Sustainable SCCS

Sustainable Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) is an initiative that is making our 10 campuses greener and modernizing energy infrastructure.

As SCCS continuously looks to make significant sustainability improvements across all of its campuses, we are excited to share on this page the efforts made by the students, staff, administration, and community to make a more "Sustainable SCCS."

This includes the addition of the first Zero Net Energy (ZNE) campus to the area at Bay View Elementary School by making it self-sufficient by producing as much energy as it consumes! This represents a culmination of nearly a decade of efforts focused on sustainability and positive environmental impact, and is one highlight of many to-date. There are are multitude of environmental benefits being delivered by and to come through Sustainable SCCS:

Lear more about Santa Cruz City Schools Sustainability planning, progress and approach.

Reduced energy usage and greenhouse gas production
Preserved environmental resources for future generations
Healthier, more comfortable classroom environments
Long term cost savings that get recycled right back into our schools

As we reflect on what we've done, we strive to always look ahead as well to ensure our future impact makes a more Sustainable SCCS.

WHAT WE'VE DONE

Done

These infrastructure improvements are part of a multi-phase program that has and will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering maintenance and operations costs.

2009

The district completes its first solar installation at Soquel High School.

2014

The Santa Cruz City Schools Board of Education launches a comprehensive infrastructure renewal and sustainability program.

2015

Modernized heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is implemented at Santa Cruz High School, Harbor High School and Branciforte Middle School.

2015

Modernized heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is implemented at Santa Cruz High School, Harbor High School and Branciforte Middle School.

2015

Modernized heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is implemented at Santa Cruz High School, Harbor High School and Branciforte Middle School.

2015

The construction of new solar photovoltaic (PV) shade structures at Harbor High School begins.

2016

Enhanced pool pump controls are installed at Santa Cruz High School, creating a more efficient and healthier way of heating and circulating treated pool water.

2017

Building automation systems (BAS) are added to 6 campuses, improving interior comfort and control of HVAC equipment.

2017

Bay View Elementary School gets all-new highly efficient interior and exterior lighting that improves visibility and security on campus.

2018

The construction of new solar PV rooftop structures begins at Santa Cruz High School.

2018

A new field is built at Harbor High School.

2019

The district begins adding upgraded HVAC to 3 sites, BAS to 2 sites and LED lighting across all sites.

2019

Modernization and a new construction project begins at Bay View Elementary.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

Impact

The District has been implementing sustainable practices throughout its schools in many ways, leaving a greener footprint and less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our environment. These initiatives have saved:

6,417

Tons of GHG Emissions with LED Lighting

Tons of GHG Emissions with Each New Electric Bus

5,500

Pounds of Carbon Every Year with the Conversion to Native Landscaping and Turf Fields

Ton of GHG Emissions Every Year with High Efficiency Trucks

143

Tons of GHG with the Changes of the District's Water Fixtures

Tons of GHG Emissions with the Implementation of Sweeping Water Stewardship

In addition, the District has:

Piloted boxed water through Food Services

Implemented District-wide recycling programs

Collaborated with the City of Santa Cruz Transportation Department to install sharrows & a new bike lane

Painted the roofs of construction projects white to reduce heat

Used 100% recyclable or compostable packaging in Food Services

Transitioned all graduation celebrations to be balloon-free

Worked with Groundswell to care for and replant native species in the County

Added water retention tank systems underneath the turf field

Printed all paper products on 100% recycled paper

Conducted in-house composting in Food Services

PROGRAM IMPACT:

Benefits

The District continues to expand modernized and improved efficiency within HVAC, lighting, and building automation systems, and bring further renewable energy sources to all campuses. We reduced CO2 by 9,601 tons since the start of the program! That’s equivalent to: