Clean Energy Resource Teams

 
February 2-3, 2011
Saint Cloud Civic Center
10 4th Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301

Join CERTs and hundreds of other Minnesotans for our fourth biennial conference! CERTs connects you and your community members with resources to identify and implement energy efficiency & renewable energy projects. The conference website will continue to grow as the event approaches at 2011.MNCERTs.org.

CERTs 2011 will be a great place for your organization to be seen!
CERTs 2011 sponsor and exhibitor info will be available soon! We anticipate that our rates will be similar to last year, so download the 2009 Sponsor & Exhibitor Packet so that you can plan CERTs 2011 into your budget now. Sign up to stay in the loop at Updates.MNCERTs.org.

Nominate a CERTs 2011 Planning Committee Member Today!
CERTs is working to put together a Planning Committee for next year’s conference, and we need your help. Tell us about an energy geek or sparkplug in your community who would be an outstanding addition to our team! And don’t be afraid to nominate yourself! Email the person’s name, title, organization, email and phone, along with why you think they would make a great Planning Committee member to Maggie Kozak at makozak@umn.edu.

• What makes a good Planning Committee member?
  • Expertise or interest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, or community development
  • Can attend eight conference calls from May to December and work a little in between
  • Connected to the community in a significant way
  • Enthusiastic about working collaboratively as part of a group
  • Interest and experience planning events
  • Understands CERTs’ audience
  • Plans to attend CERTs 2011 on February 2-3, 2011
• What will the Planning Committee members do?
  • Help set goals and key themes for CERTs 2011
  • Identify and recruit event sponsors and exhibitors
  • Outline overall agenda sessions, keynote speakers, and more
  • Plan individual sessions in their area of expertise or interest
  • Spread the word about the conference in their circles of influence
  • Attend CERTs 2011 and enjoy the fruits of their labor!
  • Get recognized for your leadership by people across the state!

Learn more about the CERTs 2011 and past events at 2011.MNCERTs.org.

 
Hello CERT members and friends! Please check out our October 2009 Monthly Update for clean energy news and announcements from across Minnesota! Included in this update:

• Regional Highlights & Activities
• Link of the Month
• Action Alert
• Upcoming Events

 
NOVEMBER 9th, SLAYTON, MN — The Southwest and West Central Clean Energy Resource Teams seek temporary appointment of Southwest and West Central CERT Regional Coordinator(s).

The Coordinator will be instrumental in working with various organizations and individuals to move community-scale projects forward within the region by connecting people with the technical resources they need to identify and implement local energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

Position will be paid by contract with CERTs $16.00 – $20.00 an hour for either a 40-hour/week appt or two 20 hours/ week appointments from December 2009 – June 2010 (no benefits) and with the potential for renewal through June 2011. Southwest and West Central CERT Coordinator(s) will be supervised by and report to the CERT Coordinator for the UM Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Position may office out of a home office or may be provided space with one or more of the Project Partners.

BA or BS, technical background in energy research and data analysis desired but not required. Travel is required to perform the responsibilities of this position, personal vehicle is required, reimbursement of travel will be made according to State policies.

Position general responsibilities, qualifications and additional information can be accessed at http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org. Send resume to Annette Bair, Southwest Regional Development Commission and Southwest CERT coordinator by 11/20/09 4:30 pm at either phydev@swrdc.org or 2401 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN 56172. Position to be filled by January 2010.

Download release & position description (Word) >>
Download release & position description (PDF) >>

Contact:
Annette Bair
SW Clean Energy Resource Team Coordinator
Physical Development Director
Southwest Regional Development Commission
2401 Broadway Ave
Slayton, MN 56172
Email: phydev@swrdc.org
Phone: 507.836.1631
Fax: 507.836.8866

 
SEPTEMBER 8th, SAINT PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) seek to provide limited financial assistance for energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects requiring technical assistance.

Project funding can support technical assistance services (labor costs only, such as for a consultant, design professional, installer or student labor) for projects across the state in all seven Minnesota CERT regions: Central, Metro, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and West Central.

CERTs awarded seed grants to Minnesota projects in 2006, 2007, and 2008, funding nearly 80 projects during that time, and providing non-financial assistance to many more. Lists and maps of past CERTs-supported projects can be seen at http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-projects/certs-support....

“CERTs offers seed grants with two primary objectives in mind: to encourage implementation of community-based clean energy projects across the state, and to provide an educational forum for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and their economic, community and ecological benefits,” says Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs Statewide Coordinator.

Each region has a $40,000 pool of funding. Generally teams have funded projects in the $5,000 range, however should a larger project best help a team achieve its goals, that team may consider funding at a level up to $10,000. Each Regional Team’s Steering Committee will make its own selections and the funding level will vary by region. Projects approved for funding must be completed by December 30th, 2010.

Funding for these projects is provided through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security. Proposals must be submitted no later than November 2nd, 2009 at 4:30pm.

To learn more, visit www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-projects/request-for-proposals.

Click here to download a press release >>

 
Are you an outgoing, detail-oriented individual interested in advancing clean energy solutions in Minnesota? Then we are looking for you. The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) are seeking a full-time Events Programming Coordinator to help further our mission to catalyze community-scale clean energy projects.

Staff from three of the CERT partnering organizations—the University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, the Southwest Regional Development Commission, and the Green Institute—provide coordination to the seven regional CERTs. The partnering organizations are seeking someone to aid with outreach, scheduling and implementing regional clean energy forums.

The events programming coordinator will work cooperatively with the CERTs coordinators across the state on a variety of event, meeting and conference coordination. Responsibilities may including but not limited to the following:

• Schedule and organize CERT steering committee conference calls and meetings
• Coordinate speakers and venues for CERTs events in all seven regions—quarterly team meetings, workshops, and tours
• Help create meeting agendas, press releases and flyers for CERT regional events
• Coordinate with all regional coordinators to plan multi-region events and forums
• Implement robust outreach for both media and target audiences for all CERT events
• Assist in preparing all handout materials, making travel arrangements and procuring needed technologies (projectors, video cameras, etc.) for all CERTs events
• Create meeting summaries, add new CERT members to list serves and add presentations (and perhaps video clips) to the website after CERT events
• Follow up with speakers after CERT events
• Plan virtual workshops/webinars that would allow individuals from all regions to participate in brief technology-specific forums
• Support the biennial CERTs conference as needed

Applications are due September 4th, 2009. Please click here to see the full job posting and apply today >>

 
By Eric Bland, Discovery News, July 8, 2009 | Read full article >>

Urine-powered cars, homes and personal electronic devices could be available in six months with new technology developed by scientists from Ohio University.

Using a nickel-based electrode, the scientists can create large amounts of cheap hydrogen from urine that could be burned or used in fuel cells. “One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses,” said Gerardine Botte, a professor at Ohio University developing the technology. “Soldiers in the field could carry their own fuel.”

Pee power is based on hydrogen, the most common element in the universe but one that has resisted efforts to produce, store, transport and use economically.

 
So you’re convinced that NOW is the time to make energy efficiency and renewbale energy improvements and you’ve visited ENERGY STAR to learn about it. But questions still remain, like:

• Can I get a rebate for improvements and purchases in 2008?
• What is included in the $1,500 rebate limit?
• Is there a separate limit for 2009 and 2010, or is it for 2009-2010?

Luckily there is the Tax Incentives Assistance Program, which provides detailed information for consumers, businesses, builders, and manufacturers, including an extremely helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.

Visit http://energytaxincentives.org to dig up answers to your questions on tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy today!

 
SunChips and National Geographic have joined forces to create the Green Effect, an initiative to inspire individuals to spark a green movement in their communities.
YOU could be the one to make a difference in your community—for the planet! Submit a description of your Green Effect idea by June 8, 2009. Ten finalists will be announced July 7, 2009. Online viewers and a distinguished panel of judges will review these inspiring ideas.

SunChips and National Geographic will award $20,000 each to five people or groups that have the best ideas for green change. The five winners will also be profiled in National Geographic, and the winners will travel to Washington, D.C., to share their projects with environmental leaders.

Click here to learn more and apply today!

This post is an interview between CERTs Staffer Joel Haskard and USDA Rural Development “Rural Energy for America Program” grant writer, Kellye Rose

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) guidelines are about to be released. What is this program and why should clean energy resource team members be interested?

This is a great program for people in the rural areas to receive funding help with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects related to business use (not residential). There are both grant opportunities (up to 25% of eligible project cost) and guaranteed loan opportunities (up to 50% of project cost). You can also apply for a combination grant and guaranteed loan. The guaranteed loan is a guarantee from the government to your local lender, who may then be willing to give you a lower interest rate. (The loan funds do not come directly from the government.)

There is $60 million in this program for 2009, nationwide, up from roughly $17-23 million annually in previous years. Applicants can be either rural small businesses or agricultural producers, and projects can be any of the following: wind, solar, geothermal (ground source heat pumps), bioenergy (including biofuels and anaerobic digestion, among others) hydrogen, energy efficiency (grain dryers, irrigation systems, building envelope and lighting improvements, energy efficient equipment). Energy efficiency grants require either an energy assessment or an energy audit (if projects costs more than $50,000) performed by a utility or a knowledgeable energy manager or engineer.

The Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program is pleased to announce the release of its new Web site to the public today, Thursday, February 19th, 2009. Visit www.SchoolsCuttingCarbon.org to learn more about the program and the schools involved!

Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon is a three-year initiative of the Clean Energy Resource Teams, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and Minnesota Office of Energy Security to give 103 Minnesota public high schools, colleges, and universities technical assistance and mini-grants to make their schools more energy efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.