Philadelphia has been awarded $1.3 million in federal funds to support local projects to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy use and lower fossil fuel emissions.
The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The four local projects will work to expand access to energy education, build resilience to heat in vulnerable communities, scale the local clean energy workforce and support efforts to decarbonize School District of Philadelphia buildings.
“As the clean energy transition gains momentum, our office is exploring what it takes to build a robust, sustained clean energy workforce that creates wealth opportunities for Philadelphians,” said Elizabeth Lankenau, Interim Director, Office of Sustainability, in a statement.
Philadelphia’s grant was made possible under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which delivered $550 million to the EECBG Program.
Here is a breakdown of the local projects and how they will benefit Philadelphians:
Energy Burdened Community Education
The Office of Sustainability (OOS), in partnership with the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and citywide Neighborhood Energy Centers, will increase educational programming about energy efficiency and conservation in historically vulnerable communities. ECA will also launch and operate an electric Mobile Energy Center to improve access to energy resources among working families and underserved constituencies, including elderly and mobility-constrained residents.
Cool Roofs Program
This project will investigate how cool roofs can improve energy conservation in homes and improve heat resilience in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. The city’s Office of Sustainability will develop recommendations for establishing a long-term Cool Roofs Program and examine gaps in the existing Cool Roofs Policy.
Clean Energy Workforce Development Strategy
Philadelphia’s buildings contribute approximately 70 percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. The Office of Sustainability will develop a comprehensive strategy and roadmap to lower the city’s carbon footprint and transition to a clean energy future, creating opportunities for good-paying, clean energy jobs.
Energy Conservation and Management in Schools
The School District of Philadelphia will receive support to make energy efficiency improvements, to align with the city’s goal of using 100 percent renewable electricity.
“As we look for every opportunity to make Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, and greener city with economic opportunity for all, we are excited to deploy this federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration on projects that advance Mayor Parker’s clean and green agenda,” said Sinceré Harris, Chief Deputy Mayor, Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement. “These projects align with the mayor’s priorities, including tackling urban heat islands, supporting healthy, safe and thriving communities by improving housing, helping students excel at school and creating quality jobs.”
