Clean Green Schools Grant Program

The Clean Green Schools Initiative is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a state agency tasked with advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and greenhouse gas reduction across New York. This program is part of the state’s broader climate strategy aligned with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which seeks to significantly reduce emissions and improve environmental conditions in underserved communities. The initiative specifically targets public schools that historically lack the financial resources to invest in major infrastructure upgrades, aiming to transform them into healthier and more energy efficient learning environments. The primary purpose of the program is to fund capital construction projects that reduce energy consumption, decarbonize school building systems, improve indoor air quality, and enhance resilience to extreme heat and climate risks. Eligible projects include comprehensive building retrofits, electrification readiness improvements, and the installation of clean heating and cooling technologies such as heat pumps. Projects must demonstrate measurable carbon reduction outcomes, improved air quality, and a clear pathway toward full decarbonization. The program also emphasizes resilience measures such as flood protection, heat mitigation, and backup power systems. Funding is provided on a competitive basis and can cover up to one hundred percent of eligible project costs, net of other funding sources such as state aid or federal grants. For single building projects, funding ranges from five hundred thousand dollars to five million dollars, with a total maximum of five million fifty thousand dollars when including additional educational components. For multiple building projects, funding ranges up to ten million dollars, with a maximum of ten million fifty thousand dollars. Additional funding is available for clean energy educational programming and for facilities staff training to ensure proper operation and maintenance of installed systems. Eligibility is limited to public school districts designated as Priority Districts, individual public school buildings, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services facilities located in disadvantaged communities within New York State. Projects must be implemented in existing buildings and must be supported by a completed energy study or equivalent analysis at the time of application. Applicants are required to demonstrate readiness to proceed with construction and must not have started work prior to award issuance. Schools may submit multiple applications but cannot request funding for the same project more than once. The application process requires submission through NYSERDA’s online portal, where applicants must complete required questions and upload several mandatory documents. These include a climate hazard screening form, school authorization form when applicable, proposal template, building impacts table, milestone payment schedule, and the supporting energy study. Proposals are evaluated based on project impact, including greenhouse gas reduction and resiliency improvements, clarity and feasibility of the budget, strength of the project team, and the realism of the implementation schedule. Additional consideration is given to diversity of project types and geographic distribution. Key deadlines are structured in rounds, with the most recent submission deadline set for August 18, 2026 at three pm Eastern Time. Previous rounds occurred in 2022 and 2024, indicating a recurring funding cycle. Applications must be complete at submission, as late or incomplete proposals may be disqualified. NYSERDA anticipates notifying applicants of award decisions approximately four weeks after the deadline, followed by contract negotiations for selected proposals. Projects are expected to be completed within five years of contract execution, with milestone based payments issued upon completion of defined tasks. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact designated program representatives via phone or email, and strict communication rules apply to prevent undue influence during the procurement process. The program also includes requirements for accessibility compliance, reporting, and documentation of project outcomes. Overall, the initiative provides substantial financial support for school districts to modernize infrastructure, reduce emissions, and create safer, healthier educational environments while contributing to statewide climate goals.

Emphasize measurable carbon reduction and indoor air quality improvements; demonstrate project readiness with completed energy study; provide clear and realistic budget and timeline; include resiliency and electrification strategies