Renew America's Schools Grant

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

Purpose

To make energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fueled vehicle upgrades and improvements at public schools.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible entities include local educational entities; nonprofit, for-profit, and community organizations that have the knowledge and capacity to assist with energy improvements. See notes for more information on eligible project types.

Decarbonization Considerations

Eligible projects include energy efficiency (envelope, HVAC, lighting, controls, etc.), ventilation, renewable energy, alternative vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure improvements. Electric vehicles should be prioritized over other alternative fuel sources such as propane. Schools and their project partners should evaluate current emission profiles associated with their building stock, electricity use and generation sources, and student transportation and prioritize projects with the greatest greenhouse gas mitigation potential.

Equity Considerations

Rural schools and schools that serve a high percentage of students receiving a free and reduced price lunch are prioritized. Projects which improve building performance and energy efficiency may also improve indoor air quality. When evaluating school bus and student transportation projects, replacing older diesel buses which were manufactured prior to updated EPA regulations will have greater impacts on both greenhouse gas and conventional air pollutant emissions for students, workers, and surrounding communities.

Helpful Tips

Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity— (A) that has renovation, repair, and improvement funding needs; (B)(i) that, as determined by the Secretary, serves a high percentage of students, including students in a high school in accordance with paragraph (2), who are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); or (ii) the partnering local educational agency of which is designated with a school district locale code of 41, 42, or 43 [indicating rural locations], as determined by the National Center for Education Statistics in consultation with the Bureau of the Census; and (C) that leverages private sector investment through energy-related performance contracting.

Other Notes

There are 3 phases of the application. Phase 1: Portfolio and team, Phase 2: Strategic plan and energy audits, Phase 3: Implementation Eligible projects include projects that result in a direct reduction in school energy costs; leads to an improvement in teacher and student health, including indoor air quality and achieves energy savings; involves the installation of renewable energy technologies; installs alternative fueled vehicle infrastructure on school grounds for exclusive use of school buses or the general public; the purchase or lease of alternative fueled vehicles to be used by a school. See the list of FY24 awardees here: https://www.energy.gov/scep/2024-renew-americas-schools-prize-and-grant