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

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Classical building columns display digital data streams

    The Campus Nervous System: Why Facilities Risk Is Now a Leadership Issue in Higher Education

    Facility performance now intersects with safety, compliance, on-campus experience, institutional reputation, and financial resilience. That places it firmly on the leadership agenda.

  • University of Oklahoma Announces New Campus Master Plan

    The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., recently announced that it will soon launch a new, comprehensive Campus Master Plan to guide the campus’ physical development during the next decade, according to a news release.