March2020LM

FutureGreen: Pioneering the Transition for Schools toRenewableEnergy

Taped on the back of a 3 feet by 4 feet wooden prop that looks like a light switch currently stored in the basement of IASA’s office in Springfield is a piece of paper with a chart. The wooden prop was used at a press conference last month announcing IASA “flipped the switch” By Jason Nevel IASA Director of Social Media and Publications

in turn could help districts keep dollars in the classroom and reduce property tax burdens.

IncreaseTheNumberOf RECs The problem—which IASA hopes will be fixed this legislative session—is state incentives needed to make on-site solar projects affordable are limited and don’t meet the demand. In addition to announcing the IASA headquarters in Springfield will serve as a demonstration site for school districts to visit and learn more about on-site solar panel installation, IASA is urging the General Assembly to increase the number of Renewable

on a new, on-site solar energy project that will serve as a demonstration site for school districts and other public bodies. The initiative is the first and signature project of the Future Green Energy Consortium, a not-for-profit Illinois organization designed

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to bring renewable energy options and savings to Illinois school districts and other public bodies.

Energy Credits (RECs) for onsite renewable energy development. Furthermore, IASA is urging the General Assembly to put public bodies, like school districts, at the front of the line to ensure the greatest amount of savings to local governments and the state. We hope these changes are included in the newly introduced Clean Energy Jobs Bill, which, if approved, would update the Future Energy Jobs Act of 2016. “The goal of Future Green is to provide school districts across the state another pathway to reduce the property tax burden on residents and keep dollars in the classroom, all while being environmentally responsible,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “However, that goal

Future Green is a joint initiative of IASA, Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) and Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO). Each time a school district, or public body, begins generating renewable energy on site via solar panels, the plan is for the wooden light switch prop to travel there—and another row on the Future Green chart to be filled in. The hope is that chart won’t have many blank rows within the next few years. For school districts, Future Green is a win-win. There is no upfront cost and districts can immediately reduce energy costs—even without on-site solar panel installation—which

7 LM March 2020 continued...