S.B. 970 - Sustainable Schools Summary

• Establishes three new sustainability goals for Hawaii's Department of Education to achieve by January 1, 2035: net-zero energy use, zero-emission vehicles for all school transportation, and at least 50% plant-based proteins by weight in school meals.

• Requires the department to use 2015-2016 fiscal year energy consumption as the baseline benchmark for measuring progress toward the net-zero energy goal.

• Mandates the department expedite cooling of all public school classrooms to acceptable temperatures while maximizing energy efficiency and cost savings over the project's lifetime.

• Requires annual legislative reports no later than 20 days before each regular session covering progress on all three goals, including current inventories, implementation plans, costs, and recommendations.

• Takes effect upon approval.