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Fairfax County Public Schools marked two major clean-energy milestones on Sept. 21, celebrating plans to install solar panels at 34 elementary schools and the arrival of 17 additional electric school buses.
The developments were highlighted during a “Sun Day” event at Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna. The grassroots day of action showcased solar installations, electric vehicles and other clean-energy technology.
The school system’s new solar initiative has been 10 years in the making. Louise Archer is among the 34 elementary schools slated to receive panels, while a solar installation was recently completed at Olde Creek Elementary School in Fairfax.
“There’s no better place to celebrate this than here at Louise Archer, whose motto is ‘Where the Sun Always Shines,’” Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid said. Reid’s involvement with the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions helped lead to FCPS’ participation in Sun Day.
FCPS also celebrated adding 17 electric buses, bringing its electric school bus fleet to 48 vehicles. Reducing emissions from the country’s largest school bus fleet and making school buildings more efficient are goals of the Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force, which includes FCPS.
One electric bus displayed another potential benefit during the event: its battery powered a snow cone machine and audio equipment used by Ratz in Paradise, a rock band composed of former Louise Archer students.
Students also presented clean-energy projects. Oakton High School students demonstrated a solar-powered model car, while Langley High School student Shriya Gubbi spoke about the importance of reducing the school system’s carbon emissions.
Gubbi had urged the Fairfax County School Board over the summer to strengthen those efforts. She said FCPS has already saved $100 million through sustainability measures, freeing money that can be reinvested in classrooms.
“It’s been incredible to see the progress FCPS has made these past couple of years,” Gubbi said.
Providence District School Board member Karl Frisch said investments in solar power and cleaner transportation can reduce pollution while producing long-term savings. He credited Solar on the Schools, Mothers Out Front and Moms Clean Air Force with pressing the school system to do more, along with students who have made sustainability a priority.
Reid said the projects support FCPS’ environmental task force commitments to improve building efficiency, cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare students to become sustainability leaders in their communities.
Gubbi said today’s students will live with the future effects of global warming and argued that schools should help protect the conditions in which they will grow up.
“The more sustainability efforts we take now, the more money we can save in the future, and the more likely my generation will have a livable planet,” she said.