The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) was named a 2026 California Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Honoree in the Silver Level!
IUSD was honored for demonstrating exemplary achievement in three key areas: resource efficiency, health and wellness and environmental and sustainability education.
“We are incredibly proud that IUSD has been recognized as a 2026 California Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Honoree at the Silver Level,” stated Joe Chapin, IUSD Director of Maintenance, Operations & Transportation. “This honor reflects our District-wide commitment to sustainability and the collective efforts of our students, staff, and community to reduce our environmental footprint. This work has helped us to create learning environments that are safe, efficient, and designed to support student well-being and achievement, which helps us provide the highest quality education we can envision for every student.”
The key ranking areas are reflected throughout the District with schools and District facilities making strides toward a more sustainable future, such as:
- Solar Power at Scale: 37 IUSD campuses are equipped with solar panels, helping the district significantly reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on nonrenewable energy.
- District-Wide Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Nearly every school in IUSD has transitioned to drought-tolerant landscaping and utilizes recycled water, conserving millions of gallons of water annually.
- Waste Diversion Efforts: All IUSD campuses use a standardized three-bin system (compost, recycling, landfill), encouraging responsible waste disposal and increasing landfill diversion rates. Food recovery share tables and a new Food Recovery Donation Program, which provides excess, edible food to local food banks, also help divert food waste.
- HEPA Filters and Increased Ventilation in Every Classroom: Clean indoor air is a top priority, with HEPA filters installed and improved ventilation systems throughout the district to support healthy learning environments.
- Eco-Safe Landscaping Chemicals: IUSD campuses use approved, environmentally friendly landscaping chemicals to protect soil, plants, and surrounding ecosystems.
IUSD will be honored at the 2026 California Green Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in San Diego, California, at the National School District.
Learn more about the California Green Ribbon Schools award program and IUSD’s sustainability initiatives.