Sustainability

In recent years, our District has prioritized replacing outdated fixtures and bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting as they burn out, helping to reduce both energy consumption and costs. Full lighting upgrades have already been completed in the High School Pool, South Gym, Food Service areas, and Center Court. All elementary school gymnasiums, as well as the Jefferson Middle School gymnasium, have also been converted to LED lighting. Additionally, the kitchen areas at both Jefferson and Mellon Middle Schools now feature LED lighting.

• The LED fixtures and bulbs have a much higher output, less maintenance cost, and longer life.
• Since the start of this LED lighting project, we have seen an approximate $20,900 per year savings.

Anticipated Spring/Summer 2025

Districtwide:  Replace all outdoor (8) 400W bulbs with (8) 100W LED bulbs for an estimated monthly cost savings of $113.58.

High School:  Replace (8) 40W bulbs with 13W LED bulbs in Pool Canopy for an estimated monthly cost savings of $8.09.

Replace (35) 168W bulbs with 80W LED bulbs in Center Court for an estimated monthly cost savings of $189.00.

Replace (33) 84W bulbs with 36W LED bulbs in the Auditorium lobby and both balconies in Center Court for an estimated monthly savings of $93.69.

Replace (30) 4 bulb 128W fixtures with (30) LED 40W fixture in kitchen/food service area for an estimated monthly savings of $267.60

Replace (43) 2 bulb 84W recessed lights with (43) LED 40W recessed light in kitchen/food service area for an estimated monthly savings of $130.72

Jefferson Middle School: Replace (31) 4bulb 128W fixtures with (31) LED 40W fixtures in kitchen/food service area for an estimated monthly savings of $276.52. 

Mellon Middle School: Replace (31) 4bulb 128W fixtures with (31) LED 40W fixtures in kitchen/food service area for an estimated monthly savings of $276.52.

Washington: Replace (52) 2 bulb 64W fixtures with (52) LED 40W fixtures in kitchen/food service area for an estimated monthly savings of $63.44  .

• 68,757ft2 of stadium turf was recycled in 2025.  This project was completed at no cost to the District and was covered by the manufacturer under warranty.

The High School campus has 72,716ft2 of permeable pavers allowing stormwater to permeate the soil, recharge the aquifers and not overload or pollute the municipal stormwater system.

As of June 26, 2025 the high school's solar sunflower has saved the District 9,189 kWh of electricity.

Approximately 84% of all classrooms and offices throughout the District have occupancy sensors.  These sensors save energy by automatically turning off the lights when a room is not occupied. 

This District is closed on eight Fridays in the summer which allows for summer energy savings which totals about $8,000. 

Since 2017, the District has installed 35 bottle filler water fountain stations.  As of July 5, 2025, this has saved approximately 910,000 plastic bottles from being disposed of in a landfill. 

• All windows in our school buildings have double-paned insulated glass which saves energy during both hot, and cold, seasons.
• Since June 2020, the District has saved $15,213.26 from energy curtailments and rebates.
• All exterior walls in our school buildings have been insulated.
• Since 2016, the District has planted 231 trees on the grounds.
• All cleaning supplies used in our buildings are peroxide based.
• The District has approximately 580 recycling cans, which yields approximately 6.11 tons of recyclable products per month.
• Our buildings have 211,080 ft2 or 45.5% of white reflective roofing.  These types of roofs are about 7% cooler than EPDM roof during the summer months. 
• Jefferson and the cooling tower on the High School each have water meters installed on the sprinkler systems.  These save the District $9,800/year on sewage costs.
• Other sustainable equipment installed throughout the District includes: 
  • Variable frequency drive units on our boiler motors
  • Modulation burners on our boilers
  • Automatic flush valves on toilets and urinals
  • Automatic faucet shut offs in lavatories
  • Our High School is a Green Ribbon School

Our high school has two bike racks currently which accommodate 27 bicycles.  

The Food Services Department serves approximately 2,500 meals each school day using reusable trays and plates.

Drinks are served in recyclable cartons from the supply vendors.

As of November 1, 2022, all of the remaining styrofoam trays for elementary will have been phased out for a compostable paper option.  

Mt. Lebanon High School was honored by the U.S. Department of Education as 1 of 46 schools from across the United States to receive the distinction as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness for students and staff, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

RECs: Making Green Energy Possible