Sustainable Energy Award – Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of technology a school might have used to increase energy efficiency?
- Installing ENERGY STAR appliances and building products throughout the school.
- Using energy meters in school-wide energy audits to determine areas in need of energy efficient upgrades or to monitor energy use.
- Using energy efficient equipment, such as power strips and CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), to reduce energy use.
- Using renewable energy technology, such as solar panels, wind turbines and biodiesel.
- Creating or retrofitting structures that maximize natural lighting, for example, solar tubes and heat from the sun or shade for cooling.
When are the applications due?
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm MT on February 10, 2012.
Are Private or Charter Schools eligible to apply?
Applicant schools must be at least 50 percent or more publicly funded by U.S. tax dollars. This means that charter schools that meet this requirement are eligible, but private schools are not.
Our school serves grades 7-9. Are we eligible to apply?
No. To satisfy the high school requirement, applying schools must serve mostly students in grades 9-12.
I represent a public High School in Puerto Rico. Am I eligible to apply?
High schools in U.S. territories are eligible to apply as long as they receive at least 50% of their funding from U.S. tax dollars.
Why do you ask about future aspirations for the school energy efficiency efforts?
The Sustainable Energy Award recognizes and celebrates outstanding high schools that have successfully involved students in school-wide energy efficiency measures. The award money is intended to help the winning schools further their exemplary school-wide energy efficiency efforts, so that the project is sustainable and has a long-term benefit for students and the school community. Being able to demonstrate a vision for the future helps determine the sustainability of the project and the ongoing commitment of the students, school community and other participants.
Who can apply?
High schools that meet the eligibility requirements can apply for this award. Schools may not be nominated by third parties. However, a school can entrust a member of the school community, such as a parent involved in the energy efficiency efforts, with the responsibility of filling out and submitting the application on behalf of the school.
How do I apply?
Please visit the Sustainable Energy Award page. Clicking on the “Apply Now!” link will bring you to the online application form. You will first be prompted to supply log on information, specifically a username and password. If you do not yet have an account, please click “Create New Account.”
How do I create an account?
When you click on the “Appy Now!” button you will be prompted to either supply log on information or “Create New Account.” Clicking on the “Create New Account” button will allow you to supply the contact information necessary to create a log on and apply.
When creating an account, whose information should I provide in the User Information section? Whose information should I provide in the Organization Information section?
Contact information supplied in the User Information section should reflect the individual who will be directly handling the application process for your school. If there is a problem with your application, or if we need to contact your organization with any questions, this is the person we will contact.
In the Organization Information section, we recommend that you include the contact information of the person in charge of your organization, such as the Principal. This would not be the person directly involved with the day-to-day handling of the award application, but the person who is authorized to sign off on items such as agreements.
How do I begin an application?
Upon creating an account, it will take you to your home screen. To apply, click “Apply.” You will be taken to a list of NEEF grants and awards. Select Sustainable Energy Award 2012 to begin your application.
Who should I contact if I have problems with the online application?
For all questions regarding the online application system, or the requirements of the application itself, please contact grantsadmin@neefusa.org.
I already submitted a complete application, but I would like to revise some of my answers. Is there any way I can access my submitted application?
As long as it is prior to the application deadline, we can make your application available for edits. To request access to an already submitted application, please email grantsadmin@neefusa.org, and be sure to include the name of your organization.
Please also note that if we open a submitted application for you, and you not do re-submit by the application deadline, your application will not be considered.
Do I complete the Tax I.D. section during registration?
As a school, you are not required to complete this field.
