RICHMOND, R.I. (WJAR) — The Chariho Regional School District is being recognized on a national stage for its sustainability and clean energy initiatives.

It’s the only district in Rhode Island to get the distinction.

“You feel like a small part of a big opportunity,” said Michael Comella, the assistant superintendent Chariho Regional School District.

The district has been selected by the United States Department of Energy as one of 60 nationwide to be a part of the Energy CLASS Program for the 2024-2025 school year.

CLASS stands for Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools.

“We’re on people’s radars now. We’re a district that when we get a grant, we take advantage of it,” said Comella.

“This one doesn’t come with money just yet but it’s part of a longer process,” Chariho Regional School District Superintendent Gina Picard.

The program aims to equip schools with resources and training to improve energy efficiency, adopt renewable energy technologies, and enhance indoor air quality.

The superintendent said students are all in.

“We went from eight bags of trash to one during a lunch period, so they’re really seeing the value of how they’re making a difference and how those little steps forward help make a larger impact,” said Picard.

The district also runs on solar power.

It has panels on campus to power the administration building, as well as acres of solar panels in Westerly to help power the rest of the district.

The goal now, Superintendent Picard said, is to build new, cost-effective Chariho elementary schools to replace some that have been well-loved for almost a century.

It’s a proposal Chariho residents have struck down as recently as this May, but Picard is hoping to see change.

“We’re doing our best due-diligence with the resources we have available, and now we are set up very nicely to be able to go to that next step,” said Picard.