Clean Green Schools Initiative

Funding for New York Public School Modernization Projects

The Clean Green Schools Initiative offers competitive funding for New York pre-kindergarten to grade 12 (P-12) public schools to efficiently modernize their buildings, reduce energy costs and harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and create healthier, more resilient learning environments. Eligible projects include comprehensive retrofits, electrification readiness projects, and conversion of central heating and cooling plants to heat pumps.

Key Benefits

Save on energy. Reduce your district’s energy use long-term through modern, efficient equipment.
Healthier air for students. Improve indoor air quality and create better learning environments.
Better for the environment. Reduce reliance on fossil fuels through clean energy upgrades.
Built for extreme heat. Prepare your buildings to keep students and staff comfortable during heat events.

Funding Available

Single Building Project

Maximum funding: $5,050,000

Multiple Building Project

Maximum funding: $10,050,000

Who Can Apply

P-12 public school districts across New York State that are designated as Priority Districts [xlsx]
P-12 public school buildings located in a disadvantaged community
Any BOCES building located in a disadvantaged community

How to Apply

Use the Clean Green Schools Application Guide [PDF] for detailed step-by-step instructions for applying to the program. The guide walks you through the key steps to complete the application, with guidance on how to fill out each section.

The application includes the following sections:

Contact information
Site information
Proposal information
Proposal budget
Proposal documents
Authorized signature and certification
Proposal submission

Program Awardees to Date

NYSERDA’s Clean Green Schools has awarded more than $82 million to school districts to implement decarbonization construction projects. The Clean Green School awardees serve as a model for efficiently electrifying the school building sector, reducing the combustion of fossil fuels, and helping to accelerate New York’s clean energy transition.

Clean Green Schools Resources

NYSERDA has resources to help schools integrate clean energy into their facilities, operations, and curriculum.

Resources for P-12 Schools: Access a collection of resources to help your school implement clean energy projects and education.
Clean Energy Educational and Professional Development Activities Pathway [PDF]: The program provides funding to support a range of workforce development and student educational activities for P-12 students that explore, support, or promote decarbonization efforts in their schools and communities. This document should be consulted for assistance in designing these activities.
PON 4924 : Access the Program Opportunity Notice for Clean Green Schools for more detailed information on the program, funding, and resources.
Clean Green Schools Initiative Presentation [PDF]: The presentation gives an overview of the program, eligibility, funding and evaluation criteria.

Have Questions?

For any additional questions you may have, or for general support and guidance about the Clean Green Schools Initiative, reach out and our team will be happy to help.