Get Suppprt
Get Expert Support and Insights
The Efficient and Healthy Schools Program offers customized support for K-12 schools and districts, helping them build capacity to enhance energy efficiency and create a better learning environment.
Participants of this program can receive tailored guidance and resources from experts in various fields, aligned with their specific needs and goals, whether they are in the planning or implementation phase.
Please fill out the join form. We'll reach out to schedule an onboarding call.
If you have any questions, please email schools@lbl.gov.
Methods:
1-1 Coaching
- Document review to provide independent assessment of project plans, or suggestion to improve planning documents such as energy goals, retrofit plans, IAQ improvement plans
- Talk through strategies to improve energy efficiency, lower costs, and create a better learning environment
Resource Connections
- Connect schools with partnering agencies
- Point schools to funding opportunities - federal, state, local, utility incentives, ESCO, etc.
- Connect schools with subject matter experts
- Provide a list of relevant technical resources (e.g., tools & guides, webinars)
Process:
Step One: | Step Two: | Step Three: | Step Four: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participate in a simple onboarding interview after signing up for the program to identify a point of contact and needs. Or, send an email directly to schools@lbl.gov | We’ll reach out to subject matter experts to get you connected on your behalf, and send you any applicable resources. | We’ll follow up with both participants and subject matter experts to ensure support is provided and beneficial. | Additional meetings as needed with either the program staff of subject matter experts. |
Success Stories:
A district in South Carolina requested assistance with evaluating their district energy use and putting together a plan for building upgrade prioritization. We conducted a review of energy use and benchmarked several years of data using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. With this benchmark dataset, we worked with them to set goals for building construction and upgrades and drafted an initial plan for internal buy-in. In addition, we suggested other steps to improve energy efficiency for the school district, including a review of building controls, sequence of operations, faults/flags, and optimization opportunities. The district continues to perform energy analysis and planning to understand staffing and other needs required for implementation.
A Colorado school district implemented a number of ventilation strategies to mitigate risks in response to the pandemic. They observed an increase in energy costs from $3.8 million (2019/2020 school year) to $4.2 million (2020/21, partial occupancy) and $5.6 million (2021/22, full occupancy). We entered the districtwide energy usage data and used BETTER (https://better.lbl.gov) to analyze changes in their energy use while accounting for occupancy and weather conditions. BETTER identified opportunities to improve energy efficiency through operational and equipment changes.
We assisted a school district from Washington with their efforts to draft a strategic plan that would guide investment and school operation. We met with them multiple times to discuss specific sections in their strategic plan and review draft documents. Their plan not only addresses the emerging challenges that their schools face, but also empowers students on leadership and learning. See their case study here!