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2025 Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools Challenge Winners

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2025 Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools Challenge Winners

The San Mateo County Office of Education announced the 24 standout leaders who received Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools (SCRS) Challenge awards for their efforts to create sustainable school communities during the 2024-25 school year. 

The award recognizes students, administrators, teachers, and community members who have organized projects that address one or more sustainability goals drawn from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and One Planet Living Framework. Each project also focuses on increasing the sustainability of campus facilities and operations sustainability, creating curriculum that addresses environmental topics, and/or building community environmental awareness.

Participants submitted a wide variety of projects such as district-wide efforts to institutionalize sustainability efforts, living schoolyards, zero waste initiatives, and environmental-based solutionary teaching and learning. These standout leaders are being recognized across 11 of the public school districts, in addition to private schools and community organizations, from across San Mateo County.

Five of these leaders received a financial award, funded by Peninsula Clean Energy, to support the next phase of their projects. Learn more about the submissions below.

Financial Award Winners

Jefferson Union High School DistrictMembers of the EV Collaborative outside of Proterra

EV Collaborative

This EV Collaborative came together to expand electric vehicle education and charging infrastructure in the automotive programs at JUHSD. Their goal: to prepare students for high-demand careers in clean energy and green transportation. Using regional labor market data, the team aligned curriculum with employer needs. JUHSD will introduce a new electronics course focused on clean energy and an automotive unit on EV systems—reaching over 500 students in the next three years with hands-on training and industry certifications. This partnership is a powerful example of how schools and community partners can drive environmental innovation and workforce development.

Read more about the project.

Menlo Park City School DistrictImage of a heat pump system

Building Electrification

The Menlo Park City School District is making moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote student and staff health by transitioning to clean energy. In November 2024, the district approved a Facilities Master Plan and Sustainability Resolution committing to fully electrify HVAC systems, water heating, and appliances by 2030. The district began implementation in January 2025 by replacing a gas water heater at Hillview Middle School with a heat pump system. The district will continue phasing out gas furnaces, prioritizing aging equipment, while expanding EV charging for staff and developing a Climate Action Plan to guide future efforts.

Read more about the project.

San Carlos School DistrictSan Carlos School District presents its Facilities Master Plan

Districtwide Facilities Master Planning

San Carlos School District developed a bold Facilities Master Plan focused on creating climate-ready, carbon-neutral campuses. The plan includes energy-efficient HVAC upgrades to improve indoor air quality, structural improvements, and campus-wide air conditioning to address extreme heat. This comprehensive plan is not only about infrastructure—it’s a roadmap to sustainability, aligning facilities with educational needs and preparing schools for a healthier, more resilient future.

Read more about the project.

San Mateo-Foster City School DistrictA sky view of new electric vehicle chargers

Solar and HVAC Modernization

The district has completed two major sustainability projects across 22 school sites—focused on improving comfort, air quality, and environmental impact. Solar shade structures were installed at 12 schools, generating 2.3 megawatts of clean energy, alongside the addition of new EV chargers. At 15 schools, HVAC modernization replaced 450 outdated units with all-electric, energy-efficient systems, significantly improving indoor comfort and air quality. These upgrades not only reduce the district’s carbon footprint and operational costs, but also support student learning and well-being—especially on hot days or when air quality is poor. The result: healthier, more sustainable campuses that are built for the future.

Read more about the project.

San Mateo High SchoolImage of an updated HVAC system

Bearcats are Powered up to be Sustainable!

San Mateo High has launched a wide range of sustainability initiatives focused on reducing resource use, improving campus health, and fostering environmental stewardship. With upgraded HVAC systems, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving measures, the school is transforming into a model of environmental responsibility. Solar panels are currently being installed at the Performing Arts Center, with plans for more installations—including in parking areas—to expand renewable energy use and lower the school’s carbon footprint.

Read more about the project.

Standout Winners