River Trails School District 26

River Trails School District is northwest of Chicago and is comprised of four school buildings serving approximately 1,500 students. Three facilities earned ENERGY STAR^® certification, the newly-renovated Preschool/Kindergarten center is a net zero energy building, and the middle school received the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School Award in 2015.

River Trails School District exceeded its goal to achieve a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2026 in 2015, achieving a 23% reduction 11 years ahead of schedule. In 2016, the district set a new goal of 30% energy reduction by 2026. The district’s energy reduction programs include improvements to equipment, lighting, and energy management systems, among others. In addition, River Trails School District is developing a comprehensive energy management plan to replace the mechanical systems with energy efficient systems that reduce carbon emissions, to improve the building automation systems (BAS), and to provide better energy demand management.

The district is committed to implementing an eco-friendly approach to infrastructure projects, such as with the recent renovation of Prairie Trails School, a net-zero energy pre-kindergarten and kindergarten building.

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

50% emissions reduction in 10 years

20% reduction in energy intensity

30% reduction in energy intensity

Presentation

Best of the Betters: 2024 Better Project Winners

Tools

River Trails Middle School Factsheet

Showcase Project

River Trails Middle School

Leadership Commitments

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

20% Reduction in Energy Intensity 20% Reduction in Portfolio Energy Intensity from a 2013 baseline by 2026. Based on a portfolio commitment of 220 thousand square feet.

Commitment

220,000 Square Feet

Progress

25% vs. Baseline

Energy Goal Achieved

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Better Buildings Challenge

Additional Goal

Progress

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

DOE Program Participation