Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) is leading the way in sustainability with a bold transition to electric school buses. As the sixth-largest school district in Pennsylvania serving over 13,000 students across 22 schools, BASD is initiating extensive energy conservation efforts. Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, BASD plays a crucial role in its community, not only as an educational institution but also a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. The district’s commitment to clean energy and conservation is reflected in its dedication to fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for students and residents. 

While BASD had been focused on sustainable energy use for many years, the City of Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, passed in 2021, served as a catalyst for BASD’s fleet electrification efforts. The plan emphasizes the need to electrify public and private fleets—including school buses— to combat climate change and improve air quality. Recognizing its role as one of the city’s largest energy consumers, BASD embraced this vision and leveraged the Climate Action Plan as a framework to accelerate sustainability initiatives. By integrating clean transportation into its broader energy strategy, the district is reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing community health and environmental stewardship.

When the City asked us to contribute to the Climate Action Plan, we saw an opportunity to align our goals with broader community efforts…Given our success with solar energy, we asked, why not take the next step with electric school buses? 

Mark Stein, Chief Operations Officer Bethlehem Area School District

Moving forward with Electric School Buses

BASD took significant steps toward sustainability fifteen years ago when it installed solar panels across five schools. The district powers 10% of its electricity needs with 1.6 megawatts of solar capacity, and two elementary schools are generating 100% of their electricity needs with on-site solar power. 

In 2024, the district introduced its first two electric school buses (ESBs), a purchase enabled by  a $1 million state grant secured by state Senator Lisa Boscola. Additionally, a $2 million EPA grant partially funded the addition of 10 more ESBs by partnering with Highland Electric Fleets, which are expected to arrive in December 2025. The twelve ESBs will comprise 10% of BASD’s district-owned fleet, optimizing its transportation system for greater efficiency and sustainability. By removing 12 diesel buses from the road, BASD is saving approximately 150,000 miles of diesel emissions annually. This is the equivalent of driving a bus from Bethlehem to Disneyland in California, then to Disney World in Orlando, and back to Bethlehem 24 times.

The shift to ESBs aligns with Bethlehem’s environmental health priorities, particularly as the Lehigh Valley ranks among the worst areas in the nation for asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While health concerns were not an initial catalyst, the district recognizes the significant benefits of reduced emissions and quieter operations. Diesel pollution is linked to respiratory issues and cognitive development challenges, making the transition to electric buses an investment in student well-being.

Reducing pollutants has the most profound impact on health—not just respiratory health, but also cardiovascular and cognitive development. We’re shaping a healthier future for our kids by making these changes now.

Brian Hillard, a BASD parent and local sustainability advocate

Sustainability leads to savings

BASD’s sustainability strategy extends beyond transportation. Since 2010, almost every BASD building has achieved the Energy Star rating, prioritizing energy efficiency. The district also emphasized that everyday behavioral changes—such as turning off lights and reducing unnecessary power consumption—and other low cost or not cost strategies are fundamental to energy management. These simple yet impactful strategies have saved BASD over $20 million over the last 13 years by optimizing building operations, implementing LED lighting, maintaining HVAC systems, and introducing demand response strategies. 

Education and community engagement play a crucial role in BASD’s sustainability efforts. The district has implemented student-led initiatives, such as elementary school “energy patrols” that encourage energy conservation habits. High school students have opportunities to engage in real-world applications of sustainability, including tracking energy savings and learning about building controls. Additionally, BASD collaborates with neighboring Lehigh University and other partners to study the long-term impact of its clean energy transition, sharing data that could inform future research and policy.

Bethlehem’s leadership in sustainability offers valuable lessons for other districts considering similar initiatives. BASD’s experience underscores the importance of proactive planning, leveraging available funding, and taking incremental steps toward a greener future. 

“There will be bumps in the road, but the key is to lean forward, learn from others, and make the commitment and move ahead,” Stein advised. 

Whether through major projects like solar power and ESBs or simple conservation measures, BASD demonstrates that sustainability, community health, and fiscal responsibility can go hand in hand—ultimately benefiting students, families, and the broader community.