BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Energy Administration this week announced funding for 31 projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in public schools.

The $24 million in grants will go toward electrification and solar energy projects across 13 different school districts, the agency said in a press release on Wednesday.

“Our K-12 schools stand on the front lines of our work to accelerate the push toward a more sustainable future,” Governor Wes Moore said in a statement. “By taking a leading role in the clean energy transition, Maryland public schools are proving to the state and the country how we can cut costs, boost energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. It’s not either/or—it’s yes, yes, and yes.”

The Maryland Energy Administration said that the grants also will help schools reach climate goals outlined in the Climate Solutions Now Act, which aims for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.

The agency said that net-zero energy schools, which use renewable energy technologies, can use up to 80% less energy than conventionally constructed schools, which can save school districts more than $100,000 each year on energy costs.

“Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in our public schools creates healthier learning environments for our students, lowers energy costs and spurs local economic activity,” Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky said in a statement. “Through these grants, Maryland public schools will lead by example in the transition to clean energy.”

A full list of the approved projects is available online here (PDF).

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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