Efficient, Resilient Operations Save Money Today and Tomorrow

By using COVID relief funds to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience, schools can turn one-time dollars into a stream of ongoing savings and reduce future disaster-related costs.

The one-time nature of Federal COVID relief funds (now totaling $176 billion) and the broad set of allowable uses makes them an excellent fit for durable, long-lasting improvements in facilities and grounds which will affect the health and learning of current and future students.

Five Guiding Principles: How Schools Can Use American Rescue Plan Funding to Ensure Healthy, Resilient Facilities for Students and Reduce Energy Costs and Emissions provides actionable information for school districts as they consider how to use these funds.

This four-page brief expands on the “Efficient, Resilient Operations Save Money Today and Tomorrow” principle with examples from the field, questions to ask, resources to inform local decision-making, and a framework for district action:

1. Gather and review data.

2. Define goals with stakeholders.

3. Benefit from low-hanging fruit.

4. Take advantage of systems replacement.

5. Plan for resilience.

6. Pursue renewable energy.

We encourage you to download, share, and discuss within your community.