The Department of Energy launched this program to promote the implementation of clean energy improvements at K-12 public schools with a priority on high-need school communities. There was high demand and evidence of public need in the first round of funding that the Department of Energy doubled the funding available from $80 million to $178 million. Individual awards vary between $500,000 and $15,000,000. Some of the most requested improvements include new HVAC and ventilation systems, lighting, insulation and roofing, adding battery storage, and replacing windows and doors.
The Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools program (Energy CLASS) is a strategic initiative from the DOE Renew America’s Schools Program which promotes the building and energy management in school districts across America. Currently, there is a library of free, on-demand training to support energy and health improvements in schools which provides over 35 hours of training on building science, energy management, indoor air quality, and procurement strategies.
The application is currently open for CLASS 2024-2025 (Closes October 4, 2024 at midnight ET) which will allow for up to 50 districts to receive coaching and 1:1 expert advice on strategic energy management, project development, funding pathways, and related topics to advance their district’s sustainability goals building off of the free trainings. This includes nominating an energy champion that can attend trainings once a month during the school year. Priority is given to districts located in rural, underserved, and disadvantaged communities.
Information last updated: September 23, 2024