La Crosse School District Cuts Costs with Sustainable Energy

The La Crosse School District has significantly cut costs by incorporating sustainable energy solutions. Three schools currently have solar panels, with a fourth set to go online soon. For example, Northside Elementary's solar array, installed in October 2022, offsets nearly 30% of the building's energy usage and is expected to save the district nearly $500,000 over its 25-year warranty period. Additionally, the district uses geothermal heating and has saved substantial amounts on energy costs. The district is also developing a Climate Action Plan to further increase sustainable energy use and cost savings.

The system will offset nearly 30% of the building’s energy usage. The system is expected to help the School District avoid nearly $500,000 in energy costs over its 25-year warranty period. The array will offset the energy equivalent of burning just over 3 million pounds of coal. The carbon offset will be roughly equivalent to planting 72,300 trees.