May 2023

Issue No. 5

Join the Efficient and Healthy

Schools Campaign!

Are you a school or district looking to enhance your facilities?

Join our Campaign to access valuable support in three key areas:


  1. Access resources, tools, and webinars to improve energy efficiency, health, and resilience
  2. Receive one-on-one technical assistance tailored to your specific needs from subject-area experts
  3. Earn recognition for your efforts to improve school facilities, and share your success stories with peers


Join us! Already signed up? Contact us for assistance with any of the areas above!

Photo: Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Boulder Valley School District, Davis School District, and Newark Board of Education

Recognition Program Updates!

Stay tuned for notifications in early June!


Thank you to the nearly 25 school districts that submitted applications for either the Implementation or Planning Tracks! We will notify our applicants in June, followed by a virtual celebration in summer 2023. More details will be available soon.

Recent Webinars for Schools and Districts


Didn't take part in the recent round of Planning Track webinars? No problem! You can still learn by watching the recordings, helpful topics include:


  1. Building assessment tools for school energy retrofits
  2. Making the case to save energy and improve indoor environmental quality in schools
  3. Understanding greenhouse gas tracking and reporting in school districts, and more!

Energy Efficiency plus Health slides and recordings

Emissions Reduction and Resilience slides and recordings

Congratulations to Orleans Parish School Board!

New Orleans Public Schools (New Orleans, LA) and their partners aim to expand solar development and create a sustainable school district in a community servicing over 45,000 students, of which over 92% of students are non-white and over 80% are economically disadvantaged. More details!


Resources and Opportunities

Introducing the Smarter Small Buildings Campaign!

Introducing the Smarter Small Buildings Campaign: Advancing HVAC Rooftop Unit Performance

 

Did you know that advanced HVAC rooftop unit controls can save schools 10-20% on energy consumption? These digital systems optimize classroom comfort and efficiency by enabling efficient building control, reducing energy waste, and improving air quality. Additionally, they reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of components.


The U.S. Department of Energy and Berkeley Lab's Smarter Small Buildings Campaign provides free technical assistance and recognition opportunities to help school administrators and facilities managers achieve practical advanced rooftop control solutions.


To find out more, contact SSBC-Controls@lbl.gov or complete the online form to access resources that can enhance your school's HVAC controls, creating a healthier learning environment for students and staff.

New Buildings Institute is Hosting a Healthy/All-Electric Schools Webinar on May 24th!


Sign up here!


To celebrate Earth Day in 2022, New Buildings Institute (NBI) released the Decarbonization Roadmap Guide for School Building Decisionmakers. The guide outlines achievable goals that result in healthy, affordable, all-electric facilities, and explains common actions taken by leading districts to operationalize their carbon-neutral ambitions.

Department of Education Calling all School Supporters!

Make a School Infrastructure and Sustainability Commitment Today

The Department of Education invites national, regional, and local non-profits, foundations, businesses, and community-based organizations to share your bold commitment(s) to advance school sustainability, encompassing infrastructure, health, environmental sustainability education, climate, and environmental justice in America. 


  • Priority #1: Ensure equitable access to healthy, safe, sustainable, 21st-century physical learning environments.
  • Priority #2: Develop, maintain, and provide environmental sustainability learning, such as climate literacy, green workforce development, and outdoor learning.
  • Priority #3: Build capacity for infrastructure, sustainability, environmental justice, and climate mitigation and adaptation in schools.


Complete the online form to register your commitment by May 31st!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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To learn more, visit

efficienthealthyschools.lbl.gov