The school systems in Newburgh in Orange County and Tarrytown in Westchester have each been awarded more than $10 million from New York state’s Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funding was part of the $100 million that is being made available to make clean energy upgrades in public schools across the state.
The Clean Green Schools Initiative, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), provides funding to projects that help schools reduce energy use and improve the energy efficiency of their buildings while minimizing exposure to extreme heat. Eligible project types include retrofits that reduce energy consumption, electrification readiness projects, and conversion of central heating and/or cooling plants to clean energy technologies, such as heat pumps.
More than $10 million has been allocated for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. The district will install ground source heat pump systems at two buildings to fully electrify the HVAC systems and eliminate fossil fuel usage. The project also includes upgraded ventilation and filtration systems to improve indoor air quality and supports the district in incorporating clean energy educational activities into the curriculum. This project is expected to reduce energy use in the buildings by at least 50%.
The Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns will receive $10.1 million for work at the Winfield L. Morse School and Washington Irving School. The Tarrytown school district also will install heat pumps to significantly reduce fossil fuel usage at the two buildings. The project also includes electrification of hot water systems and kitchen equipment, lighting improvements, upgraded ventilation and filtration systems to improve indoor air quality, as well as supporting the district in incorporating clean energy educational activities into the curriculum. As in Newburgh, the Tarrytown project is expected to reduce energy use in the buildings by 50%.
“More students in priority school districts across the state will benefit from modernized and healthier learning environments as we progress toward a cleaner future for the next generation,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
According to State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa, “Across New York state, schools are making incredible strides toward sustainability by creating healthier spaces for students to learn and grow. The Clean Green Schools Initiative is vital to this work by helping districts invest in improvements that will benefit students for generations to come.”
State Sen. Shelley Mayer said, “This investment will help districts modernize their facilities with clean energy technologies that reduce energy use, lower emissions, and create healthier learning environments for students, teachers, and staff without additional financial strain on local communities. “
NYSERDA first launched the Clean Green Schools Initiative in April 2022. Since its inception, more than $82 million has been allocated for 14 installation projects.
