HPSE: Vermont

State Policies

School construction regulations and policies in Vermont, including energy efficiency measures for school facilities, is directly tied to state funding. If a project is not receiving state aid through the VT Department of Education (VDOE), its policies and regulations do not apply to the project. Among the regulations is the requirement that energy retrofit projects be determined to be life cycle cost effective (6145.1). Although the Vermont legislature is currently wrestling with funding shortfalls and has temporarily suspended funding for new projects, the staff at VDOE will gladly assist school districts to put together high performance school renovation and construction projects using Northeast CHPS.

Grants and Rebates

The Vermont Department of Education School Construction Program offers state aid for eligible renovation and construction projects, including energy efficiency retrofits and conversions to renewable energy sources.

Efficiency Vermont maintaints a list of rebates that can be obtained from the state for energy-efficient purchases.

The Fuel for Schools Intiative provides information and funding for biomass heating systems.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has construction waste and demolition grants available for large building projects.

DSIRE maintains a list of incentives and rebates available in the state through various programs.

For More Information

The High Performance Schools Exchange offers presentations and trainings to design and building professionals as well as school administrators and committees. These are available at no cost. and can be scheduled by contacting Carolyn Sarno at csarno@neep.org or at (781)860-9177 x119.