Sustainability

Jeffco Public Schools is committed to managing energy use responsibly and efficiently across all facilities. As part of this effort, the district utilizes a Centralized Building Automation System (BAS) that allows staff to monitor and control heating, cooling, and lighting systems in real time across all of our schools. This system optimizes energy performance by adjusting equipment based on occupancy, schedules and weather, ensuring comfortable learning environments while reducing energy waste.

To support strategic decision-making, real-time energy monitoring tools have been installed in schools to track usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and engage students and staff in energy conservation efforts.

Over the past decade, the district has made significant investments in energy efficiency upgrades, including LED lighting retrofits, HVAC system improvements and recommissioning of large buildings. These efforts have contributed to a 17% reduction in Energy Use Intensity and a 37% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2014 baseline. In addition, Jeffco has installed solar arrays on 30 buildings, generating 4.3 MW of renewable energy and covering 5% of the district’s total electricity use. These solar systems not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but also save the district approximately $432,000 in utility costs in FY24. 

Looking ahead, the district aims to improve internal capacity for energy management and leverage available grant funding to support high-impact upgrades. Jeffco is committed to continuously reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the resilience, health, and efficiency of its schools.

Jeffco Public Schools is taking steps to make student transportation more sustainable, efficient, and future-ready. The district has added eight plug-in hybrid vehicles to its student transportation fleet with plans to acquire more electric vehicles and operates a number of propane-powered school buses, which produce fewer emissions and lower fuel costs compared to traditional diesel buses.

Jeffco Public Schools is excited to bring six electric school buses to the district in the 2026-2027 school year, in partnership with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric. These buses will test vehicle-to-grid technology while providing students with clean transportation. 

These efforts, focused on transportation, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality around schools, and lower long-term operational costs.

Located on the Colorado Front Range, water conservation is an important part of Jeffco Public Schools’ sustainability efforts. In recent years, the district has made improvements by installing automatic timers on irrigation systems to reduce overwatering and replacing high-maintenance turf with synthetic athletic fields at the high schools, significantly decreasing outdoor water use. While these steps have helped reduce overall consumption, there is still room for improvement. Looking ahead, the district plans to explore opportunities for native or drought-tolerant landscaping. By adopting a more strategic, data-driven approach to water management, Jeffco aims to reduce water usage, further lower utility costs, and demonstrate responsible water stewardship.

Jeffco Public Schools is committed to reducing waste and promoting responsible recycling practices across our schools. Many schools have launched organics recycling programs, collecting food waste from cafeterias and kitchens for composting. To help combat food insecurity and reduce edible waste, Jeffco encourages schools to implement share tables, where students can leave unopened food items for others to take. These efforts not only keep waste out of landfills but also support a culture of caring and sustainability in our school communities.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has focused on decreasing food waste in our foodservice operation during the 2025-26 school year. FNS has worked to ensure accurate ordering at sites (especially perishables) to decrease spoiled product waste, adjusted menus to eliminate menu items that are not popular with students or require a large batch producing significant waste, and adjusted use of fresh produce to balance student needs and operational realities. In making these adjustments we have seen a 28% decrease in waste per meal compared to the 2024-25 school year. Through January 2026, this is a $154,000 savings to the department and significant decreases in food being spoiled or wasted. 

Jeffco is working to increase recycling awareness and participation through student-led recycling teams, signage updates, and education campaigns. In 2025-2026, Jeffco partnered with the City of Lakewood and Eco-Cycle to bring Green Star Schools, a waste education and composting program, to Rose Stein Elementary. The long-term goal is to create a comprehensive waste diversion strategy that supports consistent recycling and composting practices district-wide. By helping students and staff understand what can be recycled or composted, and why it matters, we are building everyday habits that reduce our environmental impact and promote a cleaner, healthier future.

Jeffco Public Schools is working to integrate sustainability into education, helping students understand and prepare to tackle today’s environmental challenges. In 2025, Jeffco launched the Seal of Climate Literacy, a program recognizing students who demonstrate a strong understanding of climate science and sustainability. A core component of the program is student-led research on the impacts of climate change in their own communities, where students investigate local challenges and present potential solutions. The Seal sets graduates apart in college and career pathways, signaling their readiness to lead with purpose in a changing world. In the 2024-2025 school year, 10 students at Alameda International earned medallions for climate literacy projects prior to the districtwide launch. During the 2025-2026 school year, Jeffco anticipates that approximately 50-55 students will earn the Seal of Climate Literacy. 

Across the district, Green Teams and Environmental Clubs give students opportunities to take action at their schools.  These teams are launching composting and recycling programs, reducing energy use, building pollinator gardens, or educating peers about climate solutions. More than 55 schools have gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms for hands-on learning in science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Many of these gardens are built in partnership with organizations like Denver Urban Gardens, whose mission supports food justice, environmental awareness, and community connection. These efforts are also supported by Healthy Schools Liaisons, who help embed health and wellness into school culture, creating healthier, more engaged school communities.