Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

ESCOS: Potential Funding Source for Sustainable Schools

  • 09/01/16

“How can we pay for the energy efficiency improvements?” The answer is funding, which can come from a variety of sources — internal funds, bonding, debt financing, lease or lease-purchase agreements, energy performance contracts, utility incentives and government grants, to name a few. For many schools funding remains the roadblock to implementing energy efficient technologies, and internal funding is not an option.

Leasing or debt financing may provide a workable alternative. In both cases the high up-front costs can be reduced or avoided, and costs can be repaid through the savings that accrue. Another method is perfomance contracts provided by ESCO’s (Energy Service Companies). Typically the ESCO provides a service package that includes the design and engineering, financing, installation and maintenance of the retrofit. Most importantly, ESCO’s provide a guarantee of the energy savings. Schools should also take advantage of the incentives offered by utility companies for the installation of energy efficient equipment. These offers range from equipment rebates, to design assistance, to low-interest loans.

Along with the corporate world, many states have also stepped up to the plate when it comes to financing energy efficient schools. Some states are providing low-interest loans for conservation and renewable resource projects. Others provide state energy tax credits to eligible projects. Also, don’t overlook the many federal agencies offer grants or make financing available to schools for projects that affect energy efficiency. The money is available, the key is finding it.

The most important thing to remember is that being energy efficient does not necessarily translate into significant expenses. When designing new buildings the construction cost trade-offs often allow the architects to incorporate energy-efficient technologies without an increase in cost. When operating existing buildings insulate and weatherstrip, repair cracked windows, close outside doors behind you, plant trees or large shrubs to act as windbreaks or for shade, install low water-use fixture, automate building controls and turn off the lights!

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • ZeroEyes, Academic Innovators Partner to Provide Safety Solutions

    ZeroEyes, which produces a multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, recently announced a partnership with Academic Innovators, according to a news release.

  • nursing students talk while studying in a hallway

    Elsevier Launches VR Simulation Solution for Nursing Students

    Elsevier has introduced Shadow Health Lab with Virtual Reality, a simulation platform that allows nursing students to interact with virtual patients and build clinical judgment skills in a safe, realistic environment.