New resource for Maine leaders: School HVAC Modernization Funding Guide
Maine schools face significant challenges from aging buildings, deferred maintenance, and high energy costs. Modernizing HVAC systems can help schools address these challenges while creating healthier, more comfortable learning environments and lowering operating and maintenance costs. For many school administrative unit (SAU) leaders, knowing which HVAC solutions to consider, where to start, and how to pay for them can be a challenge.
In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Department of Education’s Green Schools Program, Undaunted developed a guide to help Maine school leaders understand modern HVAC options and the funding and financing tools that can help move projects forward. The guide is for SAU leaders, school board members, and other stakeholder involved in K-12 infrastructure projects.
See Appendix C of the Modern HVAC Funding Guide for figure data.
The guide includes:
Strategies for evaluating HVAC replacement costs
State and local funding and financing tools that can reduce upfront costs to install modern HVAC systems, including:
Efficiency Maine Funding and Technical Assistance
Grants and Technical Assistance through The Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA)
Municipal Lease Program
The School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF)
Federal funding for ground-source heat pumps through energy tax credits and Elective Pay
Key considerations for SAUs exploring energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) to offset project costs
Check out the guide, and visit the Maine Green Schools Program webpage for more information on upcoming events, funding opportunities, and resources to help Maine SAUs become healthier, safer, and more resilient.
Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who provided excellent support, insight, and data to inform this resource:
Learn more:
Visit UndauntedK12’s Energy Tax Credit for Schools Hub: Ground-Source Heat Pumps for more information on the opportunity to leverage federal energy tax credits for ground-source heat pumps.
