Manchester's Keeney Elementary Featured In National Case Study On Net-Zero School Renovation

MANCHESTER, CT — A national nonprofit has released a case study highlighting the Town of Manchester's renovation of Keeney Elementary School, citing the project as a model for modernizing aging school buildings while reducing energy use and operating costs.

The case study, Reviving Keeney Elementary: A Model for Turning Aging Schools into Modern Learning Environments, was released by UndauntedK12 and examines the town's approach to upgrading older school facilities through energy-efficient renovations.

According to the town, Keeney Elementary is Manchester's third net-zero energy elementary school renovation. The school reopened in 2024 following a $35 million renovation that included the installation of ground-source heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, upgraded building insulation and exterior systems, and modernized ventilation and cooling.

The case study found the renovation reduced the school's annual energy consumption by 71%, eliminated fossil fuel use and improved indoor comfort for students and staff, according to the town.

Manchester previously completed net-zero renovations at Buckley Elementary School, which opened in 2022 and was verified as New England's first public elementary school to achieve net-zero energy status by the New Buildings Institute, and Bowers Elementary School, which reopened in 2023 and recently received the 2026 BuildGreenCT K-12 Award of Honor.

Town officials said the Keeney project was funded through a combination of state, federal and utility incentives. Approximately $27 million came from state school construction grants, while the project also received about $2.5 million in federal energy tax credits, $1.9 million through a U.S. Department of Energy net-zero energy grant and nearly $197,000 in utility rebates. The town's local share totaled about $3.4 million.

Town Manager Steve Stephanou said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration.

"This project reflects more than a building renovation," Stephanou said in a statement. "It represents years of planning, partnership, and commitment to providing equitable, healthy, and energy-efficient learning environments for Manchester students."

Mayor Jay Moran said the recognition highlights the town's long-term investment in sustainable school facilities.

"Manchester continues to set a national standard for what is possible when a community prioritizes both its children and its environment," Moran said in a statement. "With Keeney Elementary marking our third successful net-zero renovation, we are proving that sustainability and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand."

The town said the case study was developed by UndauntedK12 with assistance from the Town of Manchester and engineering firm CMTA Inc.