Schools in Roanoke City have been chosen for the Department of Energy’s sustainability program

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke City Public Schools wants to set the standard for green school systems. As the sole Virginia school district chosen to take part in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy CLASS program, RCPS is one of only 60 school districts nationwide.

Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools is what CLASS stands for.

Jeff Shawver, senior director of Physical Plants for Roanoke City Public Schools, stated, “As one of the districts in the State of Virginia that undertakes these solar energy renewable projects, hopefully we can share some of our past experience and help the other school districts.”

In order to support RCPS in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that align with its sustainability objectives, DOE will provide resources, training, and professional guidance over the course of the next six months.

Raising money is more important than simply working with other school districts. How can you apply for grants and collaborate with other districts to take advantage of grant opportunities to start these programs? Thus, it essentially expands upon our current efforts,” Shawver stated.

Solar panels are already installed on the roofs of a number of Roanoke City schools, including Fishburn Park Elementary School. Additionally, a sizable solar array on the roof of the RCPS district office in Downtown Roanoke supplies 40% of the building’s electricity.

Shawver stated, “We have this solar array, and the solar array is one of the steps that we have pioneered here to reduce our carbon footprint and launch us into renewable energies.”

In addition to having some electric school cars, RCPS has already installed LED lighting fixtures in all of its schools. It now intends to install additional solar panels at schools as part of the CLASS initiative.

“Basically, installing a solar system requires a new roof, which is what we’re doing with the next wave of installations. In order to pay for the roof restoration, the next step is to actually recoat the roofs and install solar panels. “There is no upfront capital cost, so it’s a great deal,” Shawver added.

According to Shawver, RCPS intends to set up electric vehicle charging stations at a few of its locations. Additionally, it seeks to increase solar energy education in schools.

“There is no doubt that the next step is to engage elementary and middle school students in the educational component of it and have more conversations with them. For these children, that is the next technological advancement. kids can become solar engineers and advocates for solar energy when kids become older,” Shawver stated.