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Resident urges town to secure financing for renewable energy in new school design
Summary
During public comment a North Kingstown resident urged the district to make renewable energy systems integral to any new school, asked whether the district has pursued solar leasing, power purchase agreements and state/regional incentives, and requested follow‑up from staff.
Mary Warbeck, 25 North Road, used the public comment period Nov. 5 to encourage the district to prioritize durable, energy‑efficient facilities and to pursue financing options that would preserve renewable systems in the new school design.
“Have we looked into solar leasing options and power purchase agreements?” Warbeck asked, adding that she has not received a staff response after asking previously. She also asked whether the district had checked with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) for incentives and whether the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank or other state programs could support renewable equipment.
Perkins Eastman and district staff acknowledged the question during the OPM update. Sam Bradner and Ed (Perkins Eastman) said the team has pursued utility and incentive conversations but that, for the projects as currently scoped, certain envelope upgrades do not meet Rhode Island Energy incentive thresholds. Bradner said equipment swaps (for higher‑efficiency HVAC, for example) generally offer larger rebate opportunities than incremental envelope work at the current scope.
Warbeck emphasized long‑term durability: “A new school must last, and that means be relevant for at least 50 years,” she told the committee. She said she supports school bonds and wants the town to pursue financing options so renewable systems are not removed later for budget reasons.
Next steps: staff agreed to note the public comment in the project record. The design and procurement teams said they will continue outreach to identify potential funding mechanisms and to include renewable‑energy alternates and financing options in cost‑estimating and procurement discussions.
