Clean Green Schools Program

New York State Clean Green Schools

Providing technical, financial, and human resource support to help schools in underserved areas evaluate, plan for, and implement energy efficiency programs and clean heating and cooling projects.

Program Details

What is the Clean Green Schools Initiative?

A New York State funded program which aims to create healthier environments for students, teachers, administrators, and staff while advancing clean energy and energy efficiency solutions within School Districts and at specific Pre-K to 12 schools in all regions of the State. The Program is managed by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Is Your District or School Eligible?

Over 2,500 existing public-school buildings across the State that are designated by the New York State Education Department as either High-Needs or a Disadvantaged Community school are eligible.

What are the benefits of enrolling my schools?

By enrolling in the Program your schools will have the opportunity to receive funding from New York State to fund energy efficiency programs, heating and cooling projects, and energy education programs. The first round of funding, which was released in May 2022, totals $59 million.

There are two ways to participate:

1. Districts or schools can either complete the registration paperwork, hire the consultants, hire the contractors, and implement construction projects OR they can choose to authorize a “Green Schools Project Advisor”, who has experience with NYSERDA, green projects and school capital projects, to administer the entire Program on behalf of the District or individual school.
2. If a District or School decides to utilize the services of a Green Schools Project Advisor all they need to do is sign two (2) NYSERDA Authorization Forms. As soon as the forms are signed the Green Schools Project Advisor will immediately enroll the District or Schools into the Program to begin the process of securing a portion of the monies available in this first year of the Program.

How much does it cost to participate?

NYSERDA has designed the program in two parts called, Track 1 and Track 2.
Track 1 covers the analysis and studies of buildings to determine how those facilities can become more energy efficient. This part of the program is at NO RISK and NO COST to the District or Schools because it is Non-Competitive.
Track 2 covers the implementation of projects through educational programs, construction projects, and training to students and staff on how to reduce energy use. This portion of the program is Competitive so funds will be allocated by NYSERDA depending on several factors. Those factors range from the type of energy efficiency measure, positive impact on the environment, and more. While Districts and Schools may be asked to make a financial commitment for their proposed efficiency measures, NYSERDA has indicated New York State may pay for most, if not all, of the associated costs in many cases.
For both Track 1 and 2 all funds provided by NYSERDA on behalf of the District or Schools are reimbursed directly to the Green Schools Project Advisor so there are minimal to no administrative costs for Districts and Schools.

Local Knowledge and Energy Experience

For over 30 years the CP Energy team has worked with schools across New York to plan and implement their upgrades. The CP Energy team brings decades of experience on energy efficiency programs and clean heating and cooling projects.
Our Green Schools Project Advisors are experts in working with administrators on understanding their capital project needs and then designing programs to meet their requirements and expectations.
Our team has completed many projects where the New York State agency for Clean Green Schools, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) has provided funding. We know what types of programs are funded, we know how to secure those funds, and we know how to use those funds to achieve maximum energy efficiency.

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What about prior EPC Agreements?

  1. The work in this program can cover replacement of outdated equipment with new outside of the EPC agreement.
  2. Regardless of remaining years, if EPC savings have been met the performance contract can be cancelled reducing ongoing M&V payments.
  3. Track 1 is for studies and planning. None of those activities would conflict
    with EPC terms and conditions.
  4. The current ESCO can be hired for implementation in Track 2.
  5. Schools that did not participate in the EPC are not bound to the agreement
    used for other schools.

Contact Us

To speak with our Clean Green Schools team leader called J. Michael Orifice at 914-381-4000. You can also reach Michael by email at jmo@capprogrp.com.