The Sustainability Commission led the application for a Municipal Energy Technical Assistance grant from DOER for $15,000, awarded in August 2025, to complete a retro-commissioning feasibility study at GDRHS. This study was implemented by the Groton Energy Manager in collaboration with GDRSD administration staff, including the Buildings Director, and found that upgrades through retro-commissioning at GDRHS can save the school district $40,000/year in operations and maintenance costs. Findings from the study will be considered for upcoming Green Communities grants
The Sustainability Commission participated in the application for a Regional School District Decarbonization. This federally funded grant was awarded in July 2026 for $138,000 to purchase electric ovens for the GDRMS North and Stoddart Buildings, set to be installed in December 2026. These gas to electric oven conversions were a critical replacement for the schools.
The Sustainability Commission participated in the application for a Green Communities grant in October 2026.. This grant was awarded for $250,000 in Spring 2026 to fund LED lighting at the GSRMS Stoddart Building and weatherization upgrades at the Groton Police Station.
The Sustainability Commission also applied for an Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant in the Fall 2024 to fund promotion of the Sustainability Commission’s Energy Coaches program and to provide free heat pump quote technical reviews to residents to help them evaluate quotes for home heating and cooling upgrades from HVAC installers. This grant was not awarded.