In celebration of Earth Month and in recognition of the district’s deepening commitment to sustainability, IUSD is proud to highlight its growing environmental initiatives and measurable impact across campuses. From renewable energy and water conservation to food recovery, garden education, and student leadership, IUSD continues to protect our planet while inspiring meaningful climate action.
At the heart of this work is IUSD’s Sustainability Team, led by Sustainability Supervisor Jennifer Razo. The team is dedicated to reducing the district's environmental footprint while empowering students and staff to take meaningful action.
State Recognition for Sustainability Leadership
In 2026, IUSD was recognized as a California Green Ribbon Schools – Silver Level Honoree by the California Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights the district’s leadership in environmental stewardship, health, wellness, and sustainability education.
Northwood High School was named a 2026 California Green Ribbon School Gold Level sustainability honoree by the California Department of Education for their outstanding achievements in environmental excellence.
Reducing Waste and Feeding the Community
As part of IUSD’s Zero Waste Program, the district continues to expand its Organic Food Waste Recycling and Donation Program to reduce landfill contributions, cut methane gas emissions, and comply with California Senate Bill 1383.
Food recovery share tables and 3-bin sorting stations help students properly separate food scraps (green bin), recyclables (blue bin), and landfill waste (gray bin). Through partnerships with local organizations such as South County Outreach, excess edible food is redirected to those in need.
Since its inception in 2024, IUSD has donated about 7,645 lbs. of food, which translates to:
- 3.8 tons of food diverted from landfill
- 3,822 meals provided to the community
- 4,045 tons of CO₂ emissions reduced, which has the environmental equivalent of:
- Energy use for 160 homes for one year
- Planting 160,000 trees over a decade
Renewable Energy Expansion and Carbon Neutral Goals
IUSD’s long-standing investment in renewable energy continues to deliver environmental and financial benefits.
The district installed its first solar system in 2010 and has since expanded to 37 sites, generating 13.2 megawatts of clean energy. Despite increased energy demands from new facilities, electrification initiatives, and enhanced ventilation systems, IUSD remains on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027.
Water-Wise Landscaping and Expanding Garden Education
Water conservation remains a cornerstone of IUSD’s sustainability strategy. Through drought-tolerant landscaping, recycled water systems, and efficient irrigation, the district saves millions of gallons of potable water annually.
The IUSD Outdoor Learning Garden Program has grown into a powerful educational tool:
- 39 school gardens across 84% of campuses
- Integration into science, culinary arts, and interdisciplinary learning
- A newly developed districtwide garden curriculum supporting equity and hands-on education
Student Learning in Action:
- Elementary students explore composting, decomposers, planting, and lab analysis
- Lakeside Middle School students incorporate gardens into culinary and science projects
- Northwood High School students participate in horticulture programs through Career Technical Education, featuring greenhouses, compost systems, butterfly gardens, and fire-smart landscape design
Empowering Students Through Education and Leadership
Education is central to IUSD’s sustainability mission, with expanded opportunities for student engagement and leadership.
2026 Student Contest
The annual Earth Month Student Poster or Video Contest returns with a new theme:
- Theme: Our Power, Our Planet: School and Community-Led Climate Action
- Submission Deadline: April 22, 2026
The contest invites PK–12 students to showcase creative solutions to climate challenges and highlight the power of collective action.
Climate Action and Career Pathways
Green Teams and Sustainability Clubs are active at various elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the district. These student-led groups promote campus-wide initiatives such as recycling programs, trash audits, and sustainability awareness.
At the high school level, sustainability education continues to evolve. At Northwood High School, their Climate Action elective explored new topics such as fire-smart landscaping and engaged in food action projects focused on reducing food waste this year.
Students also continue to collaborate with district departments and researchers to propose real-world sustainability solutions.
To learn more about our sustainability efforts, visit iusd.org/sustainability
Related:
- IUSD Receives 2026 California Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Silver Level Honoree
- Northwood High School Named 2026 California Green Ribbon School Gold Level Sustainability Honoree