Renewable Energy for Public Buildings

Practical Solution

The “How To”

Installing renewable energy has major benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the associated impacts of climate change. It can also result in cost savings. Herculaneum High School received a grant from Doe Run to install a 75 kW solar array in 2013, as well as a high efficiency HVAC system for the school gym. Cost savings from the project were over $40,000 per year. Schools, local governments, nonprofits, and other tax-exempt entities nationwide can benefit from clean energy tax credits that can result in a discount of 30% or more off the cost of renewable energy projects. In Illinois, a Solar Renewable Energy Credit program provides additional incentives, which can cover an additional 20-35% of a solar project.

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, solar energy systems reduce nitrogen oxides, SO², and particulate matter 2.5.