California has over 9,000 schools, with more than six million students.

The California Department of Education estimates that kindergarten-through-grade 12 schools spend $132 per student each year in energy costs. But by installing energy improvements, existing schools can often cut those energy costs by 15 to 20 percent. And designing and building new schools to be energy efficient can reduce energy costs by 20 to 40 percent, freeing up operating capital for other, more valuable purposes like more teachers and books.

Here are some of the options available to make schools more energy efficient.

• Bright Schools Program

• Cool Roof Program

• High Performance School