GLOW Academy begins electrifying its school bus fleet.

By Will Atwater

Girls Leadership Academy in Wilmington is working to reduce its carbon footprint.

In 2023, with the support of Cape Fear Solar Systems, the school, also known as GLOW, became one of the “Top 10 Largest Solar Schools in the World.” [users of solar panels] According to information provided by the company, “It is the largest solar system in New Hanover County and the largest school-based solar system in eastern North Carolina.”

The state's only single-sex public charter school, the STEM-based academy for 6- to 12-year-olds, didn't stop there: To further its eco-friendly efforts, the school turned to a fleet of nine diesel school buses, which the school uses to shuttle students from New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties, according to Jen Wilson-Mathis, director of enrollment and outreach.

Last year, GLOW Academy applied for a grant from the Biden Administration's Clean Bus School Rebate Program, a $500 million program to improve the emissions performance of the nation's bus fleet. GLOW was on the waiting list for the program's second round, but its persistence paid off when it was approved for $900 million in the program's second round. The academy will receive $365,000 to cover the cost of purchasing one of its electric buses.

“As a nonprofit, we're looking at different ways to save money,” Wilson-Mathis said. “Electric buses help us save on fuel costs, and ultimately having a reliable vehicle is crucial to us.”

According to information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, diesel exhaust has been linked to adverse health effects, including asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and can worsen heart and lung disease in children and older adults.

Scientists have warned that unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could have detrimental effects on human health, including an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases caused by pollution. Global climate change due to rising emissions could lead to an increase in diseases transmitted by insects that survive warmer winters, more deaths from heatstroke, and other adverse effects, such as more extreme storms and other weather events.

Recent heatwaves have been particularly severe in the southeastern U.S., where climate models predict temperatures will soar in coming decades. Despite these predictions, a 2023 Duke University study found that states are lagging behind in planning for increased heatwaves.

Nationwide promotion

The Biden Administration's 2023 Clean Bus School Rebate Program pledged $500 million to “further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution that fuels the climate crisis, and accelerate American leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future,” according to a release announcing the program. Demand quickly outpaced the allocated amount. As a result, the Administration announced the third installment of a $900 million school bus rebate program last week, which will provide 3,400 school buses to about 530 school districts, according to the release.

“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Invest in America plan is designed to do just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “and [the] With our latest round of funding, we will transform the nation's school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo — our children — while saving school districts money, improving air quality, and strengthening American manufacturing, all at the same time.”

North Carolina is set to receive nearly $20 million to help purchase 59 electric school buses, with 14 school districts across the state set to receive the funding. Of the 10,871 school buses currently operating statewide, only 14 are electric, according to data provided by the North Carolina Department of Education.

As part of the federal effort, President Biden wants half of auto sales to be electric by 2030.

EVs are becoming more popular in North Carolina

In 2018, with an eye toward a more sustainable future for North Carolinians, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 80, one of whose goals was to increase the state's “registered zero-emission vehicles” to 80,000 by 2025. In March, the Governor's office announced that the state had reached that goal of registered zero-emission vehicles two years early.

As school districts consider adding electric vehicles to their fleets through federal grant programs, Walt Brandenberg, senior account manager for Blue Bird Bus, said electric school buses have their advantages, but it's important to consider all the costs associated with the purchase.

The average amount given to priority or (high-need) schools/districts to purchase electric school buses through federal reimbursement programs is $365,000. Brandenburg said the actual cost of an electric school bus is between $390,000 and $400,000.

“The bus fare eats up my entire $365,000 deduction,” he said, “so I have to pay the rest myself. [owed] EV bus and charger [cost]. “

Brandenburg recommends that rural areas and other areas that operate long-distance bus routes to transport students to and from school choose the highest kilowatt-capacity battery and pair it with a Level 3 (fast charger).

“EVs aren't for everyone. If you're within the capacity of your battery, you can go out, pick up your kids, come back and charge it.” [Then] Pick up the kids, come back, plug them in, charge them overnight, and that's all you need. It doesn't get any better than that.”

Wilson Mathis said the federal reimbursement program aligns with GLOW Academy's goals for students.

“We're really trying to create a generational change here,” she said. “You just have to look at what we're doing in the schools to see how solar power and electric buses can create a generational change.”