LM Sept2022hi

Investing in Carbon-Free Healthy Schools: Incentives to Make Costly but Critical Facility Upgrades to Fight Climate Change, Foster Student Learning By Mia Korinke Campaign Mobilization Director Climate Jobs Illinois

Approximately 54 percent of U.S. public school districts need to replace multiple building systems, and 41 percent of school districts need to update or replace HVAC, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Here in Illinois, the tab for upgrading the state’s public schools’ aging infrastructure is estimated at $9 billion. Research shows that energy efficient schools promote healthier classrooms, support better student learning, and greatly reduce school energy bills, but renovating and retrofitting public school buildings—some of the state’s biggest energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters— is a costly proposition. The good news is that Illinois’ new clean energy law, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), established an ambitious plan to invest in energy efficient retrofits and solar power at all Illinois schools as part of the state’s aim to fight climate change by reaching zero emissions by 2050. Known as the Carbon Free Healthy Schools program, the initiative was championed by Climate Jobs Illinois (CJI), a coalition of business, labor unions and other groups advocating for legislation that would foster a clean energy economy. The Carbon Free Healthy Schools program helps schools access free energy audits guaranteed by CEJA and helps school districts access newly available Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) through the Illinois Power Agency, which

help offset the costs of installing new solar power systems. These credits reward schools for generating clean energy for the electric grid. Through these incentives, schools can build healthier learning environments with better ventilation and lighting. Equally important, schools can save an estimated 25 percent on their annual energy bills. At Lake Park High School in Roselle, for example, its investment in a new $4.4 million solar power system will net them a savings of over $5 million in energy costs over the next 25 years and a $463,000 utility rebate, while the new system reduces emissions equivalent to taking 329 cars off the roads every year.

To learn more about investing in Carbon Free Healthy Schools, contact Mia Korinke at mkorinke@ climatejobsillinois.org for specific steps you can take to help your school secure these state incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.

NEW WEBINAR: Oct. 11, 2022 at 11a.m.

Carbon Free Healthy Schools Presented by IASA and Climate Jobs Illinois

click here to register for webinar

17 LM September 2022