NYC Schools Leading the Charge

A $4 billion jolt to fight climate change and electrify city schools.

Leading the Charge!

What we've done

The City of New York just launched a $4 billion initiative to complete or initiate the conversion of 100 existing schools to all-electric heating by 2030. In addition, under the Leading the Charge initiative, all new schools will be fully electric, including boilers and kitchen equipment.

This energy-saving initiative means we’ll never again build a school that relies on fossil fuels. It’s one of the many ways we’re meeting the challenge of climate change, supporting the health of our students and communities, and providing job opportunities for the next generation’s green workforce.

Fast facts

  • Under the plan, we’re eliminating the city’s use of No. 4 heating oil in schools and switching to ultra-low sulfur biofuel
  • Leading the Charge initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 120,000 tons annually
  • It will remove an estimated 20,000 pounds of disease-causing particulates from the air; the equivalent of taking 26,000 cars off our streets
  • LED lighting will be installed in 800 public schools by 2026
  • This initiative includes a $14 million program to hire and train skilled trade workers to eliminate the existing No. 4 heating oil infrastructure in schools

Why it matters

Projects like these not only make our city greener, they help make our neighborhoods in all five boroughs healthier, especially by prioritizing underserved communities. Inside our schools, children with respiratory issues will be able to breathe freer with less pollution in their classrooms.

We’re also doubling down on our commitment to get more New Yorkers into well-paying jobs by offering permanent positions that will help with the conversion and maintenance of our all-electric schools.

Mayor Adams and somebody else standing next to a boiler.

Related links: How we’re making New York City greener