News from BPRC’s Executive Director
February 2026
BPRC's new report: Do school energy upgrades actually save money?
Hi everyone,
Yesterday, the Building Power Resource Center released a New Resource! ➡️ “Cleaner Air and Lower Costs: How State Investments in School Decarbonization Save Taxpayer Dollars.”
Across the country, public schools are grappling with aging buildings, rising utility bills, and classrooms that are too hot, too cold, or poorly ventilated. District leaders are trying to modernize buildings and create healthier learning environments, often with limited capital and tight operating budgets.
The promise of school decarbonization is compelling. But do these projects actually save money?
BPRC’s new report, "Cleaner Air and Lower Costs: How State Investments in School Decarbonization Save Taxpayer Dollars," written by David Eichenthal, looks beyond projections to examine what actually happened to the bottom line after the projects were completed.
Drawing on more than 100 school decarbonization efforts nationwide—and detailed case studies from 6 school districts in 6 states—the report tracks real, post-implementation results. In district after district, investments in energy efficiency, electrification, geothermal, and solar are not just improving indoor air quality—they’re delivering recurring operating savings for cash-strapped schools.
Inside, you’ll find:
How state grants, loans, tax credits, and technical assistance support districts with school decarbonization projects.
Real-world data on utility cost reductions over years or decades.
Examples of districts cutting energy use by 20–50% while improving classroom environments.
A clear fiscal case for why states should expand their investments in school buildings.
At a moment when federal clean energy investments are being scaled back, states are stepping up, and the evidence shows these investments can strengthen both school infrastructure and local balance sheets.
Please reach out if you have any questions,
Yong Jung
P.S. BPRC is accepting applications for our 2026 cohort through Friday, February 27!
Here is more information about our (free) strategy and technical assistance services for partners.
Here is our application.
Here is a 1 pager about BPRC.