The Baraga Area School building underwent a sustainable energy upgrade in 2008. The project included the replacement of all lighting with T-8 full spectrum fixtures throughout the entire district, installation of ceiling and roof-top energy recovery ventilators for all classrooms, replacement of domestic hot water systems to new energy efficiency units, installation of digital sensors and variable speed motor controls for the hot water heating system, replacement of exterior door sets and the upgrading of window weather stripping throughout the buildings.

The project included the incorporation of a computerized energy management system which can be assessed by administrators from anywhere with internet access. This energy upgrade was completed under a performance contract with a guaranteed energy savings percentage within each year of the 10 year payback of the loan agreement. The total cost of this project was just under $400,000. As a result of this energy conservation effort, the district was awarded the Energy Star award for 2009 and is currently in the application process for 2010. The school is not LEED certified; however; all emergency and exit lights have been converted to LEED.

In March of 2010 the district was awarded a renewable energy grant which will allow for the installation of a bank of canopy solar panels in the summer of 2010. Energy generation through the solar panel system will be monitored by a means of a software system which will be available to all classrooms in an effort to better educate the community and students on the benefits of solar generation. This grant includes a curriculum enhancement package on the benefits of energy conservation and green methods of generation as well as multiple days of professional development for teachers and administration staff.

The Baraga Area School is committed to conserving energy and reducing the carbon footprint whenever possible. In addition, the district continually updates curricular standards to include concepts of energy conservation and green generation of usable energy.