating budgets. Beyond significantly reducing utility costs, these projects provide many benefits to schools and the community.

BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

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UTILITY COST
COSTS

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IMPROVED HEALTH FOR
STUDENTS & STAFF

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REDUCED ABSENTEEISM
FROM IMPROVED AIR
QUALITY

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IMPROVED CLASSROOM
PERFORMANCE FROM
INCREASED NATURAL LIGHT

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

HOW WE CAN HELP

SMCEW can help identify rebates and financing options for completing energy efficiency projects.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

The San Mateo County Sustainability Department Schools Program offers a variety of free services for schools which helps students take action to conserve our resources and help protect our environment.

Reaching approximately 5,000 educators and students per year, the program offers school-wide and grade level assemblies, classroom workshops on composting and reuse, field trips to local solid waste facilities, technical assistance to teachers on developing environmental education curricula, and more.

Current Initiatives

You may also be interested in learning more about our program offerings below.

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Projects in Progress

California Proposition 39 (Prop 39) was a California ballot initiative passed in November 2012. By closing a corporate tax loophole, this measure created over $1 billion in state revenue for schools throughout the state to implement energy efficiency upgrades.
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SERVICES & FINANCING

If your school is interested in pursuing energy efficiency projects or would like assistance with planned projects, SMCEW can help figure out the best way forward by providing no-cost services.
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