To further understand energy use in existing and new schools in Massachusetts and compare the energy use in schools to national averages and schools in similar climates, the MSBA sought assistance through its Technical Services consultant, Gienapp Architects, and their subconsultant, The Green Engineer. The resulting report, completed in June 2025, describes the impact of MSBA’s sustainability and green building policies related to energy use, greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions (both operational and embodied carbon), and electrification of building heating. In conclusion, the report notes that, “MSBA policies place them in a leadership position compared to their peers. The current policies also align with MA Energy Code and the State’s long-term goals regarding electrification and GHG emissions.”
This report includes:
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A description of the impact associated with ongoing MSBA-funded projects compared to national averages, past projects, and current Massachusetts goals and policies; how MSBA policies relate to policies from peer institutions; and how issues related to indoor air quality (“IAQ”) and material health relate to GHG emissions.
Linked here, please find the “Massachusetts School Building Authority Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment Tool and Comparative Peer Assessment Report”
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A greenhouse gas emissions calculator that uses industry standard inputs to estimate GHG emissions for public schools in Massachusetts. The purpose of this calculator is to approximate GHG emissions for Massachusetts public schools and forecast GHG emissions for an individual school that proposes new construction and does not replace an existing building or new construction that replaces an existing building.
Linked here is the associated MSBA “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator”
- A list and summary of publications and other resources on relevant topics that report on reducing GHG emissions and improving IAQ.
For additional information on this subject, particularly how it relates to funding for Core Program projects, please refer to MSBA’s Green Schools Program.
