Fifteen Massachusetts school districts selected for heat pump retrofit projects

At an October 29th Board meeting, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) announced the first round of invitations for 15 school districts to develop heat pump retrofit projects. 

It wasn’t long ago that the MSBA was still funding new gas boilers, but no more. Now, school districts can apply to the Accelerated Repair Program to receive a state grant to support the retrofit of existing school buildings with heat pumps. We’re aware of only a handful of state grant programs in the country that are designed to support heat pump retrofit at schools. While we don’t yet have full data on the existing conditions of the buildings that will be retrofit, it’s likely that these projects will improve students’ access to cooling. This important adaptation will improve student health and learning for a student population of over 13,400 served by the selected buildings. 

While heat pumps come in various flavors, if districts select a ground-source heat pump option, they will likely dramatically reduce their energy usage–and with it, their carbon emissions. This inaugural cohort will substantially electrify the HVAC systems for 25 school buildings, representing over 2.8 million sq. feet of building space.  

Savvy school districts will stack funding. Districts served by Mass Save-participating utilities will be able to claim heat pump incentives. And if they choose ground-source heat pumps, they can also defray costs with federal energy tax credits which are available through 2034. Communities like Swampscott, Westwood, and Acton-Boxborough are among those school districts that have already received sizable checks from the IRS for installing this equipment. 

We’re excited for communities to embark on this new program with the MSBA and to share their learnings and experiences with others as we work to ensure that all students in the Commonwealth have places to learn that are safe, healthy, and resilient.