March 2024

Issue No. 10

Program Announcements

Funding for Facilities' Needs Webinar

On March 27 from 2-3pm EST, join the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program’s webinar to learn about funding for efficient and healthy school improvements. K-12 schools and their supporters will hear about federal funding opportunities, approaches to leverage state and local funds, and examples of how schools have creatively funded projects to improve their facilities and prepare for the future.

📣 Recognition Applications are Due April 5th!

Image: Maine Township High School, 2022-2023 Recognition Honoree

The deadline to submit for this year’s Recognition Program is rapidly approaching! There are just a few weeks left to get nationally recognized for school and/or district work related to improving energy performance, advancing resiliency, and/or promoting healthy learning environments. Anyone can apply, whether you are school or district staff or a program supporter who knows of a project that deserves some press. Check out some common questions and answers below:

Q: I have multiple projects I want to submit, how do I choose the right category

A: Great news! The same school or district can apply for recognition in multiple categories. If you have multiple projects, you can submit for recognition in multiple categories.

Q: How do I submit an application?

A: We have updated our format to an easy-to-complete form that you can start and return to anytime before the deadline on April 5, 2024. Just make sure to use the same device, and it will pick up where you leave off. Need to use another device to finish your application? Let us know and we can help. Want to see the full application in one place? Check out the PDF.

Q: I’m not sure how to respond to some of the questions, can you help?

A: Yes, we can help you think through what content to include and highlight. We have availability in the coming weeks to directly support you with your application — email schools@lbl.gov.

Q: Do you have any examples of projects that have received recognition in previous years? I need some inspiration.

A: We developed four case studies from last year's recognition, read more below! You can also see an overview of all honorees here.

Start your application!

Check out our Case Studies

Lincoln Public Schools: Retrofit Revolutionary

Katy Independent School District: Performance Pro

Boston Public Schools: Data Detective

Bellingham Public Schools: Solutions Strategist

June 2024 Schools Clean Energy and

IAQ Summit

Join us in Denver, CO on June 11-12 for the Summit on Bridging Clean Energy and Indoor Air Quality in Schools! This in-person training, jointly organized with the Center for Green Schools, will focus on the nexus of clean energy technologies for improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality in school operations, maintenance, and renovations.

School staff will connect with their peers and leave with resources and an action plan for identifying, implementing, communicating, and funding best practices for reducing energy use and improving indoor air quality. This event will also include a recognition ceremony and reception for this year’s honorees of the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program.

Other Events and Webinars

All about Energy:

Tools and Resources for Schools

On March 12, from 3-4pm EST, the Renew America's Schools Program is hosting a webinar to highlight how K-12 schools can use freely-available resources to pursue energy improvement projects. From identifying energy savings opportunities to estimating costs and more, these tools and resources can help school leaders develop strategic plans to lower energy costs and create safer, healthier learning environments. DOE will also share information on recent updates to the tools.

Loan Strategies for School Energy

Improvements: Part 1

On March 20 from 1-2pm EST the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Program and Loan Programs Office (LPO) are pleased to offer a joint webinar focused on schools. This webinar will provide information about

loan strategies applicable to school energy improvements.

K-12 Schools Portfolio Manager

EPA Listening Session

EPA is embarking on the largest upgrade to ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® in a decade, including refreshing the user interface, enhancing current functionality, and adding brand-new features. Enhancements will be released on a rolling basis starting in early 2024 and continuing for the next several years.

EPA seeks your feedback and input on the planned enhancements to Portfolio Manager. We are holding a listening session for K-12 schools on Monday, March 18, 1-3pm EST, and would value your participation. Look out for invitation from Cynthia Veit Maia of EPA in your calendar or inbox.

U.S Department of Energy's Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit

The U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit will be April 2-4, 2024 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. Secure your spot now for this engaging event to experience interactive sessions across 7 tracks with fellow industry stakeholders and experts, as well as special events, workshops, and peer networking opportunities. View this year's schedule in our 2024 Agenda At-a-Glance.

A limited number of travel stipends ($750 or $1,000 based on location) may be available upon request for representatives from K-12 school districts and energy/sustainability offices within a state or local government. See registration for more information.

Other News and Updates

ASHRAE Schools Partnership Program

ASHRAE is working on a multi-pronged effort to support ASHRAE Chapters to reach out to their local schools to share technical information on improving energy and indoor air quality. Currently, 14 Pilot ASHRAE Chapters have signed up. The program intends to engage with schools especially in disadvantaged or rural communities. Interested in being a part of this program? Learn more!

Learn more!

Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits Can Fund School Facilities Upgrades

New 2024 resource: U.S. Department of the Treasury Fact Sheet. Looking for a simple overview on how the IRA tax credits can fund school facilities upgrades and reduce school district energy bills? This webpage is geared towards a school audience.

Visit the fact sheet

UndauntedK12: New Resources on Schools and the IRA!

Are you ready to start a conversation with leaders in your district or state? Not sure where to start? Use our Inflation Reduction Act for Schools One-Pager to cover the basics and generate excitement for decision-makers to learn more!

View the one-pager