MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Heymann (202) 741-2136
WASHINGTON, DC – The District of Columbia will receive $8.8 million in federal funds to improve energy efficiency in District Government buildings and support public education about energy. The funding is part of a United States Department of Energy grant to the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The District is also on track to receive an additional $11 million, for a total of $22 million, under the State Energy Program grant.
“We have an extraordinary opportunity before us to create jobs and save money for District taxpayers,” said DDOE Director George S. Hawkins. “The Administration has recognized growing the green sector as a way out of our economic downturn. By upgrading our buildings and making them more energy efficient, we’re able to reduce the amount we spend on heating and cooling, and reduce our impact on the Earth’s climate at the same time.”
Examples of the projects to be funded include:
- Replace heating, cooling and lighting equipment at One Judiciary Square, the former P.R. Harris Educational Center, and two public shelters.
- Begin a pilot program to provide a $3,000 matching grant to encourage prospective homebuyers and renters to live within walking or transit distance of their workplaces.
- Install high-efficiency lighting at five park athletic facilities.
- Expand funding for DDOE’s renewable energy incentive program.
- Retrofit six DCPS elementary schools with high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and new windows.
- Train youth at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in green construction.
In addition, the funding will facilitate multiple education efforts designed to reach different populations within the District. For example, DDOE will hold quarterly teacher trainings to incorporate renewable energy content into the science and math lesson plans for schoolchildren. The District Government will also work to adopt green building codes by developing resource materials, training sessions and testing materials.
For more information on the District’s Recovery Act activities, please visit http://recovery.dc.gov.