Atlanta, GA – Atlanta International School (AIS) finalized a solar energy procurement agreement (SEPA) with Cherry Street Energy. The innovative initiative will bring solar power to four AIS Buckhead campus facilities—four on the Main Campus and one at the Early Learning Center (ELC)—taking a long-term outlook on energy rates while demonstrating the school's commitment to environmental stewardship.
By partnering with Cherry Street Energy, AIS avoids over $500,000 in capital expenditure while securing decades of predictable energy costs and environmental benefits.
"This initiative provides both environmental leadership and crucial financial protection for our school's future," said Paul Saeger, Associate Head of School, Finance and Operations. "By hedging against rising energy costs while supporting our sustainability goals, we're ensuring that our resources can continue to focus on delivering world-class education to our students. This project demonstrates how environmental responsibility and fiscal responsibility can work hand in hand."
Under the energy purchase agreement, Cherry Street Energy will design, install, own and maintain solar energy systems across AIS facilities. The combined systems will generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 36 homes annually, while avoiding 189 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The solar installation will offset 24 percent of AIS's total energy consumption, supporting the school's alignment with UN sustainability goals.
"Atlanta International School represents the best of forward-thinking education—combining rigorous academics with real-world application and global citizenship," said Michael Chanin, Founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy. "This project brings energy technology to their campus that will provide reliable, predictable power to support their educational mission. Students will witness innovative thinking in action, seeing how advanced technology can solve real-world challenges."
One system, located on AIS’s Early Learning Center, has been built and energized. The other systems are currently under construction.
Atlanta International School is a private, non-profit, international, IB World School for 3K - Grade 12, featuring full and dual-immersion language programs. Learn more at aischool.org.
Media Contact: Emily Hands (404.841.3840)
Cherry Street Energy is the Southeast’s leading provider of on-site solar power to commercial and institutional customers. The company designs, installs, owns and operates industry-leading solar power systems for private customers such as Delta Air Lines, Porsche Cars North America and Gulfstream Aviation, and local governments such as the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and City of Savannah. Because Cherry Street owns these systems and sells the power, customers gain access to reliable, predictable energy generation at market rates with no capital investment. Learn more at cherrystreet.com
Media Contact: Ben Smith (bsmith@cherrystreetenergy.com)