Five Mid-Columbia school districts and the private company renovating a shopping center in the Columbia Center retail district have received hundreds of thousands of state dollars aimed at identifying and implementing energy efficiencies in their buildings. 

The $1.35 million in financial awards are part of $29 million in grants and other funding from the Washington Department of Commerce aimed at helping public and private buildings meet the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard. 

“These awards demonstrate Washington’s commitment to reducing pollution from buildings, the state’s second largest source of emissions,” said Commerce Interim Director Sarah Clifthorne, in a statement. “By investing in cleaner, more energy-efficient buildings, we’re advancing our state energy strategy while improving air quality to provide a healthier future for all communities.” 

The Kennewick School District is the largest funding recipient with roughly $748,000 in funding for energy audits which will help public building owners identify opportunities to reduce energy use and lower operating costs while also meeting the state standard.  

Pasco School District received about $232,000 toward audits. Kiona-Benton City School District received just under $44,000 and the Columbia School District in Burbank just under $24,000. 

Pasco schools were biggest local recipient of the state’s Clean Building Performance Grants, which are to be used to meet the energy standards, such as through operation plans and staff training. The district received $178,000 while the North Franklin School District School District in Connell received just under $78,000.  

BPG Investments IX LLC, the developer currently renovating Tri-Cities Center which will be home to the area’s first Nordstrom Rack beginning this fall, also received about $48,000.