The 1000 Friends of Iowa has announced their 2019 Best Development Award Winners and the Knoxville Community School Districts renewable energy project was named as a recipient. Award winners are recognized because they exemplify considerate, sustainable connections between built structures, land, and natural resource development and quality of life. With 11 of its 12 facilities installing solar systems, 92% of the Knoxville School District’s electricity is now supplied by solar energy. Financed with a power purchase agreement with Red Lion Renewables, a previous Innovative Leadership winner, the district expects to save $8500 annually and reduce carbon emissions by 1,235 tons per year over the 30 year lifetime of the arrays. Additionally, live data sharing is available between arrays, and a tool is under development to use this data for student lessons. The district will receive their award during a special ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol Buildings 1st Floor Rotunda on Tuesday, January 21st from noon to 1 p.m.