During a recent government meeting, representatives from Ameren Illinois presented a comprehensive carbon-free assessment program aimed at helping Peoria Public Schools achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The initiative, part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) legislation enacted in 2021, is designed to provide public school districts within Ameren's service territory with a roadmap for decarbonization.

Michael Pittman, a key figure from Ameren, expressed gratitude to the Peoria district for their collaboration, noting that they were the first district to undergo this assessment. The program involved a thorough evaluation of 34 school buildings, resulting in an extensive report that outlines various strategies for reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

The assessment report, which spans over 900 pages, includes an executive summary highlighting key findings such as potential electrification of vehicles, energy savings, and measures to enhance the health and safety of students and staff. The report also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency as a foundational step toward achieving carbon neutrality.

Adam Fields, a program manager from Leidos, detailed the six categories addressed in the assessment and shared insights on the potential for solar energy installations across the district's facilities. He indicated that implementing recommended solar solutions could lead to net-zero energy consumption for the district.

Chad Whitehead, an energy efficiency advisor, reiterated the importance of leveraging Ameren's resources to identify funding opportunities for energy projects. He encouraged the district to utilize a dedicated website that lists various grants and incentives available for energy efficiency improvements.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the district's ongoing master facilities plan, with Ameren representatives expressing their willingness to collaborate on integrating energy-efficient measures into future infrastructure projects. The board members acknowledged the thoroughness of the assessment and requested access to the presentation materials for further review.