CERTs Monthly Update - April 2009
Hello CERT members and friends, and welcome to the April 2009 edition of our Monthly Update!
This Monthly Update is brimming with CERTs announcements, news from the regions, statewide opportunities, new resources available on the CERTs Web site, and ways that you can take action in your home and your community. Explore and enjoy!
Regional Highlights & Activities
Statewide
Clean Energy Resource Teams Receive $1.25 Million to Continue Serving Minnesota Communities: On May 7, 2009 Governor Pawlenty signed the Environment Budget bill, which includes $1.25 million over the biennium for the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) program. This funding will enable CERTs to assist local groups in developing project ideas, finding technical and financial resources, and organizing and implementing energy efficiency and clean energy projects in their communities. See the official press release >>
100 Schools Launch Massive Effort to Reduce Carbon & Save Energy: April 21st, St. Paul, Minnesota – One hundred public high schools, colleges and universities are joining together in the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program to reduce their carbon emissions and save on energy costs. Student teams, led by a faculty coach and supported by school administrators and building operators, are exploring no cost-low cost behavior changes as well as larger projects to increase energy efficiency and create clean energy on campus. To view the schools participating across the state, please visit http://www.SchoolsCuttingCarbon.org.
Win $20,000 to Put Your Green Idea Into Action: 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. Click here to learn more >>
Minnesota CFL Recyclers Map: According to ENERGY STAR, Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) use significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs (75% less). But because of the mercury in CFLs, it is important to dispose of them correctly. There are places all over Minnesota that accept CFLs for recycling, and we have a handy map you can use to find the one nearest you. Click here to find a CFL recycler near you >>
Updated – Minnesota Solar and Small Wind Companies Map: There are a number of solar power and small wind installers in Minnesota, and CERTs has put together a map of them so that you can look for those nearest you. Click here to explore the map >>
Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives in Minnesota: This one-page document that just came out in April 2009 is a handy overview of all incentives offered by the state of Minnesota for residential energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It includes links to more information. Download factsheet >>
Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Report – 2002-2008: The Office of Energy Security (OES) released a report last week summarizing both Phase I and Phase II of the Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program. Minnesota achieved a milestone of more than one megawatt of total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2008. The Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program offered financial assistance for most of this development, along with federal incentives (that were recently extended through December 31, 2016). The program has supported 227 solar PV installations in Minnesota, with another 46 projects in progress; the average system size is 4.6 kW. Read the report >>
Green Jobs Training List: The Office of Energy security has worked with Minnesota State Colleges and Univerities (MnSCU) to pull together a list of existing courses and workshops on conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. The Green Jobs Training list is now on their website. Click here to check it out >>
Minnesota first state in nation to require B5: Renewable fuel in Minnesota is being pumped up as we speak, as the state’s diesel fuel supply increases from a 2 percent (B2) biodiesel blend to 5 percent (B5). This new level was put in to effect on May 1, 2009. The change is part of Governor Pawlenty’s plan to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to require B20 by 2015. Read the press release and a CERTs blog post on the topic.
Minnesota Stimulus News: The air is buzzing with news about recovery and stimulus, but it can be difficult to understand exactly what is coming to Minnesota, and how you and people all over the state will be impacted. We have attempted to pull a good deal of this information together for you, and will continue to keep you updated when we learn more. Click here to see resources CERTs has begun compiling >>
USDA Announces REAP Energy Technical Assistance Funding: The 2008 Farm Bill’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) added, for the first time, a new Energy Audit and Technical Assistance program to REAP. Under this program, state, local and tribal governments, universities, rural electric cooperatives and public power entities can apply to the USDA to receive grants to implement energy technical assistance programs to benefit agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The program will cut energy waste, help farmers and businesses produce their own renewable energy and improve the bottom line of farm and rural business operations.This year, based on likely REAP funding, we expect that up to $2.4 million will be available nationwide under this REAP program. The maximum grant per applicant is $100,000, and the deadline to apply for grants is June 10, 2009. Click here for a summary of the new program and the full notice. To learn more about USDA REAP grants, click here to read an exclusive CERTs interview with grant writer Kellye Rose.
Xcel Energy a Leader among National Green Pricing Programs: NREL has compiled extensive data on utility green power programs and produced a “Top Ten” list of program characteristics and results. Congrats to Xcel Energy for being among our nation’s top ten! See how they stack up against other utilities in the country >>
Minnesota Electric Transmission Report: A new report from utilities in Minnesota has identified improvements in the electric transmission system necessary to meet 2016 milestones noted in the Next Generation Energy Act. It can be downloaded at http://www.minnelectrans.com.
New DOE Smart Grid Handbook: The Smart Grid: An Introduction is a publication sponsored by DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. It is the first book of its kind to explore—in layman’s terms—the nature, challenges, opportunities and necessity of Smart Grid implementation. Click here to download the book or check out other DOE smart grid resources.
The Minnesota Cup is an annual competition that seeks out emerging entrepreneurs across Minnesota and provides them with tools, resources, and the opportunity to compete for rewards that include seed capital, professional services, and the opportunity to meet investors and leaders in our community. The competition launched in late March and continues through September 2009. More information regarding the Minnesota Cup and the new Clean & Green Competition is available at http://www.mncup.org/fredrikson-clean.
Central Region
Upcoming CERT Tour: Anishinaabe-Led Clean Energy Projects: Monday, May 18th, 11:30am to 1:30pm. CERTs has partially funded an energy efficiency campaign and a solar thermal hot air installation and training with WELRP. Founding Director Winona LaDuke and staff will cover these projects as well as their wind turbine project taking place within the community. We will also discuss on-going projects that CERTs has supported, new projects being considered in the region and across the state, and new incentives and programs that are coming on-line with the federal stimulus bill. Lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP now or Click here to learn more.
RREAL Recieves 2009 Initiative Award for Outstanding Green Venture: Congratulations to the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance for receiving the 2009 Initiative Foundation Outstanding Green Venture award! See the short film created about their efforts >>
Metro Region
Lakeville South & Schools Cutting Carbon featured on Fox 9: Lakeville South is one of approximately 100 schools participating the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program. The school’s idea is to replace textbooks with technology to use less paper in the future. In the fall, Lakeville South will be competing with others in the program for $20,000 grants to take their project to the next level. Click here to see the clip >>
Metro CERTs Spring Resource Sharing & Networking Event: On April 15, Metro CERTs successfully hosted an event at the St. Paul Science Museum. Diana spoke, and then a number of CERTs affiliates and friends shared their successes and challenges, including representatives from the City of Elk River, City of Oakdale, Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative (MAGI), St. Paul District 10-Como Council, and City of Edina. A summary of stimulus funds available was also given. Click here for photos, powerpoints, and an event recap >>
Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative wins support for turbine: Plans for a wind turbine near Mahtomedi High School moved a step forward last week. The School Board sanctioned the proposal, which involves the School District taking ownership of the privately funded turbine. The proposal was spearheaded by the Metro CERTs Affiliate MAGI (Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative). Read the full article at the White Bear Press and Click here to donate to their project.
Metro CERTs & Rotary Clubs: In 2008, Metro CERTs worked with both the St. Paul Sunrise Club and the Lake Elmo Club to plan and implement forums to engage Rotarians and communities to take steps on the sustainability path. An outgrowth of this work included Diana presenting at the District 5960 District Conference on 4/18/09 about best practices to reduce carbon footprints for individuals, businesses and Cities.
R.I.T.E. of Spring: On April 25, Metro CERTs gave a presentation about home energy efficiency tips at the R.I.T.E of Spring celebration in Mahtomedi. We were invited by MAGI, one of the Metro CERTs affiliates.
New Metro CERTs Affiliate Page: Metro CERTs has created a page utterly devoted to Metro CERTs Affiliates. Affiliates are those community groups, congregations, schools, and municipalities that share our vision of communities working together to achieve a clean energy future. Check out the Affiliate at a Glance archive, publications about and from affiliates, and of course, the affiliate map. Click here to check it out >>
Minneapolis Climate Change Grants Awarded: Rybak announced $75,000 in city grants for 15 neighborhoods and organizations engaged in efforts to reduce carbon. Click here to see the full list >>
Northeast Region
Update from Northeast CERT organizer Bill Mittlefehldt: Bill had a busy April. Here are a few highlights:
- Outreach & Planning: CERTs tools and events are helping teams of citizens in Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, Ely, Virginia, Hibbing and Cloquet determine their own clean energy futures.
- The Italian Visitor: Chuck Hartley, a certified Energy Manger for LHB and CERT steering committee member, has shared ten presentations about the use of biomass and binary energy combinations for CHP applications. Chuck sensed the growing demand for biomass so he went to Italy to study a new technology, and his visit helped bring a Senior Vice President of Turboden (http://www.turboden.it) to visit six communities in the NE. Alessandro Foresti was impressed with the growing interest and market for cogen applications in NE Minnesota. Chuck and Alessandro engaged in team-building in Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Ely, Virginia, Cloquet and Grand Rapids.
- Earth Fest: Additional creativity and commitment was witnessed from Rev. Kristin Larson of Mt. Iron and Ms. Ardy Wilberg of Virginia. They organized the first Earth Fest with a focus on climate, energy and water issues. It was well attended and demonstrated a wide intergenerational appeal.
- Movers & Shakers: Rebecca Spengler is one of the entrepreneurs leading the Energy Efficiency in Ely team toward the Low Carbon path. Rebecca plans to utilize solar heat to reduce her business costs and to improve her bottom line. Her story will be streaming on the CERTs website this summer. Cheryl Miller of the Carbon Sequestration Project has approached Cook County about collaborating on cutting edge research on fixing carbon in our forests. These are a portion of the talent currently taking the field to harness our resources.
North Shore Community-Based Wind Energy Forum: On Tuesday April 14, 2009, CERTs steering committee members Mike Mageau, and Okey Ukaga attended the North Shore Community-Based Wind Energy Forum at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN. The workshop and another held the following day in Grand Rapids, MN were both funded in part by the Northern Minnesota Regional development Partnership community wind power project and organized by Bonnie Hundrieser (Arrowhead Regional Development Commission) as part of a larger Rural Energy Development Initiative (REDI). For more information about how the REDI program is being implemented in northeastern Minnesota contact Bonnie Hundrieser by phone at 218-529-7527 or email at bhundrieser@ardc.org.
Northwest Region
U of M Crookston Sustainability Week: A special shout out to Chris Waltz for his roll in organizing Sustainability Week at the U of M Crookston the week of April 20th. (for more information, see sustainability week).Chris Waltz is the student representative on the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, and founder of the Crookston Students for Sustainable Development. He is also co-chair on the UM Crookston Sustainability Committee, with Martin Lundell, the faculty co-chair, and a key leader in a CERT-funded project to get a new dormitory on the Crookston U of M campus LEED certified.
Southeast Region
Catch Savings in Preston: We’d like to congratulate Preston Public Utilities and the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, for their Catch Savings In Preston program (http://www.CatchSavingsInPreston.com). This was a grand attempt to change out all the incandescent lamps in residences of Preston with high-quality, energy-saving CFLs. Preceded by an informative marketing campaign, Preston residents received an inventory sheet to fill in the types and quantities of incandescent lamps in their home. Preston Public Utilities used the inventory forms to produce a list of up to 50 free CFLs each respondent would receive during the week of April 20. It was estimated approximately 12,000 CFLs delivered & installed by residents would save 385,000 kilowatt-hours annually which represents a 6.9% reduction of Preston Public Utility’s annual residential energy usage and annual CO2 reduction of 270 tons.
Austin Public Schools featured in Austin Daily Herald: The Austin Independent School District is one of 100 public high schools, colleges and universities joining together in the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program to reduce their carbon emissions and save on energy costs. Read the article >>
RE-FEST Planning Begins! Southeast CERT organizer Susan Waughtal reports that plans are underway for the 2nd annual RE-fest (http://www.re-fest.org) which will be held September 20th in Austin, MN. Susan is helping to line up speakers for the workshops. She reports that there is a new local CERTs starting in Red Wing—-hurray!!—-the Red Wing East Side Sustainability Group is working on a number of sustainability issues—they have completed Natural Step training and are working on establishing a co-op in Red Wing. Susan presented at the Neighbors Think Green conference in Rochester on April 11th.
Southwest Region
May 18 RMEB Meeting: The next Rural Minnesota Energy Board meeting will be held on May 18 in Blue Earth, MN. At 9:30am we will take a tour of the Law Enforcement Center’s ground source heat pump system, and at 10:30am we will meet at the fire/police department building. For the complete agenda, please visit http://mncounties2.org/rmeb/meetings.htm.
Mountain Lake Public School featured in Worthington Daily Globe: Mountain Lake Public School is one of more than 100 public high schools, colleges and universities in the state that has joined Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon, a program that challenges schools to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs. Environmental issues have “become more of a school-wide interest,” said Judy Harder, a Mountain Lake community member who is helping teacher Jaime Banks with the program. “It’s more in our discussion now of how we can improve.” Read the article >>
Sleepy Eye Area Historical Society celebrates the completion of several projects: Guest speaker, Annette Bahr, who is with the Southwest Regional Development Commission and the Southwest Clean Energy Resource Team (SW CERT) shared a bit about the program and grant. SW CERT is responsible for the grant the Society received for the labor needed to install 39 storm windows and a door for the museum. Prior to the grant being issued, the depot museum building needed to have an energy audit which would benchmark energy expenses. Once the new windows and door were in place, the energy savings would easily be comparable to the audit. “Savings are already being seen,” said Beech. Read the full Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch article >>
West Central Region
New London Energy Rally & CERTs Community Energy Action Fund: On April 16 over 30 people attended the WC CERT Community Energy Action Fund event in New London. The event highlighted the work that YES students and community leaders have done to make the Little Theatre more energy efficienct, as well as future clean energy projects the current YES team can lead with community members. The New London YES teams were presented a $10,000 check to support the labor costs associated with the efficiency upgrades. Click here to see pictures from the event >>
Exciting Stevens FORWARD! Meeting: Forty six people attended the April 22 Stevens FORWARD! / CERTs / U of M West Central Regional Partnership meeting. Stevens FORWARD! (http://StevensFORWARD.org) has adopted the ambitious goal of becoming the first carbon neutral county in the world by 2015. CERTs presented a $11,000 check to Stevens FORWARD! on April 22nd to support their efforts as part of CERT’s Community Energy Action Fund pilot program. To read more, read an article on the initiative in the Morris Sun Tribune, Stevens FORWARD!—Green mentorship already red-hot idea.
City of Gaylord Learns more About Digester Project: Story in the Gaylord Hub highlighting the results of the City of Gaylord’s anaerobic digester feasibility study, which was funded in part by the Clean Energy Resource Teams. Read the article >>
Register for Symposium on Small Towns: This year’s Symposium, Communities 2050: Building a Livable, Renewable, and Responsible Future is now open – click here. The idea is to build on the foundation from last year and really get to ACTION. How do we go about Re-energizing Local Economies, Educating and Motivating Our Communities, and Capitalizing on Political Change? We have engaging speakers and showcase displays lined up along with plenty of time for discussion and idea-sharing among people with a wide variety of perspectives. The Communities 2050 references the transfer of knowledge from one generation to another on issues that matter most for small towns. Please keep in mind the $65 Early Bird registration ends May 15th. Join us for this action-oriented Symposium focused on energizing local economies, educating and motivating our communities, capitalizing on political change, and celebrating rural living.
Links of the Month
Two great articles in the New York Times on residential energy efficiency
New IRS Incentives, From Cold to Hot
STILL looking for ways to lower your taxes? Greening your home means you can get more greenbacks in return. The stimulus plan approved by Congress in February offers tax credits for making your home more energy efficient. For tax tips, the Green Home turned to Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit group that advocated some of these credits. Read the full article >>
Home Green Home: Our Energy Audit
This article is the latest in a series of posts in which Green Inc.’s editor, Tom Zeller Jr., explores ways to improve home energy efficiency. Read the full article >>
Action Alert
Win $20,000 to Put Your Green Idea Into Action
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.
Clean Energy Resource Teams