Resources
Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program
Save on energy costs by incorporating energy efficiency upgrades into your school. Incentives are available to help offset out-of-pocket costs.
Financial Support
Various federal, state and local grants and tax credits are available to help transition to clean energy.
Fleet Assessment Program
Electric vehicles can help establish your school district as a leader in sustainability and innovation.
Drivers Education
Explore our curriculum resources and financial assistance options to educate future drivers about Electric Vehicles (EVs) and their role in sustainable energy.
Solar Program
With new and emerging technologies, more people are searching for ways to utilize renewable resources to power their homes or businesses, help the environment and save money.
Builder Operator Certification (BOC) Training Opportunities
BOC training is available for school maintenance staff to enable better facilitation of energy efficiency and maintenance projects and procedures.
Scholarship Opportunities
We partner with community colleges throughout the Ameren Illinois service territory to award scholarships to students to jumpstart their career in a field related to energy efficiency.
Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment Financial Resources
Net Metering
Illinois enacted S.B. 680 in August 2007, requiring investor-owned utilities and alternative retail electric suppliers in Illinois to offer net metering. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are not required to offer net metering.
Illinois Shines Renewable Energy Credits
Brand name of the Adjustable Block Program, a state-administered program for new solar photovoltaic systems. The program provides payments in exchange for 20 years of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by new PV systems on site.
School Construction Grant
Contributes to the cost of building or renovating public school buildings, based on enrollment and needs of the district. The program historically has covered between 35% and 75% of the cost to build or renovate buildings.
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit
Tax credit for qualified commercial clean vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 2023. To qualify, the vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds and have a battery rating of not less than 7 kilowatt hours.
Direct Payment through the Inflation Reduction Act
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s “elective pay” (often called “direct pay”) provisions, tax-exempt and governmental entities will, for the first time, be able to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects. Unlike competitive grant and loan programs, in which applicants may not receive an award, direct pay allows entities to get their payment if they meet the requirements for both direct pay and the underlying tax credit.
Illinois Green Schools Project
The Illinois Green Schools Project is a year-long sustainability initiative designed for K-12 schools state-wide. Students, teachers and staff from a green team meet regularly to design and implement no-cost or low-cost sustainable practices in their schools. The project is meant to help schools advance down a path to net zero carbon usage. Applications open late summer.
Private Activity Bonds - Grid Resilience
Illinois Finance Authority has statewide authorization to issue tax‑exempt qualified private activity bonds to fund qualified purposes. Qualified purposes for 501(c)(3) organizations generally include facilities such as hospitals, healthcare systems, continuing care retirement communities, universities, colleges, PreK-12 schools, student housing, museums and cultural institutions.
Better Buildings Initiative - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
The Better Buildings Initiative is a comprehensive program offering schools access to tools, financing options, and strategies to improve energy efficiency. It supports energy-saving retrofits and sustainability projects for schools, including HVAC upgrades, lighting improvements, and building envelope enhancements. Schools can participate in the Better Buildings Challenge and gain access to technical support, resources, and guidance for implementing energy-efficient solutions.
Energy Efficiency in K-12 Schools - US Environmental Protection Agency
This guide describes how local governments can work with school districts to improve energy efficiency in existing, renovated, and new K-12 schools; reduce energy costs; and create a range of environmental, economic, and educational benefits. It is designed to be used by school district energy program managers, school districts and school boards, local government agencies, and mayors and city councils. Readers of the guide should come away with an understanding of options to improve energy efficiency in schools, a clear idea of the steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing them, and an awareness of expected investment and funding opportunities.
Green Ribbon Schools
Although not a direct funding program, the U.S. Department of Education supports schools that want to implement sustainability and energy efficiency measures. The Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools for their energy-efficient and environmentally friendly practices, including energy conservation efforts. Schools can leverage recognition as part of their efforts to attract funding or grants for energy-efficient projects. Learn More
Green Schools Alliance
Created by schools, for schools, START (Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool) provides a simple way to methodically track, plan and collaborate on your Sustainability Journey so you can make measurable progress. START will enable schools to create quantifiable change in the areas of climate and sustainability, health and wellness, equity and inclusion, and economic efficiency.
Learn More
Hometown Grants - T-Mobile
We’re investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Together, we can help upgrade tech at your local library, build new hiking trails, revitalize historic buildings, and so much more.
Illinois Solar for All
This state program aims to make solar energy accessible to income-eligible residents, non-profit organizations, and public facilities. Participants can benefit from affordable solar installations, community solar subscriptions, and guaranteed savings on electric bills. The program ensures that ongoing costs do not exceed 50% of the energy generated by the solar projects.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A Guide to Zero Energy and Zero Energy Ready K-12 Schools.
Spark Good Local Grants - Walmart
Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000.
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) offers links to tools that can help agencies reduce energy use and meet federal laws and requirements. Tools include software, calculators, data sets, and databases created by the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal organizations.
Center for Green Schools
USGBC’s Center for Green Schools has been the driving force behind the green schools movement by leading a wide array of initiatives, including in communications, advocacy, network-building, training, and the development of tools and platforms through which to accelerate action.
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund - Illinois EPA Office of Energy Funding Opportunities
The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) provides flexible financing solutions to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in Illinois. The program offers Bridge Loans to cover gaps between project completion and disbursement of federal or state incentives and Co-Lending/Participation Loads to support longer-term project financing. The fund is administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) and capitalized through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Energy Resource Center - University of Illinois Chicago
ERC’s extensive experience with public sector institutions has made it a premier outreach service provider (OSP) on energy efficiency incentives offered by state utilities to public schools. The ERC’s primary objective is encouraging k-12 schools to apply for energy efficiency incentives geared towards saving money on monthly energy bills, shrinking their carbon footprint, and modernizing in the process. The ERC guides the state’s public schools through the application process that often follows an initial no-obligation facility assessment, which highlights achievable measures for reducing energy consumption. The ERC’s staff engineers are a technical resource for school facility managers and administrative staff alike. Understanding that most schools operate under budgetary constraints, the ERC’s technical support balances the need for upgrading facilities with the ambition of lowering operating costs as a result of projects that ultimately ‘pay for themselves’.
ENERGY STAR - Portfolio Manager® tool
EPA’s free online ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® tool is the industry standard for measuring and tracking energy performance within commercial buildings. Nearly 25% of U.S. commercial building space is already actively benchmarking in Portfolio Manager, making it the industry-leading benchmarking tool.
Green Strides Resource Hub
The Green Strides School Sustainability Resource Hub offers access to free resources and webinars aligned with the three Pillars of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award.
New Buildings Institute's Building Decarbonization Roadmap
The Decarbonization Roadmap Guide is written for those interested in healthy, efficient, carbon neutral school design, construction and operation. It outlines achievable goals that result in healthy, affordable, all-electric facilities, and explains common actions taken by leading districts to operationalize their carbon neutral ambitions. The guide links to resources and templates that can be customized locally.
Renew America's Schools
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the $500 million Renew America’s Schools Program to promote the implementation of energy improvements at K-12 public schools across the country. This first-of-its-kind investment aims to help school communities make energy upgrades that will decrease energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and foster healthier learning environments.
National Energy Education Development Project
Working with education and energy advisors, NEED designs and delivers professional development opportunities for teachers that not only educate, but also energize their classrooms. Teachers and students participate in pre and post knowledge assessments during workshops and in the classroom.
Start Your Clean Energy Journey Today
Now is the time to take advantage of this FREE opportunity. To schedule your FREE Carbon-Free Assessment, complete the Enrollment Form using the link below. A member of our team will follow up with you regarding the first step to take toward a healthier environment for future generations.