ESO - Who We Are
Who We Are
LA Unified's Sustainability Vision
LA Unified is committed to being the greenest and most sustainable large urban school district in the nation.
LAUSD's Eco-Sustainability Office
Sustainable Development is defined as 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (United Nations General Assembly document A/42/427). LAUSD's Sustainability Practices Policy requires that we act in ways that preserve and protect our natural resources and the health of our air, water, and soil.
In addition to providing world-class TK-12 education, LAUSD recognizes its responsibility to nurture and develop students, staff, and communities through sustainable practices, education, and professional training that will benefit our schools and communities.
In 2007, the Board of Education passed a resolution titled Green LAUSD, directed the superintendent to establish a "green" accountability system outlining measurable outcomes for sustainability, and declared LAUSD's commitment to being the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly large urban school district in the Country. In response, the Sustainability Initiatives Unit (SIU) was established in 2008 as a part of the Facilities Services Division. In 2023, the Board appointed the Chief Eco-Sustainability Officer, Christos Chrysiliou, and established the Eco-Sustainability Office (ESO).
ESO is committed to creating a sustainable and resilient school district focused on the health of our students, teachers, and staff. Our team of experts specializes in the development of sustainability strategies, policies, and protocols, management of energy and water conservation projects, sustainable design certification, and implementation of emerging sustainability technologies. Development of awareness and communications strategies, cultivation of partnerships with community-based organizations, and application for rebates and incentives related to sustainable projects and design.
Eco-Sustainability Office's Mission
Eco-Sustainability Office Goals
- Improve the learning environment & student health
- Protect the natural environment & resources
- Conserve General Fund dollars to be used for education & job training
- Build and operate healthy, energy and water efficient, sustainable schools
- Provide experiential learning & prepare students for the green economy
- Create a culture of environmental stewardship
- Increase green space
- Reduce Energy Consumption by 20% by 2024 from a 2014 baseline
- Reduce Water Consumption by 20% by 2024 from a 2014 baseline
- 100% Clean, Renewable Energy for electricity use by 2030
- Electrify 100% of All Energy Sectors by 2040
- 30% Green Space minimum for all District school sites by 2035
- 20% Shaded Space minimum for all District school sites by 2035