In celebration of Earth Month and in recognition of the district’s commitment to sustainability, IUSD is proud to highlight our sustainability initiatives and impact across campuses. From renewable energy and water conservation to food recovery and student engagement, our students, staff and families are working to protect our planet and inspire action to address environmental challenges.
At the heart of this work is IUSD’s Sustainability Team, led by Sustainability Supervisor Jennifer Razo. The team is dedicated to reducing the district's environmental footprint while empowering students and staff to take meaningful action.
“IUSD is deeply committed to sustainability at every level, and that includes not just operational changes, but education and engagement,” said Razo. “Through innovative programs and a districtwide culture of environmental responsibility, we are equipping our students to become thoughtful caretakers of the planet for both now and in the future.”
Reducing Waste and Feeding the Community
As part of IUSD’s Zero Waste Program, the district has implemented a robust Organic Food Waste Recycling and Donation Program to reduce landfill contributions, reduce methane gas emissions, and comply with California Senate Bill 1383. Food recovery share tables and 3-bin sorting stations help students sort leftover food scraps (green bin), recyclables (blue bin) and landfill waste (gray bin). The district has also expanded its impact through a new Food Recovery Donation Program, which provides excess, edible food to local food banks, such as South County Outreach.
Watch the edible food recovery process:
A Carbon-Negative Commitment by 2025
One of the district’s goals was to become carbon-negative in 2025. Through its Renewable Energy and Decarbonization Program, IUSD now has the solar infrastructure capacity to reach carbon-negative emissions. Since 2009, the district has invested in solar energy infrastructure, with solar arrays now installed at 37 sites, collectively generating more than 13.2 megawatts of clean power. These systems have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also led to significant cost savings.
In addition, the district is rolling out a comprehensive Electrification Program that includes the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. As part of Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready School Pilot Program, IUSD has already installed EV charging stations at Irvine and Portola High Schools, available for students, staff, and the broader community. Additionally, the IUSD Grounds Department transitioned 80% of the district's small gas-powered equipment to battery-powered, putting the district on track to achieving 100% battery-powered small grounds equipment by 2026.
Water-Wise Landscaping and Garden Education
Water conservation is also a key pillar of IUSD’s sustainability strategy. Through its Sustainable Landscaping and Garden Program, the district uses drought-tolerant plants, recycled water, and efficient irrigation systems to reduce potable water use. These efforts help save millions of gallons each year while maintaining green and inviting learning environments.
School gardens are another avenue through which sustainability comes to life. Many schools, such as Stone Creek Elementary, use lunchtime food scraps to nourish compost systems that support on-campus gardens. These gardens not only beautify campuses but also serve as hands-on learning tools for students.
Empowering Students Through Education
Education is central to IUSD’s sustainability mission. The district hosts an annual Earth Day Poster or Video Contest that invites PK-12 students to share ideas and solutions through art. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet: Renewable Energy Now, encourages students to reflect on how renewable energy can impact our earth.
At the high school level, students are also exploring sustainability in the classroom. Last year, Northwood High School introduced a “Climate Action” elective course, where students examine the environmental impact of food systems and collaborate with university researchers to study school lunch waste and create solutions. In 2024-25, students learned about sustainable building design and the impacts of the Urban Heat Island Effect. Students had the opportunity to share their research to the District's M&O and Facilities departments on the role paint colors play on school facilities and proposed their recommendations for future painting improvements that would reduce the impacts of the Urban Heat Island Effect at Northwood High School.
These initiatives are bolstered by the work of the IUSD Sustainability Steering Committee, an interdepartmental group launched in 2023 to guide and unify sustainability efforts across the district.
To learn more about our sustainability efforts, visit iusd.org/sustainability