Schools in Arizona have been recognised for increasing their usage of green energy.

Arizona’s Dysart Unified School District (USD), which includes 25 schools, has committed to saving 20% of its energy in 10 years .

The district is on its way towards meeting an ambitious goal of implementing solar energy in each each school.

It is part of the US Energy Department’s Better Buildings Challenge which aims to cut energy waste in the nation’s buildings.

David Danielson, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy said: “The district’s commitment to pursue sustainable practices offers a replicable model for other school districts in the nation to follow so they too can reap the benefits of clean energy technologies.”

Dysart USD has already achieved 10% energy savings since 2011 and its Better Buildings Challenge showcase project achieved 16% energy savings.

That’s $44,000 (£28,000) in cost savings each year.