Video: Inside the Initiative to Build Energy-Efficient Schools

The Energy Department is partnering with school districts around the country on the Zero Energy Schools Accelerator. The initiative hopes to cut down on energy waste in school buildings. Six school districts across the U.S. will collaborate on energy-efficient construction methods that are also cost competitive.

Discovery Elementary in Arlington, Virginia, is one of 40 of these zero-energy schools. Just recently built, it boasts solar roof-top panels and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

"It's going to be the future of how schools are built in this country," said David Nemtzow, director of the Building Technologies Office.

Overall, the school district saves $75,000 within its first full year of operation.

To learn more, check out the video below from the Energy Department: