U.S. Energy Department Announces $180 Million for Energy Upgrades in Schools

The U.S. Energy Department on March 20 opened applications for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, earmarking $180 million for school districts nationwide. The initiative aims to support strategic partnerships to implement energy upgrades in K-12 schools. The funding, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting healthier learning environments by focusing on improving indoor air quality in schools. The investment adds to the Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure launched in 2022 to upgrade public schools with healthy, safe, sustainable facilities and transportation.

The department seeks competitive proposals that would conduct energy assessments and building improvement projects across a portfolio of ten or more school facilities, spanning multiple districts. Winners progress through phases, starting with a $300,000 cash prize in Phase 1 and those entering Phase 2 and 3 will execute agreements with the department. Awards for the second and third phases depend on the portfolio size, and could range from $7.5 million to $15 million.  The program will prioritize proposals capable of demonstrating replicable partnership models, increase the effectiveness of federal funds, allow access to more school communities, and prompt additional investments in the K-12 energy sector.

The prize supports the the Justice40 Initiative, which directs at least 40 percent of benefits flow to underserved communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and underinvestment, thereby promoting environmental justice and community development.

Last year, the Renew America’s Schools grant, the first round of funding under the Renew America’s Schools Program invested $178 million in more than 90 school facilities across 22 states.

Submissions for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize are due by June 13.