10,545 school buildings • 730 million ft² of buildings • 1.6 million MT of CO2 emissions* per yr
California has clear, ambitious statewide climate goals.
But without leadership and a clear vision, districts risk making scattered, poor investments with current and future resources for school infrastructure.
We are working with advocates, policy makers, state and local leaders to align funding and technical support for healthy, equitable, climate-resilient school infrastructure.
We’re on the Governor’s Desk!
Last February, the California Legislature introduced three new bills aimed at advancing healthy, sustainable, and climate-resilient schools. We are thrilled to announce that these three bills are now on Governor Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature.
California Youth Climate Policy Fellowship Kicks Off 2nd Annual Cohort
This August, we launched the second annual cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Fellowship in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter.
Spotlight on: Santa Barbara USD’s Microgrid
As part of our partnership with CCEE and Ten Strands, we’re shining a spotlight on Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Microgram, which will save $17 million over 28 years while protecting critical school infrastructure like freezers, internet, and emergency shelters from power outages.
UndauntedK12 supports Proposition 2, California’s School Infrastructure Bond
UndauntedK12 and Ten Strands support Proposition 2, California’s first state-wide school bond to acknowledge the impact of climate change and the need to align school spending with our mitigation and adaptation goals.
SB 1182 and SB 1374 advance through the Senate and head to the Assembly
Our bills to protect solar at schools and make California the first state in the country with a plan for climate-resilient schools both passed through the Senate and are now with committees in the Assembly.
Applications are open for our Youth Climate Policy Program
Share the application link with young people in your network, or email us with nominations. There are also opportunities to serve as an adult mentor, if you’re interested.
A new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
We have a new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and Ten Strands to support district and county leaders with resources and tools for climate resilience.
Our ‘24 Agenda for Climate Ready California Schools
This year, we’re working on bills, bonds, and big ideas to advance climate resilient schools in California’s legislature.
Championing a Revolving Loan Fund and Technical Assistance Program
Read our letter about how California’s Green Bank can support a just transition to school decarbonization.
Empowering Youth Leaders: California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program
This July, we launched the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay.
Virtual Policy Forum: Protecting Student Health and Learning with Heat-Resilient Schools
RSVP here for a virtual policy forum about what California policy makers can do to advance equitable access to climate-resilient school infrastructure on December 12, 2023.
The fight to keep solar at schools affordable
California’s Public Utility Commission (CPUC), is considering changes to the way solar is aggregated on sites like schools, farms, and multifamily housing. These changes would reduce the cost savings of solar by 75%, and we are actively fighting their adoption.
Our Statement on Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 394
Governor Newsom’s decision to veto a bill that would have helped schools get the upgrades they need is a misstep in a state that makes claims to lead on climate and equity.
SB394 passes California legislature and now awaits Gov. Newsom’s signature
We wanted to share the exciting news that the California legislature passed SB 394 last week.
SB 394 voted off suspense in Assembly
We wanted to share the exciting news that the Assembly Appropriations Committee voted SB 394 off the suspense file this morning.
SB394 makes progress in the Assembly — decision by Appropriations Committee coming soon!
This summer SB 394 advanced through the Assembly committees on Natural Resources and Education, and was referred to the committee on Appropriations. On Friday, September 1, Appropriations will announce which of the hundreds of bills in its purview are to be released “off suspense” for a vote on the Assembly floor in this legislative session.
SB394 unanimously passes the Senate!
SB 394 (Gonzalez) passed out of the California State Senate in a bipartisan, unanimous 39-0 vote and is now headed to the Assembly for consideration.
The Climate Ready Schools Coalition’s Response to Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revise
California's reduced budget means lawmakers have some tough decisions to make. But one thing seems like an easy YES: Taking advantage of the billions of federal dollars available from the IRA to create healthy schools for all CA kids.
A Virtual Policy Forum on Climate-Resilient California Schools
Please join us for a policy forum on how California can create climate-resilient schools for all TK-12 school children!
Climate-Resilient California Schools: A Call to Action
Amid fires, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and other climate-driven disasters and health hazards, California’s leading experts in children’s health and education have come together to call for a cost-effective, ten year $150 billion investment to ensure K-12 public schools can remain open and provide safe and healthy places for California's children to learn and grow.
Selected State Policies and Resources
State Auditor: School Facilities Program (2022)
Legislative Analyst's Office: Climate Change Impacts Across California: K-12 Education (2022)
CDE: Blueprint for Environmental Literacy (2015)
CDE: Schools of the Future Report (2011)
CA Climate Adaptation Strategy (2021)
CA Extreme Heat Action Plan (2022)
* The carbon emissions we estimate above are related specifically to operating school buildings.