Renewable Energy and Electrification

Program Details

Renewable energy sources include sunlight, wind, hydropower, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy does not produce harmful emissions and, in the case of photovoltaics, can be readily installed on buildings. 

Electrification leads to a greener future by making a larger amount of infrastructure available to be powered by renewable energy. In the long term, we envision a continued shift towards more efficient schools that approach net zero energy use. Net Zero Schools are low energy buildings coupled with renewable energy. 

We also recognize the importance of electrification, particularly when advocating for renewable energy. At CPS, and across Chicago, natural gas powers cooking and heating appliances. Natural gas is not a renewable resource and CPS annually generates the CO2 equivalent of nearly 900 railcars worth of coal from using natural gas.