Keeney Elementary School Net Zero Energy Renovation

Published on July 13, 2026

The Town of Manchester and Manchester Public Schools are pleased to announce that UndauntedK12 is releasing a national case study highlighting the transformation of Keeney Elementary School into a modern, high-performance, net-zero energy school.

The case study, Reviving Keeney Elementary: A Model for Turning Aging Schools into Modern Learning Environments, showcases Manchester’s long-term strategy to modernize aging school facilities while reducing energy use, lowering operating costs, improving indoor comfort, and limiting the local taxpayer share through a layered funding approach.

Keeney Elementary is Manchester’s third net-zero energy elementary school renovation. The Town’s first was Buckley Elementary School, which opened in 2022 and became the first public elementary school in New England to be verified as net-zero energy by the New Buildings Institute. Bowers Elementary School followed in 2023 and was recently awarded the 2026 BuildGreenCT K-12 Award of Honor. Keeney continues that progression and further demonstrates Manchester’s leadership in high-performance public-school renovation.

Keeney Elementary, originally built in 1955, was renovated and reopened in 2024 with ground-source heat pumps, rooftop solar, full building-envelope upgrades, and modernized ventilation and cooling throughout the building. According to the case study, the renovation reduced annual energy consumption by 71%, eliminated fossil fuel use, and created a healthier, more comfortable learning environment for students and staff.

The $35 million renovation was supported by approximately $27 million in state construction grant funding, $2.5 million in federal energy tax credits, $1.9 million from a Department of Energy net-zero energy grant, and nearly $197,000 in utility rebates. The resulting local share was approximately $3.4 million.

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

Keeney is the latest example of Manchester’s broader school modernization strategy. Through the Town and Board of Education’s long-term facilities planning efforts, Manchester has transformed its elementary school system while advancing high-performance building design across multiple schools.

"Manchester continues to set a national standard for what is possible when a community prioritizes both its children and its environment. With Keeney Elementary marking our third successful net-zero renovation, we are proving that sustainability and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand,” said Jay Moran, Mayor for the Town of Manchester. “This national case study shines a well-deserved light on years of collaborative planning, and I am incredibly proud of our town staff, school district, and community for keeping Manchester at the absolute forefront of modern, high-performance public education." 

Together, Buckley, Bowers, and Keeney Elementary Schools demonstrate how existing public school buildings can be renovated to meet modern educational needs, reduce long-term operating costs, and support local and statewide energy goals.

The Keeney case study was developed by UndauntedK12 with assistance from the Town of Manchester and CMTA, Inc.

Full Case Study(PDF, 3MB)
UndauntedK12 Release