- Philadelphia has secured a $1.3 million federal grant to fund projects that enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
- The grant, provided through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, will support initiatives.
Philadelphia has been awarded a substantial $1.3 million in federal funds from the US Department of Energy to advance local initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and cut fossil fuel emissions.
The grant, allocated through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, will fund four critical projects to benefit the city’s residents and environment. The funding is part of the broader Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has injected $550 million into the EECBG Program.
This Philadelphia grant will support a range of initiatives focused on education, community resilience, workforce development, and school energy upgrades. Here is a breakdown of the local projects and how they will benefit Philadelphians:
Energy-Burdened Community Education
A major component of the grant will increase energy efficiency education in historically vulnerable communities. The Office of Sustainability (OOS) will collaborate with the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and citywide Neighborhood Energy Centers to provide enhanced programming. The ECA will also introduce an electric Mobile Energy Center to offer energy resources to underserved groups, including elderly and mobility-impaired residents.
Cool Roofs Program
Another project will explore the benefits of cool roofs in conserving energy and improving heat resilience. The OOS will investigate how implementing cool roofs can reduce energy use and mitigate urban heat islands. Recommendations for a long-term Cool Roofs Program will be developed, addressing current policy gaps and setting the stage for future improvements.
Clean Energy Workforce Development Strategy
With Philadelphia’s buildings responsible for approximately 70 per cent of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, a significant portion of the grant will focus on creating a clean energy workforce. The OOS will devise a comprehensive strategy and roadmap to lower the city’s carbon footprint while fostering job creation in the clean energy sector. This initiative aims to provide well-paying jobs and support the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Energy Conservation and Management in Schools
The School District of Philadelphia will also benefit from the grant, receiving support to enhance energy efficiency in its buildings. This effort aligns with the city’s goal of transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity for its schools.
Sinceré Harris, Chief Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement in Philadelphia, expressed enthusiasm about the projects. “We are excited to deploy this federal funding on projects that advance Mayor Parker’s clean and green agenda,” Harris said. “These initiatives align with our priorities of addressing urban heat, improving housing, supporting students, and creating quality jobs.”
The grant marks a significant step towards making Philadelphia a greener, more sustainable city with enhanced economic opportunities for its residents.