TUSD Climate Action & Sustainability

Resource & Energy Management

We continue to improve how we manage energy and resources across district facilities, focusing on efficiency, operational reliability, and long‑term cost savings. CASP supports our efforts as we evaluate strategies to reduce energy consumption, modernize building systems, and promote more sustainable daily operations across the district.

Water Conservation

We are improving water efficiency across district facilities by evaluating and implementing conservation strategies that reduce consumption and support long‑term stewardship. CASP strengthens these efforts by emphasizing responsible water use in both campus operations and site design. TUSD utilizes Calsense smart‑irrigation controls to better manage outdoor water use through weather‑based scheduling, flow monitoring, and leak detection, helping maintain landscapes while avoiding unnecessary irrigation. Several campuses also incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, including the system at Mary Belle McCorkle Academy of Excellence, which features a large‑capacity rainwater collection design that supports onsite irrigation needs.

Waste Diversion

We are strengthening districtwide waste‑reduction efforts by expanding recycling, composting, and reuse practices that reduce material sent to landfills. CASP supports this work by prioritizing waste‑diversion strategies that lower environmental impact and promote responsible material management across all campuses. TUSD operates a commingled recycling program, allowing sites to place mixed recyclables—such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals—into a single collection stream, making recycling easier and more accessible for staff and students. Several schools have also begun on‑site composting efforts, including cafeteria‑based food‑scrap collection and garden‑focused compost systems that turn organic waste into soil amendments for campus gardens and outdoor learning spaces. These initiatives help reduce landfill volumes while engaging students in hands‑on sustainability practices.

Sustainable Sourcing & Wellness

We continue to strengthen sustainable sourcing and wellness practices across the district by increasing access to nutritious, environmentally responsible meal options. CASP supports this work by promoting healthier food systems, reducing environmental impact, and greater use of responsible purchasing practices. TUSD Food Services is already expanding plant‑based meal options, increasing the use of locally sourced products, and enhancing menu offerings that support student health and sustainability goals. These efforts help reduce our operational footprint while providing students with fresh, balanced, and culturally relevant meals.

Engagement & Environmental Justice

We work to ensure all students and communities benefit equitably from sustainability improvements by focusing resources where needs are greatest. CASP strengthens this commitment by emphasizing fair access to healthy, resilient learning environments and prioritizing investments that support historically underserved communities. TUSD already advances this work by prioritizing retrofits for schools serving low‑income communities, helping ensure that facility upgrades address both environmental and social needs.

Community Engagement

We invite staff, students, and community members to participate in charrettes, town halls, and planning discussions to help shape district sustainability initiatives.

Education & Careers

We continue to expand learning opportunities that prepare students for future green‑career pathways and support climate literacy across grade levels. CASP strengthens this effort by emphasizing sustainability education, hands‑on learning, and the development of skills aligned with emerging clean‑energy and environmental fields. TUSD is already advancing these goals through climate curriculum, AP Environmental Science expansion, and CTE programs.

Outdoor Experiences

We expand access to outdoor learning environments that connect students with the natural world and support hands‑on environmental education. CASP supports this work by encouraging the use of outdoor spaces as extensions of the classroom and promoting project‑based learning that builds environmental stewardship. TUSD already provides these opportunities through school gardens and outdoor learning spaces, including the use of Camp Cooper Environmental Learning Center.

Food Systems

Food Service is expanding plant‑based meal options and increasing the use of locally sourced, sustainable ingredients to promote student health while reducing environmental impacts. CASP strengthens these efforts by ensuring that food‑service decisions support lower‑carbon operations, responsible procurement practices, and equitable access to nutritious, culturally relevant meals across all campuses.

Pest Management

TUSD integrates Pest Management (IPM) standard, which prioritizes prevention, least‑toxic control methods, and safe application practices to maintain healthy learning environments. CASP emphasizes reducing chemical use, protecting indoor air quality, and supporting long‑term environmental stewardship across all campuses. These practices ensure that pest‑management decisions align with district sustainability goals while upholding rigorous safety standards for students, staff, and the surrounding community.

Funding & Reporting

CASP supports these efforts by establishing clear expectations for how sustainability projects are planned, funded, and assessed over time. TUSD leverages a range of available funding sources—including grants, tax incentives, and bond allocations—to advance energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and resource‑management improvements that align with district priorities and long‑term operational goals.

The greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory baseline report was conducted for Tucson Unified School District per Policy ECF Climate Action and Sustainability, prepared by Alyssa Fink and Dr. Philip Stoker of the University of Arizona’s Drachman Institute, found that TUSD emitted 63,194 metric tons of CO₂e in FY2024, with grid‑purchased electricity accounting for 60% of total emissions. The report identifies major opportunities to reduce emissions through energy retrofits, expanded solar and storage, waste diversion, electrification, and focusing on high‑consuming facilities to meet TUSD’s climate goals.

Read the full report here
Report appendix