P-12 Initiative
The P-12 Schools Initiative encourages New York’s schools that serve students between prekindergarten and grade 12 to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions – the leading contributor to climate change. Working with NYSERDA, P-12 schools can reduce their emissions and energy use to create healthier learning environments and model sustainability for the next generation.
This initiative promotes clean energy efforts by educating, guiding, and assisting schools that implement clean energy projects and commit to sustainability-focused principles at their facilities and in the classroom. The NYSERDA programs below can be leveraged to help schools integrate energy efficiency, clean energy, and clean transportation into their operations.
Programs for P-12 Schools
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On-site Energy Manager Program
Read More On-site Energy Manager ProgramAccess cost-share support for hiring an on-site energy manager to inform efficient day-to-day operations, capital planning, and creating healthier learning environments.
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Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program
Read More Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) ProgramLearn about cost-share funding to complete an energy study at schools that are not designated as public under-resourced schools.
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Electric School Buses
Read More Electric School BusesAccess resources and funding opportunities to support schools transition to an all-electric bus fleet.
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Building Operations and Maintenance Training
Read More Building Operations and Maintenance TrainingExplore funding to train facility and maintenance staff on managing clean energy systems and energy efficiency for healthier learning environments.
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Large-Scale Thermal Program
Read More Large-Scale Thermal ProgramApply for cost-share support to design a large-scale thermal energy system that provides clean heating and cooling for one large building or a campus.
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Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Read More Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)Review IRA tax credits for clean energy equipment and energy efficiency upgrades that are open to schools and other tax-exempt entities.
P-12 School Resources
NYSERDA has resources to help schools integrate clean energy into their facilities, operations, and curriculum.
- Resources for P-12 Schools: Access a collection of resources to help your school implement clean energy projects and education.
- Electric School Bus Roadmap: Learn about key challenges and costs of school bus electrification, as well as recommendations to transition all school buses in New York State to zero-emission by 2035.
- Electric School Bus Guidebook: Review resources and guidance to prepare school districts for bus fleet electrification, from the procurement process to site planning and bus operations and maintenance.
- Clean Energy Educator Workshops
: Educators in New York State can participate in hands-on professional development workshops to learn more about clean energy. Participants may be eligible to receive CTLE credits, stipends, and much more. - Clean Green Schools Initiative Track II Awardees: Learn about three projects that are reducing energy use and emissions across eleven under-resourced public school districts.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other NYSERDA programs for P-12 schools to manage their energy use and transition to clean energy technologies.
- Clean Heating and Cooling Incentives: Learn about heat pump technologies, their benefits, and available incentives, to reduce school energy use and emission.
- Drive Clean Rebate: Explore eligible electric vehicle models that qualify for a rebate of up to $2,000 to convert light-duty vehicles at your school.
- Solar: Leverage incentives through NYSERDA to install grid-connected solar panels, which lower energy costs while generating clean, local power.
Connect With Us
Stay up to date on NYSERDA’s P-12 Schools Initiative or submit a request to receive NYSERDA’s assistance with navigating the program best for your school.
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