What is The Clean Green Schools Initiative?

A New York State funded program which aims to create a healthier environment for students, teachers, administrators, and staff while advancing clean energy and energy efficiency solutions within School Districts and at specific Pre-K to 12 schools in all regions of the State. The Program is managed by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Is Your District Or School Eligible?

Over 2,500 existing public-school buildings across the State that are designated by the New York State Education Department as either High Needs or a Disadvantaged Community school are eligible.

What Are The Benefits of Enrolling My Schools?

By enrolling in the Program you will have the opportunity to receive funding from New York State to fund energy efficiency programs, heating and cooling projects, and energy education programs. The first round of funding, which was released in May 2022, totals $59 million.

How to Participate in This Program?

1. Districts or schools can either complete the registration paperwork, hire the consultants, hire the contractors, and implement construction projects OR they can choose to authorize a “Green Schools Project Advisor”, who has experience with NYSERDA, green projects and school capital projects, to administer the entire Program on behalf of the District or individual school.

2. If a District or School decides to utilize the services of a Green Schools Project Advisor all they need to do is sign two (2) NYSERDA Authorization Forms. As soon as the forms are signed the Green Schools Project Advisor will immediately enroll the District or Schools into the Program to begin the process of securing a portion of the monies available in the first year of the Program.

How Much Does It Cost To Participate?

NYSERDA has designed the program in two parts called, Track 1 and Track 2.

Track1 covers the analysis and studies of buildings to determine how those facilities can become more energy efficient. This part of the program is NO RISK and NO COST to the District or Schools.

Track 2 covers the implementation of projects through educational programs, construction projects, and training to students and staff on how to reduce energy use. This portion of the program is Competitive so funds will be allocated by NYSERDA depending on several factors. Those factors range from the type of energy efficiency measure, positive impact on the environment, and more. While Districts and Schools may be asked to make a financial commitment for their proposed efficiency measures, NYSERDA has indicated New York State may pay for most, if not all, of the associated costs in many cases.

For both Track 1 and 2 all funds provided by NYSERDA on behalf of the District or Schools are reimbursed directly to the Green Schools Project Advisor so there are minimal to no administrative costs for Districts and Schools.

What About Prior Energy Performance Contract Agreements?

1. The work in this program can cover replacement of outdated equipment.

2. Track 1 is for studies and planning and none of these activities should conflict with the terms and conditions of any prior EPC agreement.

3. The current ESCO can be hired for Track 2 implementation.

4. Schools or other buildings that did not participate in an EPC agreement are eligible for this Program.