Claire walked participants through their innovative lease and finance arrangements, providing districts with zero-emission electric school buses, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and staff training at or below a district’s current transportation costs. In brief, the savings result from scaling efficiencies such as Highland’s volume purchase of vehicles and charging equipment, and long-term leasing. Districts realize additional savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicles.
Sustainable Putnam is working to assist all Putnam County districts in complying with the new requirement, beginning in 2027, that school districts purchase only zero-emission school buses, and by 2035, achieve a 100% zero-emission fleet. EarthKind Energy and Highland are working throughout New York State to create zero-cash outlay ways for schools to make the transition – with both immediate and long-term savings.