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Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated two major clean-energy advances on Sept. 21: a long-planned solar initiative covering 34 elementary schools and the arrival of 17 additional electric buses.

The milestones were highlighted during a “Sun Day” gathering at Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna. The grassroots event promotes solar power, electric transportation and other clean-energy technologies.

The solar project, a decade in the making, will bring panels to Louise Archer and 33 other elementary schools. Olde Creek Elementary School in Fairfax also recently received solar panels.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid said Louise Archer was a fitting host because its motto is “Where the Sun Always Shines.” The school division’s participation grew from Reid’s work with the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions.

The new buses increase the division’s electric fleet to 48 vehicles. FCPS is working through the Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force to reduce emissions from what it describes as the nation’s largest school bus fleet and improve energy efficiency across its buildings.

One electric bus supplied power for a snow cone machine and the audio equipment used by Ratz in Paradise, a rock band formed by former Louise Archer students.

Langley High School student Shriya Gubbi also spoke at the event. During the summer, she appealed to local education officials for stronger action to cut FCPS carbon emissions.

Gubbi said the division has already saved $100 million through sustainability measures, allowing those resources to be redirected toward classrooms.

Providence District representative Karl Frisch said investments in solar energy and cleaner transportation could lower pollution while generating long-term savings. He said Solar on the Schools, Mothers Out Front and Moms Clean Air Force have encouraged the division to accelerate its efforts, while students continue to press for sustainability to remain a priority.

Student clean-energy projects were featured as well, including a solar-powered model car demonstrated by Oakton High School students.

Reid said the projects advance FCPS goals to make schools more efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and equip students to become sustainability leaders.

Gubbi said her generation will live with the future effects of global warming. She argued that schools preparing students for adulthood should also help preserve clean air and a stable climate, adding that stronger action now could save money and improve the prospects of a livable planet.