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 cirriculum 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
Various scholarships are available for students to apply for and jumpstart their future career in energy efficiency. Contact Alex Deeb for more information.
Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment Financial Resources
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.
The U.S. Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program, administered by the Loan Programs Office (LPO), offers loans and loan guarantees to support the deployment of innovative clean energy, advanced transportation, and tribal energy projects across the United States.
The Clean School Bus Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. The program has allocated $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) for this purpose.
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.
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.
Federal incentive equal to 30% of eligible expenses for qualifying installations and entities.
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.
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.
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.
Illinois EPA is accepting applications to replace model year 2009 or older diesel school buses with new all-electric school buses in the counties included in the three priority areas for Volkswagen funding.
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.
Funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Illinois EPA Office of Energy will administer the State’s formula funding allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE). Grant awards range from $50,000 to $250,000. Cost match is not required. Applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review; the detailed scoring factors are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provided below. The project period will end approximately June 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Guide to Zero Energy and Zero Energy Ready K-12 Schools.
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) 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.
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) was established in December 1999 as an independent foundation with a $225 million endowment provided by Commonwealth Edison. The ICECF invests in clean-energy development and land-preservation efforts, working with communities and citizens to improve environmental quality in Illinois. The ICECF provides competitive grants to programs and projects that improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy resources, and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats in Illinois.
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.
The U.S. Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program, administered by the Loan Programs Office (LPO), offers loans and loan guarantees to support the deployment of innovative clean energy, advanced transportation, and tribal energy projects across the United States.
The Clean School Bus Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. The program has allocated $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) for this purpose.
Supports the installation of a 1 kW photovoltaic (PV) system. Public K-12 schools may apply for up to $6,400 or 90% of solar system and installation costs.
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.
Dollar-for-dollar state matching grant open to school districts, cooperative high schools, vocational centers, and special education cooperatives.
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.
Federal incentive equal to 30% of eligible expenses for qualifying installations and entities.
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.