Ohio Schools Awarded $2.6 Million in Energy Efficiency Grants with Help from Viridi and Gardiner
We’re thrilled to share that three clients that we prepared grant applications for, in partnership with Gardiner, have been awarded a combined $2.6 million in energy efficiency project funding through the Ohio Department of Development’s Advanced Energy Fund (AEF) grant program. (Click here to view the 5/5/2025 press release with all new grant recipients.)
These awards are the result of a strong collaboration between Viridi, Gardiner, and the forward-thinking school districts we serve. By working closely with each district to identify smart facility upgrades and prepare compelling grant applications, we’ve helped unlock funding that will significantly reduce utility costs for years to come.
Congratulations to our 2025 AEF Grant Recipients:
Grand Valley Local School District (Ashtabula County)
Awarded: $588,305
Project: Upgrade to LED lighting, install a building automation system, and a chiller
Estimated Annual Utility Savings: 37.8%
Jefferson Area Local School District (Ashtabula County)
Awarded: $659,314
Project: Upgrade to LED lighting and install a building automation system
Estimated Annual Utility Savings: 18.2%
East Palestine City School District (Columbiana County)
Awarded: $1,363,533
Project: Upgrade building automation systems, and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and board of education buildings
Estimated Annual Utility Savings: 72.5%
These projects will help improve comfort, efficiency, and cost performance across entire campuses, while freeing up more of each district’s budget for student-focused initiatives.
How Viridi Helps Schools Fund and Implement Energy Efficiency Projects
With rising utility costs and tight budgets, Ohio schools are under increasing pressure to do more with less. That’s where we come in.
At Viridi, we help school districts and other public entities:
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Identify cost-saving energy efficiency opportunities
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Navigate grant and funding programs like AEF
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Partner with trusted solution providers for turnkey execution
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Ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term value
We love helping schools, businesses, and organizations transform aging infrastructure into sustainable, cost-effective assets.
Have an Efficiency Project on Your Radar?
Whether you’re considering LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, solar, or smart building automation, our team can guide you every step of the way—including uncovering available grants and incentives to help fund the work.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a conversation and see how we can help you plan your next high-impact energy project.
