SchoolHeroZ is transforming schools into net-zero buildings through digital energy monitoring, sustainable mobility education, and a governance framework that positions schools as community hubs for behaviour change among students, teachers, and parents. Year 1 established the technical and governance foundations. Six pilot schools were equipped with environmental and energy sensors. A key adaptation shaped the year: discovering a pre-existing network of 36 schools already sharing energy infrastructure led to a shift from high schools to elementary schools — enabling faster deployment and stronger data coherence. This required rethinking the engagement model: rather than a student mobile app, mobility education is now delivered in classrooms through teachers acting as "Ambassadors, " with parents engaged as the primary mobility decision-makers.