DOE issues RFI for $500 million Energy Efficiency grant program for public schools
The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a $500 million grant program from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for K-12 public school energy upgrades as part of the Biden-Harris Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure.
The program intends to deliver cleaner, healthier school infrastructure and include energy upgrades, like the installation of renewable energy technologies, alternative-fueled vehicle infrastructure and transition to electric school buses.
The changes will contribute towards achieving President Biden’s net-zero economy goals by 2050.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm explained, “Children should be able to learn and grow in environments that are not plagued with poor insulation and ventilation, leaky roofs, or poor heating and cooling. President Biden fought for these funds to give schools and their communities the resources they need to improve student and teacher health and cut energy costs, allowing districts to focus more resources on student learning.”
Many public schools require energy improvements. For schools, energy consumption is the second-highest operational expense. A significant portion of energy is lost because of leaky school walls and the use of inefficient equipment and systems.
Public school facilities that undergo energy improvements will see a direct reduction in energy costs, including heating and air conditioning. Funding will support improvement, repairs, renovations and installation.
The deadline to submit the RFI is May 18.
