Miami-Dade schools to receive $15 million grant to improve energy efficiency in schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is the only school district in Florida to receive a $15 million 2024 American Renewal Schools Award and a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The funds will be used to upgrade older school buildings to reduce energy costs and improve indoor air quality.

“Our goal is to set an example for all schools in Miami-Dade County when it comes to energy resiliency,” said Karly Pulido, M-DCPS Sustainability Officer. “These improvements will not only benefit the schools, but will also revitalize the local community.”

During the initial phase of the grant, M-DCPS will receive $300,000 to begin planning upgrades for the schools that need them most. Once this phase is complete, the district will reach an agreement with DOE to begin renovations, which will unlock the remainder of the funding. M-DCPS will also contribute $4.7 million to the project.

M-DCPS is one of 16 school districts nationwide and the only one in Florida to advance to Phase 2, with the potential to receive up to $15 million in funding. Of those districts, M-DCPS plans to make the most energy efficiency improvements at the facility.

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The district has identified 74 buildings with high energy demands at 10 Title I schools for Renew America’s Schools. Upgrades will include modern lighting, more energy-efficient air conditioning units, and, in some schools, solar panels. Overall, the grants will benefit 7,460 students.

The program is part of a $190 million investment by the Department of Energy to help K-12 public schools across the country make energy upgrades to reduce energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier environments for students and teachers. The grants will support 320 school facilities in 21 states.