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Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability Initiatives |
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Facilities & Transportation
Facilities Sustainability Initiatives
At NCPS, we pride ourselves in committing to ways that respect our world and the future it holds for our students and for future generations. Our facilities are a reflection of these values, evidenced in the following ways:
LED Lighting: All five schools have transitioned to energy-efficient LED lighting, cutting overall wattage usage by half. Modern upgrades, including light dimmers and occupancy sensors, automatically turn off lights after 30 minutes of inactivity, ensuring smarter energy use and lower costs.
Solar Power: All five of our schools are equipped with solar panels, with South School serving as the district's model building for this renewable energy initiative. During the sunniest times of the year, the system generates approximately 47,000 kWh of electricity each month. With South School consuming an average of 1,300 kWh per day, this production offsets roughly 36 days of the school’s energy needs, demonstrating a contributing significantly to a greener, more sustainable facility.
Click the links below to view the solar power generated by each of our participating schools:
Combined Heat and Power: Introduced in 2022, the first combined heat and power (CHP) unit at Saxe School has drastically reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This engine-based power station uses natural gas to generate electricity and heat, creating a self-sustaining energy loop. By sharing the load with the school’s boilers, the system achieves efficiencies of over 80%, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Natural Gas: The district currently heats 4 out of 5 school buildings with natural gas, a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces soot buildup in burners. This cleaner operation requires less maintenance and extends the lifespan of heating systems, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for the majority of our buildings.
Condensing Boiler Units: The district replaced outdated cast iron boilers at Saxe, South, East, and West Schools with state-of-the-art condensing boilers, boosting efficiency from 80-83% to an impressive 93-95%. This significant upgrade not only reduces energy consumption and lowers emissions but also supports a more sustainable learning environment and long-term cost savings—benefiting both our schools and the district as a whole.
Transportation with Propane: The district’s bus fleet now operates entirely on propane, a cleaner-burning fuel that significantly reduces emissions and vehicle wear and has replaced the need for diesel. With easier cold-weather startups, propane eliminates the need for overnight idling, contributing to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation system.