During the summer of 2009, the administration of Massachusetts-Collaborative for High Performance Schools (MA-CHPS) sustainable building design for MSBA funded projects will transition from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (“MRET”).
The MSBA will be conducting a thorough review of the options available for incorporating sustainable design into school building projects funded in part by the MSBA. The MSBA will evaluate the rating systems currently available to Massachusetts’ schools, which are MA-CHPS and the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Schools (LEED-S) system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This review will consider, among other things, current technology, available resources, industry best practices, and approaches used by other State agencies, as well as coordination with MSBA guidelines and regulations to ensure that the MSBA is participating in projects that utilize the best means possible for the construction of sustainable school buildings. It will include a review of the baseline requirements for all MSBA funded projects, and possible incentives for exemplary projects.
In order to keep school districts and their consultants informed during this period of transition, the following “Frequently Asked Questions” will provide direction:
Q: Will the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (“MRET”) still provide design grants for sustainable school design?
A: No. It is the MSBA’s understanding that MRET will focus on the installation of renewable energy systems and will be providing grants for this purpose. Please click here for more information on available MRET programs.
Q: Will the MSBA provide the design grants that were previously provided by MRET?
A: No.
Q: Will the MSBA still provide incentive funding for sustainable school projects?
A: Yes, pursuant to MSBA regulations and guidelines.
Q: What entity conducts the review of schools designed to the Massachusetts Collaborative for High Performance Schools (“MA-CHPS”) standards?
A: The national Collaborative for High Performance Schools (“CHPS”) will conduct the review of documentation submitted for the MA-CHPS verification. Projects that are designed to meet the MA-CHPS standards should be registered with CHPS, and districts should upload documentation directly to CHPS. For more information, please click here: http://www.chps.net/.
Q: Who pays the registration and review fees for either MA-CHPS or the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Schools (“LEED-S”) programs?
A: Districts must pay the registration and review fees for MA-CHPS and LEED-S. Registration and verification fees for either MA-CHPS or LEED-S projects (but not both) will be reimbursed by the MSBA as an eligible project cost, pursuant to the terms of the district’s Project Funding Agreement with the MSBA.
Q: Should projects approved by the MSBA register with CHPS or the U.S. Green Building Council (“USGBC”)?
A: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with discussions between the district and MSBA.
Q: How does a district register a project for MA-CHPS review?
A: Districts should register their project on the CHPS website, www.chps.net. Registered users of the CHPS website can directly access the CHPS Verified registration page: http://www.chps.net/dev/Drupal/node/257.
Q: Will MRET continue to provide funding for the installation of renewable systems such as photovoltaics (“PV”) and wind?
A: Yes, MRET is still providing financial assistance to schools under their existing programs, Commonwealth Solar and Commonwealth Wind. For PV systems, green schools that are verified to MA-CHPS or certified to LEED are eligible for an additional rebate amount. Please click here for more information on these programs.