Sustainability
Sustainability Efforts at ClackCoKids
At ClackCoKids, sustainability is about creating healthier environments for children today while protecting resources for future generations. Across our agency, we are investing in innovative and practical solutions that reduce our environmental impact, strengthen community resilience, and provide meaningful learning opportunities for children.
Our sustainability efforts include renewable energy projects, battery storage for emergency preparedness, center gardens that allow children to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, composting programs that reduce waste after every meal, and the use of electric vehicles to help lower greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives not only support environmental stewardship but also provide hands-on experiences that help children learn about nature, conservation, and caring for their communities.
Through partnerships with community organizations, local governments, and energy providers, ClackCoKids is building a more sustainable future while demonstrating how early learning environments can serve as models of environmental responsibility. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating healthier, more resilient communities for the children and families we serve.
Spring Creek Solar & Resilience Project
ClackCoKids is proud to invest in a more sustainable and resilient future through the installation of a rooftop solar energy system and battery backup at our Spring Creek Early Learning Center. The project features a 63.8 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system paired with a 60 kWh battery storage system, helping to reduce energy costs, lower reliance on the electrical grid, and support long-term environmental stewardship.
The solar installation is expected to offset more than 65,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing the center's environmental impact while serving as a model for sustainability in early childhood education.
A key component of the project is the battery storage system, which provides backup power during outages and emergencies. This added resilience helps ensure that Spring Creek can continue operating when power is disrupted and serve as a safe, reliable resource for children, families, and the community when it is needed most.
As part of a broader renovation of the facility, the project demonstrates how renewable energy can support healthy learning environments while creating lasting benefits for future generations.
This project has been made possible by customers participating in PGE's Green Future℠ program through the PGE Renewable Development Fund.
Power Flow Dashboard
Growing Gardens, Growing Minds
At ClackCoKids, sustainability extends beyond solar energy. Our goal is to establish gardens at every center, creating hands-on learning opportunities for children while promoting healthy habits and environmental stewardship. Several centers have already begun growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, giving children the chance to plant, nurture, and harvest food right where they learn and play.
These garden spaces help children develop a deeper understanding of nature by allowing them to observe how plants grow from seed to harvest. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about healthy foods, responsibility, and the importance of caring for the environment, fostering skills and curiosity that can last a lifetime.
Composting for a Greener Future
ClackCoKids is committed to reducing waste and teaching children how small actions can make a big difference. Through our partnership with Clackamas County, children participate in composting after every meal, helping divert food waste from landfills and supporting a healthier environment.
By incorporating composting into their daily routines, children gain hands-on experience with sustainability and learn where food waste goes after it leaves their plates. These everyday practices help build environmental awareness from an early age while reinforcing the importance of caring for the world around us. Together, we're creating greener habits that benefit both our communities and future generations.
Driving Toward a Sustainable Future
Sustainability at ClackCoKids goes beyond our buildings and classrooms. As part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, one of our agency vehicles is fully electric, helping decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
By incorporating electric transportation into our operations, we are taking another step toward environmentally responsible practices that benefit our communities today and future generations. From renewable energy and composting to gardens and cleaner transportation, ClackCoKids is committed to building a more sustainable future for the children and families we serve.
