Woodland Hills Humanities Magnet Energy HEROES received $25,000 for their efforts to teach students about energy conservation and efficiency practices. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power)

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide over $100,000 towards their HEROES for Zero Contest, an initiative promoting energy conservation and education among Los Angeles youth. As part of the “HEROES for Zero” Contest, LAUSD instructed their schools on the optimal use of renewable energy and challenged LAUSD students to find ways to save energy and boost energy efficiency. Participating schools submitted videos showcasing their energy efficiency projects which ranged from constructing model solar panel shades for outdoor playgrounds to developing brochures that advocate for energy conservation practices to hosting school-wide sustainability weeks.

The top three teams – Castelar Elementary School, Woodland Hills Humanities Magnet and Santee Education Complex – each earned $25,000 toward sustainability initiatives at their schools. Additionally, seven semi-finalists were awarded $5,000 each: Eagle Rock Elementary, Noble Avenue Elementary, Open Magnet Charter School, Pacoima Middle School, Elizabeth Learning Center, Chatsworth Charter High School and G+STEAM Magnet Center, and Cesar Chavez Learning Academies. All schools received their checks at LAUSD’s contest recognition ceremony in May. Funding for the contest was provided by LADWP’s Distributed Energy Solutions Division, which oversees the largest public power portfolio of energy efficiency programs in the nation.

“We’re proud of our young heroes whose creativity and commitment to energy efficiency are paving the way for Zero Net Energy schools. Thank you to LADWP for the continuous support and congratulations to all 2023–24 HEROES for Zero Contest participants,” LAUSD’s chief eco-sustainability officer, Christos Chrysiliou, said.

“Our ongoing partnership with LAUSD has resulted not only in significant energy savings but also in building awareness and environmental stewardship among L.A.’s youth,” Janisse Quiñones, LADWP CEO and chief engineer, said. “With programs like HEROES for Zero, we can advance sustainability efforts with real impacts today while ensuring that the next generation can carry on the same commitment to conservation and a clean energy future.”

For information visit lausd.org /Page/19869.