BCW’s School Clean Energy Seminar Targets Westchester Educators

Approximately 50 Westchester school officials gathered at Southern Westchester BOCES on November 14 for the School Energy Saving Seminar hosted by the Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC).

The morning event presented a deep dive into the energy efficiency programs and funding opportunities available from key state partners: Con Edison, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and NYSERDA.

“Schools can be a pro-active force in helping to build the county’s new renewable energy infrastructure,” said BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz.

A Con Edison representative kicked off the discussion by illustrating the tangible benefits of energy upgrades, citing the Lorge School in New York City as a prime example. The school achieved significant energy savings after implementing simple measures like upgrading its lighting and installing modern air-source variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps.

NYPA’s representative outlined several avenues schools can pursue, including a dedicated solar program. This initiative allows educational institutions to leverage the NYPA teams’ extensive expertise to seamlessly install solar panels, turning rooftops into sustainable power generators.

NYSERDA’s presentation highlighted a comprehensive suite of services designed to help schools become more energy-efficient and transition to clean technologies. These offerings include: technical assistance, energy audits and investigation of clean heating and cooling systems, among other services.

Furthermore, NYSERDA reminded attendees of a significant financial commitment to sustainable transportation, noting that $500 million has been allocated to support the electric school bus transition for public school districts throughout New York State.

Speakers also outlined recently adopted government rules that place a critical deadline on new solar projects. Officials stressed that all solar initiatives seeking to meet certain compliance standards must begin construction on or before July 4, 2026. This stipulation adds urgency to school districts considering leveraging solar power.

The successful seminar, which included a sponsored breakfast by Opterra Energy, was made possible by the tireless efforts of CEAC School Workgroup Co-Chairs Cathy Hoffman of Atlantic Westchester and Jane Anne Cavallaro of Renu Energy. The event provided Westchester’s educational leaders with the essential knowledge and contacts needed to immediately reduce their carbon footprint and lower operational costs.