Salt Lake City School District added solar panel arrays to 6 schools as part of their plan to transform learning spaces into healthy, productive environments for students and staff. McKinstry, a national leader in high-efficiency buildings, completed these projects.
Undaunted K12 announced that six school districts have been awarded federal funds for clean energy projects. These projects will make schools safer, healthier, and more sustainable. This highlights the importance of investing in climate action at educational institutions. These initiatives aim to create resilient learning environments for students.
After building Wisconsin’s first energy-efficient net- zero elementary school in 2020, the Oregon School District was the first district in the state to receive an energy tax credit. The credits were earned for a recently installed rooftop solar array. The project, completed by Spectrum Full Solar, will help lower the high school’s electricity bill. In November 2024, the Oregon School District received $73,761 as a federal reimbursement for the solar array.
Brown City School District added an electric bus to its fleet. This was made possible through a $345,000 grant and replaces a 2005 diesel bus, allowing the district to save funds for educational needs. The electric bus, which produces minimal noise, plays the district's fight song at low speeds to alert residents to its presence. With a range of 100 miles per charge, it's ideal for daily student transport, although longer trips will still use diesel or propane buses.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced a conditional commitment of up to $6.57 billion to Rivian New Horizon, LLC to support the construction of an EV manufacturing facility in Stanton Springs North, Georgia. This project, known as Project Horizon, is expected to create up to 2,000 construction jobs and 7,500 operations jobs by 2030, boosting the regional economy and supporting the production of up to 400,000 electric vehicles annually.
New Yorkers are benefitting from a federal funding program aimed at making homes more energy-efficient. The state received an initial $158 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to help residents save on insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Eligible low- and moderate-income New Yorkers can receive up to $14,000 for these upgrades. As a result, tens of thousands of energy-saving home improvements have been completed, leading to significant savings on energy bills.
The Steelton-Highspire School District installed a 1.7 MW solar array, now meeting 100% of its electricity demands and projected to save $3.6 million over 20 years. By leveraging federal rebates, the district also acquired electric school buses, which save $20,000 in annual fuel expenses. This combination of solar power with on-site bus charging stations avoids costly utility upgrades. This initiative exemplifies how schools can address financial issues and reduce carbon emissions simultaneously.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a federal grant to the Inland Power and Light Company, a rural electric cooperative, to purchase wind and solar energy. This grant aims to power approximately 23,000 homes and is expected to create over 450 jobs. The funding initiative is designed to support rural America and disadvantaged communities. The project demonstrates a commitment to reducing climate pollution while providing renewable energy.
West Union Elementary School replaced its failing 1957 boiler with a ground-source heat pump system. Casper Plumbing and Heating, a local contractor, completed this $4.2 million project.
The Gila River Indian Community has launched an innovative project to install solar panels over a canal, aiming to generate clean energy while preserving water resources. This initiative is part of their broader commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The project is expected to provide significant environmental benefits and serve as a model for other communities. By combining solar power with water conservation, the Gila River Indian Community is taking a holistic approach to addressing climate change. This project highlights the potential for innovative solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.