U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm highlighted the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to showcase scalable and replicable clean energy models that will enhance the health and safety of K-12 schools in a statement on June 29. These initiatives are in alignment with President Biden's Investing in America agenda and will have a positive impact nationwide, Granholm said.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE is demonstrating scalable and replicable clean energy models that will create healthier and safer K-12 schools,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said, according to a DOE press release issued on June 29.
On June 29, the DOE announced the recipients of the first round of funding for the Renew America’s Schools grant program, according to the press release. This competitive award will provide approximately $178 million to 24 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in 22 states, supporting energy improvements in K-12 schools nationwide. With this historic investment, around 74,000 students and 5,000 teachers in 97 school buildings across America will benefit from lower energy costs, reduced emissions and improved learning environments.
“The future of America goes through the schoolhouse door. There’s nothing more critical than investing in the health and education of our nation’s kids,” Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said, according to the DOE press release. “Because of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, 74,000 children will reap the benefits of schools that are more comfortable, energy efficient, and safe.”
According to a DOE press release, over half of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are in need of updating or replacing various building systems and features in their school facilities. The recent applications for the Renew America’s Schools grant highlight this need, with 78% of applicants seeking improvements in HVAC systems, 55% requesting upgrades in lighting, 41% aiming for enhanced building controls and 30% seeking improvements to the building envelope.
As part of the application process, the Local Education Agencies (LEAs) have pledged specific economic and environmental advantages to the communities where the projects will be implemented, as mandated by the DOE, according to its press release. Among the commitments made, two of the five projects located on Tribal lands have promised to prioritize construction job opportunities for Tribal members, and another project has committed to prioritizing apprenticeship opportunities for local youth.
