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.

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

50% GHG reduction by 2030 from a 2020 baseline
30% reduction in Energy Intensity

RIVER TRAILS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS PARTICIPATING IN THE FOLLOWING DOE PROGRAMS:

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.