NASHVILLE (AP) - Four Tennessee educational institutions are being awarded a $780,000 grant to fund energy efficiency projects.

Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau announced this week that the projects are designed to reduce air emissions, improve energy efficiency and create cost savings.

The University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University will each get $250,000, Northeast State Community College will receive $180,000 and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is getting $100,000.

The Clean Tennessee Energy Grant program provides financial assistance to state and local government agencies, utility districts, and private businesses/organizations in Tennessee to purchase, install and construct energy projects.