U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Building Technologies Program – EnergySmart Schools

The new Guide to Financing EnergySmart Schools

The new Guide to Financing EnergySmart Schools (PDF 1.4 MB) Download Adobe Reader provides guidance on the process of financing energy-efficient school renovations, retrofits, or new construction and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of financing mechanisms. Written for school administrators and school board members, the Guide describes:

  • Principles of financing high-performance schools (such as determining project objectives, performing life cycle cost analysis, and selecting a cost-benefit analysis method)
  • Making a business case for high-performance schools
  • Non-energy benefits of energy-efficient schools
  • Internal financing
  • Debt financing
  • Leasing arrangements
  • Energy savings performance contracts
  • Financing information resources