Boise, ID -- 08/27/2024 – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized fifteen Boise School District facilities as “50001 Ready.” Achieving these 50001 Ready designations is “a clear indicator that your organization is a leader in energy management,” according to the DOE.

“Energy management is a continuous process of progress monitoring and adjustment. We work throughout the year with our staff and students to improve the certainty and reduce the risks related to energy usage," said Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor Ali Ward. “It is very satisfying to have the US Department of Energy recognize the progress we've made to improve health, safety and comfort in our schools."

As part of the district’s ongoing pursuit of Continuous Energy Improvement as a sustainability model, three additional facilities were added to the district’s list of “50001 Ready” designated facilities in 2024, with more on the horizon. The district’s supporting organizations, Idaho Power and Strategic Energy Group (SEG), have been instrumental in achieving the “50001 Ready” designations. Strategic Energy Group (SEG), under the auspices of Idaho Power, coached the district on how to monitor and manage energy use within the schools.

Boise School District’s 2024 “50001 Ready” designated facilities include:

• Boise High School
• Borah High School (NEW in 2024)
• Capital High School
• Dennis Technical Education Center
• East Jr. High School
• Edward L. Davis District Services Center
• Fairmont Jr. High School
• Frank Church High School
• Hillside Jr. High School
• Les Bois Jr. High School
• North Jr. High School (NEW in 2024)
• Riverglen Jr. High School
• South Jr. High School (NEW in 2024)
• Timberline High School
• West Junior High School

Boise Schools are making sustainability and energy conservation part of every campus, even those that are not yet designated “50001 Ready.” The district is tracking electricity, natural gas, and water usage data by school, and all schools participate in energy-saving challenges during autumn and spring breaks. In addition, every school has a student-led “Green Team” that proposes project ideas on how to make their school more sustainable. Any student can bring ideas to their school’s Green Team members (“Green Ambassadors”), who then engage the Green Team Lead to advocate for the suggested solutions (such as LED lighting, or waste diversion efforts for example). Green Team project selection is based on the students’ excitement, the district’s capacity, and impact.

Completing the steps to achieve the 50001 Ready designation typically takes between 6-18 months. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy again recognized the Boise School District for achieving DOE 50001 Ready recognition at six junior high schools and three high schools. All of those facilities were again recognized in 2024.

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About the Boise School District  

Boise School District (BSD) is a high-performing, nationally recognized public school system comprised of 33 elementary schools, 8 junior high schools, and 5 senior high schools serving approximately 22,500 students. Dedicated to creating tomorrow’s leaders, our well educated and passionate staff nurture each child through a high quality education helping prepare each student for success in college, career and life. We offer a student-focused learning model, including a variety of specialized programs, including free Full-Day Kindergarten, Pre-K, Montessori, Dual Language, Classical, Full-Day and Highly Gifted elementary programs, to the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center, Dennis Technical Center, and the state’s preeminent Advanced Placement program. Additional information can be found at: boiseschools.org

What is ISO 50001?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed international standard requirements with guidance for use for organizations committed to addressing their impact, conserving resources, and improving the bottom line through efficient energy management. The standard is known as ISO 50001. Designed to support organizations in all sectors, this ISO standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS). The standard aims to help organizations continually reduce their energy use, thereby reducing energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and reliance on fossil fuels.



What does it mean if a school is “50001 Ready?”

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes sites that demonstrate energy management excellence and use the principles of ISO 50001 to achieve continual improvement in energy performance. Achieving the “50001 Ready” designation is “a clear indicator that an is a leader in energy management,” according to the DOE.