Highly Successful Decarbonizing Public Schools Program Opens Window for New Applications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Zink | 443-758-7344

Incentives encourage Maryland public school districts to build net-zero energy schools, which produce as much renewable energy as they use 

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the second year of its groundbreaking program to help K-12 public schools across the state reduce and eliminate carbon emissions. The Decarbonizing Public Schools Program will provide more than $33 million in new capital to help local education agencies incorporate a wide range of clean energy and energy efficiency measures into Maryland’s public schools. 

The program provides incentives for a comprehensive suite of grants focused on capacity building, energy efficiency infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy adoption and the use of new, sustainable construction methods. Notably, the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program will promote the construction and design of net-zero energy schools – school buildings that create and save as much renewable energy as they use. 

“Net-zero energy schools are the wave of the future, providing clean and green spaces for students and the community to learn and engage in living examples of energy conservation and production. The average net-zero energy school also boasts a yearly energy savings of about $100,000 compared to its conventional counterpart,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “By becoming a driving force in the clean energy transition, Maryland public schools are illustrating to the nation how we can cut costs, boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.” 

Program funds will enable varied activities like benchmarking energy use, directly reducing emissions and updating key policies. From boiler and HVAC system replacements to advanced metering and controls, targeted facility improvements are expected to yield substantial financial savings over time as part of statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the use of clean energy sources. 

The first year of the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program was highly successful, directing funding of $24 million to 31 projects across 13 Local Education Agencies. Projects ranged from energy efficiency and building shell upgrades to solar installations and net-zero energy construction plans. 

Maryland’s local education agencies have until January 31, 2025, to review detailed program guidelines and submit applications for consideration.

For more information, including program terms, conditions and instructions how to apply, visit the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program webpage. 

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency and its programs, visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook.  

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