November 2024

Issue No. 14

Program Announcements

Bright Futures: Technologies Transforming Schools Webinar

On November 14 from 2-3pm EST, join the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program team to learn about how two school districts successfully implemented new technologies that have transformed their schools.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE), a 2023-2024 Efficient and Healthy Schools Program recognition honoree, will join us to share information about their innovative solar arrays project. HSE used this project as an opportunity to integrate solar into their K-12 curriculum.

You’ll also hear from the U.S. Department Energy’s Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator about how they are advancing the development and adoption of heat pump rooftop units (RTUs) to achieve integrated energy efficiency and electrification of buildings. The Los Angeles Unified School District will discuss their experience of implementing this technology to transition to all electric heating and cooling.

2024-2025 Recognition Applications are Due December 20.

IDEA Public Schools, TX, 2023-2024 Recognition Honoree (credit: The Unfound Door).

Apply today and showcase your national leadership in achieving substantial energy savings and enhancing the learning environment at your school or district! Anyone can apply, whether you are a school or district staff, or a program supporter who knows of a project that deserves some spotlight. Check out success stories from prior year’s honorees here to see their examples.

Q: What are the categories that the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program is looking to recognize?

A: Schools or districts can apply for recognition in one or multiple categories listed below. You can access the submission form, or take a look at what information to submit by downloading this PDF. If you are unsure which category to select, reach out to us at schools@lbl.gov so that we can assist you.

Start Your Submission Today!

Other Events and Webinars

Center for Green Schools: Green Schools Spec Writing Workshop

Sign up for an interactive workshop organized by the Center for Green Schools on December 9-10 in Washington, D.C. School district sustainability and capital planning staff will learn tools to develop comprehensive green specifications for construction and renovation projects. Attendees will problem-solve around common challenges and collaborate with expert spec writers to develop contract language and material selection that promotes health, reduces embodied carbon, and enhances sustainability impact. This training is limited to K-12 staff only.

Windows of Opportunity: Reduce Costs & Bird Collisions with Energy-Efficient Retrofits

On November 14 (12pm Pacific | 3pm Eastern), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE's) Renew America’s Schools Program is hosting a webinar in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildfire Services (FWS) about how to upgrade doors and windows for energy efficiency while keeping wildlife safe. Speakers from DOE and FWS will discuss ways that bird-safe windows intersect with energy efficiency goals, toolkits to prevent collisions, and low to no-cost solutions that organizations can employ.

Resources for Schools

Testing Integrated Retrofit Measures for Schools

Recognizing school needs for improved efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ), Berkeley Lab’s Beyond Widgets team identified retrofit measures that can deliver significant energy savings and improve indoor environmental conditions. The team combined energy saving measures into system packages that improve cost-effectiveness and energy impact. Read this technical handout to learn about energy simulation results for the packages using a typical school building reference model. One exemplary package was further tested in Berkeley Lab’s FLEXLAB^® facility to validate energy savings and IAQ implications.

NASEO Report: How State Energy Offices Can Support Schools

NASEO (National Association of State Energy Officials) has released a new publication, Energy Efficient and Healthy K-12 Public School Facilities: Opportunities for State Energy Offices and State Education Agencies to Collaborate, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Office. This report details how State and Territory Energy Offices can work with State Education Agencies and other partners to broaden capacity and provide technical assistance to K-12 school districts on designing and operating sustainable, energy efficient, and healthy public school facilities. Schools can access NASEO’s State Led School Energy Programs map to view notable facilities-focused energy and indoor air quality programs from various agencies in their state.

Extreme Heat Resiliency Webinar Recording

This past webinar, hosted by the Center for Green Schools, focused on extreme heat mitigation strategies at schools and schoolyards, and included discussions about ventilation systems and resilience power systems. Watch the webinar recording to learn from case studies and research presented by school leaders and field experts.

Watch the Recording

Climate-Resilient Schools Webinar Recording

This past webinar, presented by Climate Central and their partners, discusses the impacts of changing climate on students’ physical and mental well-being, learning experiences, and academic performance. The panel presented strategies and addressed obstacles in building climate-resilience schools that safeguard children’s health and support effective learning environments.

Watch the Recording

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

To learn more, visit

efficienthealthyschools.lbl.gov