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Green Infrastructure
MCS has been an early adopter of EV (electric vehicle) charging infrastructure, Sustainable Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE classrooms), battery-powered landscaping equipment, and solar carports through several funding sources. We have added renewable energy (solar) to offset 70-85% of our electrical needs at our high schools. These projects will provide long-lasting energy savings and reduce our grid dependence.
What We're Doing
Transportation Infrastructure
The project was approved by the board on 4/18/22. Construction began in June 2022, and the infrastructure was complete by April 2023.
The transition to cleaner technologies includes installing extensive charging infrastructure at the district Transportation Yard to support the electric bus fleet.
(2) Level 3 DC Fast Chargers (50kW ABB), (30 ) Level 2 AC Chargers (14.SkW BTC)
Battery-Electric Landscaping Equipment
5 Battery Electric John Deere Gators received April 2022.
1 Battery Electric "Mean Green" Riding Lawn Mower received December 2022.
Partially funded through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Grant.
Sustainable Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLEs)
Sustainable Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLEs) built in partnership with Schneider Electric at 6 school sites.
Board approval of project 4/18/22. As of fall 2023, all 6 SOLEs are ready for classroom learning.
The classrooms are powered by solar and equipped with solar power outlets, ADA-accessible paths, and flexible furniture to provide experiential learning in natural settings.
MCS is the first school district in California to have that many solar outdoor classrooms that will generate approximately 60,000 kWh annually.
Below is a list of the school sites with SOLEs:
Site | Solar Production | Production Start |
Tuolumne ES | 37.8 kW (DC) | 10/19/23 |
Downey HS | 37.8 kW (DC) | TBD |
Roosevelt JH | 37.8 kW (DC) | TBD |
O. Wright ES | 37.8 kW (DC) | 12/6/23 |
Beard ES | 37.8 kW (DC) | 12/6/23 |
Gregori HS | 37.8 kW (DC) | 1/9/24 |
In May 2022, Turlock Irrigation District awarded partial funding from the Powering Our Communities Grant for the Tuolumne SOLE classroom.
Solar Carports
Solar PV Parking Structures at 7 high school locations and the Transportation Yard (covering the EV charging infrastructure)
The district installed solar arrays covering approximately 10% of the Transportation Yard's blacktop, reducing heat absorption and retention of the pavement.
By contrast, solar panels absorb significantly less energy (1.8 kWh per square meter per day) than asphalt (5.4 kWh per square meter per day). This change in energy absorption alters the amount of infrared radiation reaching the ground, providing cooler space for students and transportation staff.
Below is a list of sites with solar carports:
Site | Solar Production | Production Start | Shaded Parking sq. footage |
Transportation Yard- Phase 1 | 218.7 kWh | 10/25/23 | TBD |
Transportation Yard- Phase 2 | under construction | TBD | TBD |
Davis HS | 475.713 kWh | 04/02/24 | 33,507 |
Downey HS | 746.0 kWh | TBD | 38,338 |
Beyer HS | 1,236.0 kWh | TBD | 63,426 |
Johansen HS | 1,308.0 kWh | TBD | 67,186 |
Gregori HS | 1026.0 kWh | TBD | 53,154 |
Enochs HS | 1002.0 kWh | TBD | 53,471 |
Modesto HS | in design | TBD | TBD |
Ribbon cutting of Tuolumne SOLE & STEAM building 🧬🧪🎨🥁
Sustainability Focus Areas