Uncasville, CT (October 2, 2025) – Buckley Elementary School is powered by the Sun, figuratively and literally, as the Connecticut Sun shines a light on the school’s sustainability initiatives, while a solar SmartFlower helps energize the entire 67,357 square foot building. In celebration of Green Sports Day, the Sun visited Buckley Elementary School on Wednesday, October 1 to tour the net zero energy school and have a discussion with students and community members about green energy in sports as well as surrounding Connecticut areas.

As New England’s first net zero energy school, Buckley Elementary generates the same amount of energy that it consumes. The renovated building officially re-opened in fall of 2022 after being gutted down to the framing to improve insulation, replacing windows to allow better balance for solar heat, and installing solar panels for energy demands. Spaces were reconfigured and added, including a STEM lab, to align with the school’s 21^st century learning goals, as the building was originally built in 1952.

To tip off the event, a meaningful conversation was held with three Buckley students about their favorite aspects of the school and their career aspirations. As they reflected on becoming marine biologists, teachers, and professional soccer players, they discussed how green energy helps them currently and how it would help their future careers. With its shiny black panels, all three students affectionally commented on the first thing they see upon arriving at the building, “the solar sunflower, which powers the whole school.” Additionally, the students mentioned the STEM lab, where they can complete fun science projects while monitoring the school’s energy consumption.

After speaking to the students, Michael Scott, one of the architects, conducted a tour of the renovated building. As the Connecticut Sun captured footage to release a virtual tour of the Net Zero facility, Scott showed the group certain changes made to improve insulation, reserve energy, and ensure efficiency. As the event concluded, Connecticut Sun community relations manager Shamare Holmes conducted a roundtable discussion with architect Michael Scott, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, and Manchester Schools Superintendent Matt Geary about the importance of Buckley and the impact it has on the students and surrounding communities.

Green Sports Day was developed by the Green Sports Alliance as a worldwide celebration of the positive impact sports can have for people and the planet. The Green Sports Alliance is an organization leveraging the cultural and market influence of sports and entertainment to promote healthy, sustainable communities through education and congregation. The Connecticut Sun is the first WNBA team to join the Green Sports Alliance and help drive sustainable change across the sports and entertainment industry.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For more information on the team’s community events and initiatives visit https://sun.wnba.com/community. To purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

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