COMMUNITY ADVOCATES FOR CLEAN ENERGY
Clean Energy Schools
These funding mechanisms empower schools to embrace sustainability, foster healthier learning environments, and provide students valuable opportunities to engage with renewable energy technologies.
EPA Clean School Bus Program (CSB)
Five billion dollars are available through multiple rounds over five years (Fiscal Years 2022-2026) to replace existing diesel school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Expect the next round of grant applications by fall 2024.
Eligibility: public school districts, charter schools, and fleet operators in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and Tribal nations. Some funding is allocated to priority high-need, rural, or Tribal schools.
Clean School Bus Program | US EPA
Electric School Bus Technician Database
https://generation180.org/electrify-our-schools/electrify-our-school-buses/
Nearly 250 electric school buses are being deployed across the state, with support from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and state grant programs. Pittsburgh Public Schools leads the state with 65 zero-emission buses on the way. View Generation180's map showing what Pennsylvania school districts will benefit from cleaner air and reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
As of April 2024, 20 public school districts are deploying 241 electric school buses in Pennsylvania. These electric school buses (ESBs) make up less than 0.8% of the state’s 30,000+ school buses on the road.
PA SOLAR SCHOOL MAP
Are you curious about finding a school with solar energy near you? How does your Pennsylvania stand in terms of solar adoption by schools? Please take a moment to explore the map from our latest report (Generation 180). It's an empowering tool that sheds light on our progress towards a more sustainable future. Your interest and engagement can make a real difference. Let's illuminate the path together!
Pennsylvania colleges and universities are leading the way in the transition to clean energy. Swarthmore uses 110% renewable energy, Bryn Mawr College uses 100% renewable energy, and Northampton Community College's Monroe Campus is LEED Gold and Net-Zero building certified. Phoenixville Hares Hill Road Elementary School's new construction (2025, completion date) doesn’t even have their roof reinforced and prewired to be solar panel ready; they need to improve to be considered an example of incredible initiators in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Clean Energy Credits
All schools and nonprofits can use IRA tax credits as a direct payment.
Eligibility: solar arrays, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, geothermal, lighting automation, weatherization, electric vehicles and chargers, etc.
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FACT SHEET: IRA Tax Credits Can Fund School Facilities and Reduce School District Energy Bills
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Nonprofits Can Benefit from Energy-Efficient Tax Deduction (179D)
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Solar for Schools Act
On July 10, 2024, the Pennsylvania General Assembly overwhelmingly passed the Solar for Schools Act, a law that will create the state’s first grant program to fund solar for schools and make the financial, educational, and job-creating benefits of solar more accessible to Pennsylvania’s schools.
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Learn more about the Solar For Schools Act on this Generation180 page.
Generation180 is a Community Advocates for Clean Energy in Greater Philadelphia partner and has been instrumental in the success of this act.​
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Look for a recording of the Aug 15 Back To School For Clean Energy webinar hosted by Sierra Club and Generation180.
Air Conditioners for Schools
Here are some resources for helping our students stay cool at school.
Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program – The Commonwealth Financing Authority, under the PA Department of Community Economic Development. Funding may be used for improvements such as roof replacements; heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; energy saving projects; and internet connectivity as well as school emergencies. This program is open to school districts and career and technology centers. There is a minimum project request of $500,000. Eligible applicants may receive a maximum award of $5 million.
EPA Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools - IAQ and GHG Reduction Research and Demonstration Projects in K-12 schools located in low-income, disadvantaged, and/or Tribal communities.
American Rescue Plan (ARP) - Schools as Community Cleaner Air and Cooling Centers
EPA is using American Rescue Plan funding to provide technical assistance for the development of neighborhood cleaner air and cooling centers in public school facilities. This specialized support will help align broader investments in healthy schools with the need for more safe spaces in vulnerable communities during wildfire smoke and extreme heat events.
Solar for Schools can't be used directly for Air Conditioning, however, the $ saved from onsite solar could be used to pay for air conditioning. And there are subsidies for heat pumps (which do both heat and cooling).
Community Change Grants from the EPA are intended for "community-facing non-profit organizations" to collaborate on projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change. Not directly targeting schools, but we have heard about a non-profit group in Pittsburgh that is applying for the Community Change Grants and then using the money for improvements in a public school.