en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Cupertino Union School District (CUSD), in partnership with OPTERRA Energy Services, announced on June 15 the completion of a district-wide sustainable infrastructure project. The initiative aims to enhance energy resilience, reduce carbon footprint, and expand educational opportunities for students.
The comprehensive plan includes the installation of a 5.2-megawatt solar system, 72 Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at district facilities, and two emergency backup generators at the district office and maintenance yard to ensure operational continuity during power outages.
The district's 2019/2020 Facilities Master Plan identified energy efficiency and sustainability as key priorities. CUSD Superintendent Stacy Yao stated that the project reflects the district's long-term commitment to environmental stewardship while creating meaningful STEM learning opportunities related to energy projects, preparing students for future careers.
The project also integrates STEM education opportunities district-wide. Students engage with clean energy and sustainability concepts through classroom curricula and immersive learning experiences in the district's Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). This program connects the tangible infrastructure improvements of the energy project with educational initiatives that encourage exploration in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability.
Project funding comes from a tax-exempt lease agreement and federal support through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). CUSD expects to receive approximately $8.5 million in IRA funding. The combined solar and EV charging infrastructure is projected to generate over $36 million in net lifecycle savings for the district.
Courtney Jenkins, CEO of OPTERRA Energy Services, noted that the project demonstrates Cupertino's leadership in sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and innovation. By investing in clean energy infrastructure and student engagement opportunities, the district is creating a more resilient and forward-looking learning environment for students, staff, and the community.
Founded in 1917, the Cupertino Union School District was formed from the consolidation of four original one-room school districts—San Antonio, Lincoln, Doyle, and Collins. Today, the district comprises 17 elementary schools, one K-8 school, and five middle schools, serving families in six Bay Area cities and surrounding areas. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the district employs approximately 1,390 full-time equivalent staff and serves a diverse student population of about 13,500 students from over 20 countries, speaking 45 languages. The district's strategic plan focuses on relevant and rigorous instruction, personalized learning, and a whole-child approach.
OPTERRA Energy Services, a subsidiary of LS Power headquartered in Oakland, California, employs nearly 300 energy professionals nationwide. The company provides energy and infrastructure solutions to municipalities, K-16 educational institutions, special districts, and state and federal agencies. To date, OPTERRA has helped clients achieve over $3 billion in guaranteed energy cost savings.
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