Title
A Clean and Green Future for the Boise School District
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-24-2020
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Jen Pierce
Abstract
Problems associated with climate change are increasingly becoming a top concern of local governments. In response, cities across the United States are developing energy policies independent of federal regulations. In April of 2019, the City of Boise became the first municipality in Idaho, along with 115 other cities across the United States, to vow to reach 100% clean energy consumption by 2035. However, Boise cannot meet a clean energy goal without the cooperation of schools, which use significant amounts of energy due to large buildings, landscaping, food, and fuel for inefficient diesel buses. This research, in collaboration with the Sierra Club, Boise State University, and Boise School District (BSD) employees, addresses where sustainable practices can improve energy efficiency and emissions reduction within the BSD. Applying these changes to facilities and operations would result in a 5% reduction of energy usage per year, and lower the annual utility expenses from $4.8 million in 2019, to $2.4 million by 2030. In addition, the results will be utilized to develop a petition to present to the BSD Board of Trustees in order to drive the adoption of energy and sustainability plan.
Recommended Citation
Gage, Benjamin A.; Kaufman, Janet; Taylor, Chris; Willadsen, Eric; and Pierce, Jen, "A Clean and Green Future for the Boise School District" (2020). 2020 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 61.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2020/61