Demystifying Decarbonization: What Is Decarbonization, and Why Is It Important to Schools?

A growing number of states and municipalities are putting regulations into place to motivate the adoption of decarbonization strategies in commercial buildings. It’s the right thing to do, and it doesn’t have to be a burden. Financial support is available to help defray the costs, including the Inflation Reduction Act, tax incentives, and utility rebates, plus various grants and affordable loans.

Trane’s 4 Pillars of Decarbonization for Schools

Trane organizes decarbonization into four pillars. Each one has big and small action items that you can implement to make a carbon difference. The items listed in the infographic above are just a few examples.

1. Improving energy efficiency: Using less energy produces fewer carbon emissions from power plants. Since energy efficiency saves money, this is an easy starting point.
   Add building automation to avoid using energy when it’s not needed.
   Switch to high-efficiency HVAC systems.
   Upgrade to newer LED lighting and other energy-saving measures.
   Make structural modifications to reduce heating and cooling loads.
2. Electrification of heating: As the nation’s power grid transitions to renewable energy sources, switching to electric heating reduces overall emissions.
   Upgrade to heat recovery and hybrid dual fuel options.
   Apply innovative approaches to using heat pumps.
   Add thermal energy storage to make electric heat practical in cold climates.
3. Supporting the transition to carbon-free energy: Engage in solutions that prioritize solar, wind, and other types of energy from sources that are natural and constantly replenished.
   Purchase renewable energy from the grid.
   Add thermal energy storage to gain purchase and use flexibility.
   Generate solar and wind energy onsite.
4. Prioritizing safe refrigerant use and handling: Minimize the potential greenhouse gas effects of refrigerants used in HVAC systems.
   Transition to control strategies, and energy management services. We expertly bring it all together to form unique and innovative approaches that benefit schools, students, and the planet.