In celebration of Earth Month, IUSD Insights sat down with Sustainability Supervisor, Jennifer Razo, to delve into the innovative sustainability initiatives at IUSD. Earth Day, observed annually on April 22nd, serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet and inspiring action to address environmental challenges. Here's what she had to say:
Tell us about the Sustainability Team.
Razo: Our Sustainability Team is dedicated to making our schools and facilities more eco-friendly and sustainable while educating students and staff about how their daily activities impact the environment. Our practices to achieve these important goals include implementing solar energy at most of our school sites, maintaining energy-efficient buildings and facilities, recycling, eliminating harmful plastic straws and other waste that crowds our landfills, encouraging school gardens and educational activities to help students cultivate eco-friendly habits, and responsible use of water and landscaping at our facilities, among many other initiatives. We also work closely with other IUSD departments, such as Nutrition Services, to reduce food waste and single-use plastic consumption and remove plastic straws, which helps us further our sustainability reach.
In addition to the work that our team is doing, in 2023, IUSD formed a Sustainability Steering Committee with a clear mission: to foster a greener and more sustainable culture district-wide. This interdepartmental collaborative effort aims to guide and implement IUSD's sustainability initiatives, practices, programs and goals across all campuses.
What is IUSD’s goal for becoming carbon-negative?
Razo: IUSD is committed to reaching carbon negativity by 2025 as part of our existing Renewable Energy and Decarbonization Program. We've been a leader in renewable energy, with significant investments in solar energy since 2009. Currently, solar arrays at 37 sites generate 13.2 Megawatts, reducing our carbon footprint and saving millions of dollars.
Additionally, by 2025, the IUSD Electrification Program aims to transform transportation within the District. This initiative includes the implementation of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations and the introduction of electric school buses. Through SCE’s Charge Ready School Pilot Program, IUSD has already installed six EV charging stations at both Irvine High School and Portola High School, facilitating use by students, staff and the public.
Can you provide an update on IUSD's organics recycling initiative and its impact on waste diversion efforts?
Razo: As part of our Zero Waste Program, IUSD's Organic Food Waste Recycling and Donation Program diverts food waste from landfills. We have food recovery share boxes and 3-bin sorting stations across campuses, and a new Food Recovery Donation Program, launching in April 2024, which will donate excess edible food to food banks.
These efforts align with our District’s overall sustainability goals but also put us in compliance with the State law, Senate Bill 1383 which requires all residents, businesses and organizations to recycle food waste.
What approaches has IUSD implemented to manage water use and landscaping across its campuses/facilities?
Razo: Through our Sustainable Landscaping and Garden Program, we integrate drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient irrigation systems, using recycled water, and promote water-efficient school gardens. These actions help us to maximize our water conservation efforts and save millions of gallons of potable water a year.
Could you highlight any new educational programs or outreach efforts your team has introduced to engage both school sites and students in sustainable practices?
Razo: We have plenty of existing and new efforts and programs going on because we're passionate about engaging our students in sustainable practices from an early age! A few examples include:
1. We host an annual Earth Day Student Poster Contest, allowing K-12 students to express actions that make a difference. Our current theme is "Planet vs. Plastics." The deadline to submit your poster is April 26. For more information, see our poster!
2. Our efforts are trickling down into elective classes as well. This year, Northwood High School has a ‘Climate Action’ course elective where students can explore the complexities of climate change, food systems and waste management. This course allowed students to collaborate with a group of researchers and professors from UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara and the University of Washington to address school lunch waste and the food system.
3. Many schools are also embracing food gardens, where students can harvest produce for their homes or classrooms. For instance, at Stone Creek, lunchtime food waste is composted and used to nourish the garden, closing the loop on sustainability.
IUSD's commitment to sustainability is evident through its multifaceted initiatives, guided by the dedicated efforts of Jennifer Razo and the Sustainability Team. To learn more about how IUSD works toward protecting the environment every day of the year, not just on Earth Day, visit iusd.org/sustainability.