Promote Public School Siting and Building Aid to Reduce Energy Use (GLA Action 2.6)

Revise state public school siting and building aid policies to more effectively and cogently encourage the renovation of existing schools and the creation of high performance schools (through renovation or new construction) that both meet current educational standards and further the goals of RSA 9B and similar local and regional smart growth objectives. New emphasis on renovation through comprehensive feasibility studies, meaningful coordination between affected municipal bodies, adequate maintenance, and effective disposition processes can reinforce existing trends, take advantage of new opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades, and help alleviate conflicts in local school construction decision-making. For high performance schools, an additional funding bonus of up to 2 percent (resulting in a total bonus of up to 5 percent) may also entice more school districts into pursuing energy efficiency improvements that are part of major renovation projects or new construction.