ELECTRIFY OUR SCHOOLS
Maryland
Maryland is investing in clean energy for schools and leading by example. Maryland ranks in the TOP TEN states in the country for school bus electrification and solar-powered buildings.
Generation180 is partnering with state agencies to ensure that all Maryland schools can access the cost-saving and educational benefits of clean energy and take advantage of state and federal funding opportunities.
Maryland Invests in Electric School Buses
Electric school buses cruise into Maryland
Nearly 450 electric school buses are being deployed across the state, with support from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and state grant programs. Montgomery County Public Schools leads the state with commitments for 326 zero-emission buses. View our map showing what Maryland school districts will be benefitting from cleaner air and reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Decarbonizing Maryland Public Schools
Maryland Decarbonization Investments in K-12 Public Schools
Electrification Resources for Maryland Schools
Maryland Energy Administration’s Solar Technical Assistance Program
Maryland public schools can receive free solar technical assistance through Maryland Energy Administration’s Solar Technical Assistance Program.
How-to-Guide for Schools Going Solar
A step-by-step guide to help schools implement solar energy systems. This resource outlines key steps, technical considerations, and funding strategies for schools transitioning to solar power.
Center for Green Schools Resources for Whole School Sustainability
This list of resources offer frameworks to improve school facilities while reducing emissions, including actionable recommendations and success stories.
DOE’s Better Building Zero Energy Schools
A hub of tools, case studies, and best practices designed to support schools in achieving zero energy status through energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy integration.
DOE’s Efficiency and Healthy Schools
The Efficient and Healthy Schools Program helps schools reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier, more sustainable learning environments. Key resources include:
- Financing Efficient and Healthy Retrofits
- Prioritizing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Energy-Efficiency Retrofits and Renewable Energy Integration in Schools
- School Efficiency Enhancement Guides
Getting to Zero in Schools Hub
An extensive collection of tools, strategies, and case studies from New Buildings Institute to help schools reach zero energy and carbon neutrality. It includes benchmarking tools, energy management plans, and success stories to guide districts toward their decarbonization goals.
Case studies
- Maryland school district models cost-saving benefits of geothermal heat pumps
- A district in Maryland created the first school district climate action plan
- District leadership paves the way to electrification
- Leading the way towards resiliency
- Lessons from Baltimore’s First Net Zero School Buildings
- Underfunded Pennsylvania school district shines as a clean energy leader
Maryland Department of Environment Electric School Bus Grants
Maryland’s Department of Environment is now accepting applications for $3 million in state grants to purchase new electric school buses. Each grant will provide $300,000 funding for the replacement of a diesel bus with an electric bus to improve indoor and outdoor emissions for students.
Proposals must be submitted by February 7, 2025!
DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center
This detailed guide for school bus electrification covers infrastructure requirements, utility partnerships, emissions reduction strategies and stakeholder communication strategies.
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program
This federal initiative offers funding through rebates and grants to help school districts replace diesel buses with electric ones. The program additionally offers resources that can support district planning and applications for federal funding.
- 2024 Clean School Bus Rebates
Apply by January 9th at 4pm! These Rebates can be stacked with the grants provided through the MEA’s Electric School Bus Grants
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Clean Bus Planning Awards
This program offers free technical assistance to school districts in developing comprehensive and customized fleet electrification transition plans.
WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative
This initiative provides comprehensive support, including planning tools, funding guidance, and technical assistance. It emphasizes equity, helping school districts in underserved communities access resources and federal, state, and utility funding.
- Step-by-Step Guide for School Bus Electrification
This guide covers everything school leaders need to know about transitioning to electric school buses.
Case Study
Elective Pay for K-12 Schools
Reference guide to understand what clean energy technologies are eligible for Elective Pay and the process for receiving a reimbursement.
Schools and the Inflation Reduction Act
UndauntedK12 explains how schools can leverage the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to access funding and incentives for energy efficiency, decarbonization projects, and sustainable upgrades, offering detailed guidance and strategies for successful implementation.
Case Study
