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$14 million energy upgrade for West Virginia district
The Greenbrier County (West Virginia) district has carried out a comprehensive energy savings project that promises to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of its school facilities.
Following a three-year analysis of all school facility lighting, HVAC systems and utility costs, the $14 million project includes upgrades that affect every Greenbrier County school, the district says.
The project's primary goals are to modernize infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and generate substantial cost savings. The district says the initiative is guaranteed to save the school system $500,000 annually.
To carry out the improvements, Greenbrier County has entered into an energy savings performance contract with CMTA.
Installation of solar panels at Rupert Elementary and Western Greenbrier Middle will make these two schools net zero energy-cost facilities. The project also will replace outdated HVAC systems and install energy-efficient LED lighting and advanced energy management systems across all schools. All exterior windows at Greenbrier East High School will be replaced with energy-efficient windows.
"We are dedicated to improving our facilities in fiscally responsible and environmentally sustainable ways," said Superintendent Jeff Bryant. "This project not only represents a significant investment in our infrastructure but also demonstrates our commitment to future generations by reducing our environmental footprint and ensuring the longevity of our schools."
Hunter College facility is getting $35 million HVAC upgrade
The City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees has approved allocating $35 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades at Hunter College’s Thomas Hunter Hall.
THE CITY website reports that the funding is part of a plan to fix the institution’s oldest building, which is connected by skywalks to another four Hunter facilities. The renovations at Thomas Hunter Hall are scheduled to be completed by next March.
Built in 1913, the Tudor-style Thomas Hunter Hall is plagued by crumbling ceilings, peeling paint and broken windows and drywall.
A CUNY facilities condition assessment in 2023 found that more than half of the university’s 300 buildings are over 50 years old, and they needed about $7 billion to cover “both the current deferred maintenance backlog and anticipated future renewal requirements necessary to maintain safe, functional buildings.”
$22.6 million in grants for solar energy systems awarded to 74 Pennsylvania schools
Pennsylvania has awarded more than $22.6 million in grants to 74 public schools to help pay for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.
The grants are part of the state’s Solar for Schools program, which the legislature enacted in 2024. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, who introduced the legislation, says the program enables schools to address funding shortages, rising utility costs and climate change.
“Schools across Pennsylvania face tight budgets, and energy costs are one additional expense among a myriad of others,” says Acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe. “The Solar for Schools program helps ease that burden, allowing school leaders to reinvest savings directly into student learning, teacher support, and school resources. At the same time, these projects turn school buildings into living laboratories where students gain real-world experience in clean energy technology.”
The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development says 88 grant applications were submitted, requesting a total of $88,087,001.
Each recipient will receive up to $500,000 that will aid in the startup costs of installing solar panels, including the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage and utility interconnection.