The Challenge: Electrify and Decarbonize K-12 School Buildings in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to approximately 1,800 public school buildings responsible for 880,000 metric tons of carbon every year. Electrifying and decarbonizing these buildings represents a significant opportunity for the state to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. While school districts are well-versed in capital planning, they may not have the experience or technical expertise necessary to incorporate energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization measures into their capital planning projects.
About the Green School Works Program
Created as part of the state's 2024 budget, the goal of the Green School Works program is to provide financial support to K-12 public schools or districts to install or maintain clean energy infrastructure. Funding will go towards project implementation as well as support for building-specific decarbonization assessments and plans and high-level, building-specific assessments and high-level, district-wide decarbonization planning.
Funding Schedule
| Process step | timing |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder Engagement | Summer 2024 |
| Finalize Program Plan | Through Fall 2024 |
| Request for Proposals and Consultant Selection for Technical Assistance Component as Needed | Fall 2024 |
| Enrollment and Application Window Opens | Winter 2024 - 2025 |
Who's Eligible
Individual K-12 public schools and districts will be eligible. Preference will be given to schools serving low-income and environmental justice populations.
Participation Benefits
Participants will receive funding for implementation of projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, or mitigate the impacts of climate change, and support for decarbonization planning and prioritization.
Program Concept & Request for Information
Green School Works Draft Program Concept
The Green School Works draft program concept has been released. It includes key program information including a program overview, program components, eligible implementation project types, program concept next steps and coordination with partner entities.
Read more about the Green School Works draft program concept below!
Green School Works Request for Information
The Green School Works Request for Information (RFI) is no longer taking responses. The RFI sought to gauge interest and insight from K-12 school building decarbonization stakeholders on the design of the Green School Works Program.
If you have any additional comments or questions on the RFI, please contact us at greenschools@masscec.com
Additional Resources
Questions?
Please email greenschools@masscec.com with any general inquiries or questions about eligibility or application process.
Want to learn more?
Feel free to explore these additional resources on Green Schools:
- Undaunted K12
- Massachusetts School Building Authority
- Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits for Schools
- MA Legislation on Section 35: Green School Works
- MA Department of Energy Resources' Green Communities
- MA Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office
- Climate Resilient Schools Coalition
- DOE 2024-2025 Energy CLASS - Coaching opportunity for school districts
- MASC/M.A.S.S. Conference - New Funding for Improving Existing School Facilities
Additional Funding Opportunities
BETA: Project Planning
Each participating building will receive an electrification and decarbonization plan, including direction to financing options and a recommended implementation timeline.
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