Summary of "Funding the Future: Grants and Green Initiatives for School Facilities"

School Business Insider Episode released on November 5, 2024, titled "Funding the Future: Grants and Green Initiatives for School Facilities", delves into the critical challenges and emerging opportunities in funding and sustaining school infrastructure. Hosted by John Brucato, the episode features insights from two industry leaders: Anissa Heming, Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Craig Schiller, Executive Director for the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHIPS). Together, they explore the current state of school facilities, available federal grants, sustainability initiatives, and the advocacy efforts driving improvements in K-12 education environments.

1. Introduction to Guests and Topics

John Brucato introduces Anissa Heming and Craig Schiller, highlighting their roles and expertise in green building standards and high-performance school facilities. The discussion focuses on:

• The state of school infrastructure funding in the U.S.
• Federal grants supporting school facility improvements.
• Sustainability and green initiatives in school buildings.
• Advocacy for equitable and healthy learning environments.

2. State of School Infrastructure Funding

Anissa Heming provides an overview of the national landscape of school infrastructure funding, referencing the 2021 State of Our Schools report:

"From the 2016 State of Our Schools to the 2021 report, the investment gap has grown from $46 billion to $85 billion a year." [06:40]

This gap underscores the increasing shortfall between current investments and what is necessary to maintain and improve school facilities. Key points include:

• Maintenance and Operations: Insufficient funding leads to deteriorating building conditions.
• Capital Improvements: Lack of investment prevents modernization to meet current educational standards.
• Equity Concerns: Local tax dependencies exacerbate disparities, as districts in less affluent areas struggle to fund necessary improvements.

Craig Schiller adds that some states offer financial incentives or require certifications like LEED for large buildings, emphasizing the importance of using taxpayer dollars efficiently:

"We're using your taxpayer dollar the best, following industry standards, and staying on the leading edge of facilities management." [06:18]

3. Sustainability and Rating Systems: LEED and CHIPS

The conversation shifts to the role of voluntary rating systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and CHIPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools):

• LEED: A widely recognized certification focusing on various aspects of building sustainability.
• CHIPS: Tailored specifically for schools, adding criteria relevant to educational environments.

Anissa Heming explains the voluntary nature of these certifications and their adoption by some municipalities and school districts to meet environmental and equity goals:

"Some municipalities require LEED certification for large buildings to meet energy targets, including schools." [04:13]

Craig Schiller highlights that adopting these standards ensures districts are aligning with industry best practices, enhancing building performance and sustainability.

4. White House Summit on Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings

The episode discusses the significance of the White House Summit held on April 24, focusing on sustainable and healthy school buildings. Craig Schiller recounts the event's emphasis on recognizing the vital work of school district staff:

"The energy of just hey, we're appreciated, we're highlighted, we're seen nationally represented—this was a shift." [18:39]

Anissa Heming adds that the summit marked a pivotal moment in federal recognition of the importance of school facilities, particularly accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent American Rescue Plan funding.

5. Federal Grants and Funding Opportunities

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on various federal grants available to school districts:

a. EPA's Community Change Grant

Anissa Heming describes the Community Change Grant, a $2 billion fund offering grants between $10 to $20 million for projects addressing indoor air pollution and climate action:

"This grant requires addressing both air pollution and climate action, making it a perfect fit for building improvements that impact air quality." [30:54]

Key criteria for eligibility include:

• Location in a disadvantaged area.
• Partnership with a community-based organization.
• Projects that simultaneously address air quality and climate action.

b. Department of Energy Grants

Anissa mentions additional funding opportunities from the Department of Energy, such as grants for rural and remote energy projects:

"The Renew America Schools grant is another school-focused program, supporting energy-related projects." [36:13]

These grants are designed to support energy efficiency and sustainability projects within school facilities, with applications typically rolling out in the spring.

c. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits

Craig Schiller and Anissa Heming discuss the IRA Clean Energy Tax Credits, which are non-competitive and provide financial rebates for investments in specific technologies like ground source heat pumps and solar systems:

"These are non-competitive tax credits, offering direct payments for investing in clean energy technologies." [39:26]

They emphasize the stability and longevity of these credits, suggesting they are likely to remain due to broad industry support and the potential for legal challenges if removed.

d. EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Rebate Program offers substantial funding ($5 billion over five years) for purchasing clean buses:

"Philadelphia is utilizing this program to acquire 25 new buses, showcasing its practical benefits." [46:03]

Anissa notes that while the program has faced initial challenges, its expansion and adaptability make it a valuable resource for districts aiming to modernize their transportation fleets.

6. Challenges in Grant Applications

Despite the availability of grants, Anissa and Craig identify significant barriers that school districts face when applying:

• Complexity of Applications: Grants like the Community Change Grant have extensive requirements and tight deadlines.
• Resource Limitations: Smaller districts may lack dedicated grant writers or staff to manage applications.
• Awareness and Eligibility: Understanding which grants align with specific projects and eligibility criteria can be daunting.

Craig Schiller emphasizes the importance of having a grant writer and forming partnerships with community-based organizations to navigate the application process effectively:

"You need a grant writer with capacity for the next few weeks and an existing relationship with a community-based organization." [35:38]

7. Success Stories and Encouraging Outcomes

While specific examples of Community Change Grant recipients are limited, Anissa shares a success story from Dillard University in New Orleans, showcasing how grants can fund both facility improvements and broader community initiatives:

"They are not only upgrading their HVAC systems but also developing mobility hubs and resilience centers to support the community." [55:17]

Craig Schiller highlights the inspiration drawn from passionate individuals—such as superintendents and principals—who champion grant applications, underscoring the potential for transformative projects when driven by committed leaders.

8. Advocacy and the Basic Coalition

The Basic Coalition plays a pivotal role in advocating for increased federal investment in school infrastructure. Anissa Heming, serving as the current chair, outlines the coalition's efforts:

"We have been pushing for the Rebuild America Schools Act to ensure equitable school facilities across the country." [56:57]

The coalition collaborates with organizations like USGBC and CHIPS to influence federal policy, support state-level capacity building, and provide resources through initiatives like the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI).

9. Future Initiatives and Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking forward, both organizations have ambitious plans:

• Center for Green Schools: Anissa shares plans to expand their work with grants from the EPA to enhance indoor air quality and reduce carbon emissions across schools:

  "We'll bring our support to smaller districts with regional coordinators for peer-to-peer learning." [59:38]

• CHIPS: Craig discusses the development of the Minor Innovations Program, which will distill best practices for common school projects like flooring and HVAC upgrades based on LEED and CHIPS standards:

  "We're aligning LEED credits with high-performance school projects to streamline adoption for districts." [62:57]

Both Anissa and Craig emphasize the lasting impact of recent federal investments and the importance of continued advocacy to sustain and expand these initiatives.

10. Conclusion

John Brucato wraps up the episode by acknowledging the vast array of funding opportunities and the diligent work required to secure them. Anissa Heming and Craig Schiller offer encouragement, highlighting that while the grant application process is challenging, the potential benefits for school districts make the effort worthwhile. They stress the importance of perseverance, partnerships, and advocacy in advancing the sustainability and functionality of school facilities.

"When you do the work, even if you don't get a grant, the process itself is beneficial for future applications." [56:16]

The episode concludes with a call to action for school business professionals to leverage available resources, stay informed through organizations like the Basic Coalition, and continue striving for healthier, more sustainable educational environments.

Notable Quotes:

• Anissa Heming [06:40]: "From the 2016 State of Our Schools to the 2021 report, the investment gap has grown from $46 billion to $85 billion a year."
• Craig Schiller [06:18]: "We're using your taxpayer dollar the best, following industry standards, and staying on the leading edge of facilities management."
• John Brucato [35:54]: "You need a grant writer, you need to be in a disadvantaged community zone, you need an existing relationship with a community-based organization who also has capacity over the next few weeks to help you with the application."
• Craig Schiller [39:26]: "These are non-competitive tax credits, offering direct payments for investing in clean energy technologies."
• Anissa Heming [55:17]: "They are not only upgrading their HVAC systems but also developing mobility hubs and resilience centers to support the community."

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners and professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape for school facilities, the role of sustainability initiatives, and the pathways to securing essential grants and support.