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2026 Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge Winners

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2026 Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge Winners

The San Mateo County Office of Education announced the  leaders who received Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools (SCRS) Challenge awards for their efforts to create sustainable school communities during the 2025-26 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.

We received applications from a diverse pool of students, educators, parents, schools, districts, and more. Projects included efforts from district-wide electrification and clean energy initiatives, to living schoolyards and agricultural literacy immersion, waste management, and partnerships with community organizations to further environmental education and climate readiness. These standout leaders are being recognized across 12 of the public school districts, in addition to private schools and community organizations from across San Mateo County.

Three 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

San Carlos School District

HVAC Upgrades and Building Envelope Projects

The San Carlos School District's Facilities Master Plan advances climate readiness by installing electric heat pumps at six schools and improving building envelopes across all campuses. These electrified HVAC systems ensure comfortable, sustainable learning environments on extreme heat days, while future upgrades will continue to prioritize air quality and energy efficiency. By integrating energy-efficient windows and roofing improvements scheduled for 2026 and 2027, the district is creating a roadmap for carbon neutrality that protects the health and well-being of nearly 3,200 students and staff.

Read more about the project.
 

 

Burlingame School District

Electrification Projects

Burlingame School District has taken a strategic approach to sustainability by expanding clean energy and electrification across its campuses. The district has installed solar panels at nearly every site and transitioned major building systems to electric, including HVAC and water heaters. Nearly every classroom now has its own electric HVAC unit, improving energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and temperature control while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Looking ahead, BSD plans to electrify Franklin Elementary's kitchen, eliminating the use of methane gas. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and healthier learning environments.


Read more about the project.

 

 

Redwood City School District

Solar Expansion and Child Nutrition Initiatives

Redwood City School District is moving forward with the district's solar energy project, aiming to install solar canopies at 9 more schools, providing shaded areas while generating clean energy for the facilities. The solar systems will operate using net metering, allowing the district to send excess electricity back to the grid, creating a more sustainable school environment, reducing operational costs, and improving outdoor spaces for students and families.

Additionally, RCSD overhauled its cafeteria system this year by hiring an in-house Child Nutrition Services Director, Richie Wilim Jr., and Manager Fernando Guzman. They have worked to successfully transition the district from pre-packaged meals to fresh-cut, globally-inspired cuisine. The district’s kitchens emphasize organic, seasonal, and in-state produce alongside whole wheat grains and whole-muscle meats. This commitment ensures nutritious meals in schools that support a sustainable food system.


Read more about the project.

 

Standout Winners