DESE0001442

Budget period 1 (Phase 2 - “Strategic Plan + Energy Audits”) will focus on conducting the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Level 2 energy audits of all the schools/school facilities in the portfolio, and on developing a comprehensive strategic plan for implementing energy improvements.

By the end of budget period 1, energy audits and the strategic plan should provide a clear pathway to prioritize energy improvements, access private sector funding (if needed) and/or tax credits and realize high-impact health and safety benefits for budget period 2.

Budget period 2 (Phase 3 - “Implementation”) will implement the energy improvements identified at the end of Phase 2.

Phase 3 should directly advance the measurable goals of energy savings and high-impact health and safety benefits.

To address the twin challenges of extensive facility needs and Commonwealth of Massachusetts decarbonization priorities, the project team is proposing the Reducing Emissions in Lowell Through Infrastructure and Efficiency First (RELIEF) initiative.

The goal of RELIEF is to prepare Lowell Public School (LPS) buildings for net zero emissions by 2035.

The program includes a progressive approach to emissions reductions including: completing deep energy retrofits of existing buildings; implementing infrastructure upgrades to enable renewable energy integration; assessing feasibility of decarbonization of heating fuels; implementing decarbonization of heating fuels; and allowing for meaningful engagement and education of those living in disadvantaged communities (DACs).

The proposed upgrades will not only provide emissions reductions but will also help provide relief for those served in our schools.

The project team will partner with community-based organizations, educational institutions, municipal leaders, labor organizations, and the private sector to ensure this effort delivers multiple community benefits.

Lowell Public Schools

THE RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS PROGRAM COMPETITIVELY SELECTS AND FUNDS ELIGIBLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AT PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS. THIS $500 MILLION PROGRAM IS A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND INVESTMENT MADE POSSIBLE BY PRESIDENT BIDEN’S INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT, AS PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S BROADER ACTION PLAN FOR BUILDING BETTER SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS, WITH A FOCUS ON LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES (LEAS) THAT QUALIFY AS RURAL AND/OR HIGH POVERTY. THE PROGRAM WILL HELP CREATE HEALTHIER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS, LOWER UTILITY COSTS, AND REDIRECT FUNDS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND TEACHERS. PROPOSALS CONSIDERED UNDER THE 2024 RENEW AMERICA'S SCHOOLS PRIZE WILL SUPPORT A PORTFOLIO OF SCHOOLS THAT IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR RENEWABLE ENERGY UPGRADES. FUNDED IMPROVEMENTS WILL RESULT IN IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES, ENERGY SAVINGS, AND/OR ENERGY COST SAVINGS. THE 2024 RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS PRIZE CONSISTS OF THE PRIZE COMPETITION (PHASE 1) AND A SUBSEQUENT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (PHASE 2 AND PHASE 3). COMPETITORS SUBMITTING PROPOSALS SHOULD BE ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE CAPACITY TO AGGREGATE AND MANAGE PORTFOLIOS OF SCHOOL FACILITIES TO RECEIVE ENERGY ASSESSMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS. COMPETITORS SHOULD CONSIDER LEVERAGING THE TEAMING PARTNER LIST, FOUND ON THE HEROX PRIZE PAGE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL CAPACITY AND EXPERTISE.

81.086 - Conservation Research and Development

Golden Field Office (GFO) [DOE - EERE]

Department of Energy (DOE)

Lowell, Massachusetts United States

City-Wide

BIL 2024 RENEW AMERICA’S SCHOOLS PRIZE TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (DE-FOA-0003325)