CERTs Monthly Update - March 2009

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Hello CERT members and friends, and welcome to the March 2009 edition of our Monthly Update!

 
This Monthly Update is brimming with news from the regions, statewide opportunities, recovery and stimulus information, and ways that you can take action in your home and your community. Explore and enjoy!

Regional Highlights & Activities

Statewide

 
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.

Launch of New Energy Website! The new energy website will be rolled out starting Friday evening. The main transition process will take place over the weekend. All of the energy related web content will be in a website separate from the Commerce website. The URL will remain the same as it is now which is: http://www.energy.mn.gov. The links to Energy Information Center, Energy Assistance and Businesses We Regulate > Energy Utilities content will remain on the Commerce site for a while but will re-direct users to the home page of the new site. Please be aware that the switch to the new site means your bookmarks and favorites to energy content will no longer work and need to be changed. If you know of visitors that frequently go to the site, please let them know about this change.

Greening Tourism Businesses: You can learn more about and view Greening Tourism Businesses here.

Reducing Energy Costs in Local Governments: You can see the Presentations from Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government Conference at http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/energyconference.

4-H Power of the Wind Project: 4-H is looking for adult volunteers to help fill two roles in leading a pilot project about wind energy. Overall, this pilot project will train adult volunteers in six states who care about youth and who will engage young people in developing critical thinking skills while learning about wind energy. If you know of a volunteer who might be interested, please contact Katie Clarke at clark663@umn.edu or Tyler Ahnemann at ahnem001@umn.edu.

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources Grants: LCCMR is offering $25.6 million in grants to be awarded spring 2010. Proposals are sought in 7 areas: Water Resources; Renewable Energy Related to Climate Change; Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Acquisition; Invasive Species; Natural Resource Conservation Planning and Implementation; Environmental Education; Creative Ideas. Proposals are due May 1, 2009 for this annual program. Click to learn more >>

MNREM Awards $2.5 million to 16 Partnership: The Renewable Energy Marketplace – Alliance for Talent Development (MNREM) today awarded $2.5 million to 16 area partnerships proposing innovative talent development solutions for the renewable energy industry in the 36-county MNREM region. The WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative is a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, to foster new partnerships and ways of delivering education and training to enhance the region’s talent development system. “Minnesota has always been a leader in renewable energy innovation,” said Mark Willers, MNREM board chair. “With these MNREM investments, we make it possible for our renewable industries and our state to grow and adapt more quickly to our changing world.” This is the first set of awards through the Renewable Energy Marketplace to support talent development, entrepreneurship and business growth, and regional leadership and identity. The projects funded through these awards represent a step toward building the strong and proactive talent development system that the renewable energy industry needs to stay competitive. The awards support industry-led partnerships that will transform key elements of the talent in the region. Click here to learn more. Awardees include:

  • $170,060 to Solar Skies Mfg LLC/Alexandria Technical College for curriculum development and incumbent worker training for solar energy;
  • $51,267 to StoneL Corporation, Better Through Design, 3M/Tri-State Manufacturer’s Association to support the Dream It. Do It. Campaign in west central Minnesota;
  • $202,500 to BTD, Inc., Lake Region Electrical Coop, Ottertail Power and others/Minnesota State Community and Technical College for development of three technical skills certificates for core skills in energy/manufacturing, and the development of alternative energy learning units;
  • $168,778 to Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Ottertail Power Corporation/Lake Country Service Cooperative to offer a STEM teacher academy, and teacher mentorship with local industries;
  • $174,258 to Nova-Tech Engineering; Hammel, Green and Abrahamson/University of Minnesota, Morris to develop and implement a biomass gasification technology curriculum.
  • $118,222 to Outland Energy, Granite Falls Energy, Fagen Engineering, and others/Minnesota West Community and Technical College for teacher training in STEM and renewable energy;
  • $202,500 to the SMI & Hydraulics, Solar Skies, Empire Plumbing and Heating, and others/Southwest Initiative Foundation to expand the YES! Program in the MNREM region;
  • $202,500 to Xcel Energy, BH Electronics, and others/Southwest FIRST Collaborative for development and dissemination of career information and pathways in renewable energy, and to expand access to college-level programs in energy production;
  • $100,000 to SMI & Hydraulics, Global Wind Harvest, and others/Minnesota West Community and Technical College for a wind energy development coordinator;
  • $202,500 to Heron Lake BioEnergy and others/Minnesota West Community and Technical College for development of an ethanol process simulator manual, and supervisory management training, production operation/lab training in the biofuels industry;
  • $202,500 to Nova-Tech Engineering, Epitopix/MinnWest Technology Campus for development of a learning center; and to provide internships and opportunities for students to gain experience in renewable fuels and other bioscience fields in a real-world atmosphere;
  • $80,307 to Chippewa Valley Ethanol/Benson Public School to develop a table-top ethanol production facility for operation in the Benson school; and to offer students science experience in renewable energy;
    South Central/Southeast:
  • $202,500 to Alliant Energy, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services/Workforce Development, Inc. to increase renewable energy curriculum for high school teachers, renewable energy internships, pre-employment energy academies, and tuition assistance for the renewable energy technician program;
  • $169,065 to Wilcon Construction, Schwickert’s, Paulsen and others/Minnesota State University, Mankato for curriculum development and delivery to prepare technicians and engineers for design and implementation of energy-efficient mechanical systems;
  • $85,935 to Easy Energy Systems, Inc., /Martin County West School, to provide internships and career exploration opportunities to students in renewable energy;
  • $174,939 to Cambria, Dotson Iron Castings, and others/South Central College to develop curriculum in four core mechatronics areas; and to create a Shared Work pilot program to offer mechatronics

Central Region

 
Solar Testing & RREAL: An article recently appeared in Finance and Commerce on the difficulty of lengthy Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) testing queues for solar thermal collectors. The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) is featured. Read the full article >>

CERTs in the news! Pine River community celebrates green kickoff: This article appeared in The Lake Country Echo in Pine River. Read the full article >>

Metro Region

 
Lake Elmo Rotary Workshop: On March 11th Metro CERT once again partnered with the Lake Elmo Rotary club in presenting it’s second in a series of sustainability workshops with “Growing and Buying local, healthy, sustainable foods” at the Lake Elmo in event center. We were informed by the expertise of Dana Jackson from the St. Croix Valley chapter of Buy Fresh, Buy Local and Allan Lavalier with the MeadowLark Community Garden.

Metro CERTs Energy Efficiency Contest and Lighting Survey: On March 23rd Metro CERT announced the results of the Energy Efficiency Contest and Lighting Survey over a potluck supper at SummerHouse, a senior living facility in Shoreview. Residents of SummerHouse were joined by members of the Shoreview Green Community and their state representative Paul Gardner to reflect on tools and opportunities for undertaking energy efficiency measures in their apartments. Residents Natalie Holle and Lesta Barber received prizes for greatest electricity, gas and total energy cost reduction in a one-month period. Also included were recommendations based on the lighting survey, which identified energy and cost saving opportunities, such as by replacing incandescent bulbs with more efficient ones and de-lamping underused spaces. Betty Schaeffer received an honorary award for her coordination and leadership at SummerHouse and in the Shoreview Community.

Forum for Women on the Environmental Field: On March 25th Metro CERTs hosted the Forum for Women on the Environmental Field networking event at The Green Institute. After networking over organic breakfast, attendees adjourned to hear Diana McKeown reflect on the evolution and unique approach taken by CERTs, namely in its role of bridging community groups to resources for planning and implementing their own clean energy projects in order to help realize the State of Minnesota’s aggressive energy and climate protection goals. The talk was followed by a tour of the Phillips Eco-Enterprise Center, a former LEED pilot and EnergyStar certified building, which houses progressive tenant organizations, including energy and environmentally-focused non profits and businesses.

Newest Metro CERTs Affiliate: The District-10 Como Community Council is now a Metro CERTs Affiliate! The District 10 – Como Community Council is a non-profit organization made up of elected, volunteer residents and Community Organizing staff that serve the Como neighborhood of St. Paul. Metro CERTs recently partnered with the District 10 Environment Committee to hold a workshop on home energy efficiency upgrades. Now, the committee is working to pilot a program for energy and money savings, and also developing a baseline of data so they can document the savings. To learn more about the District 10 Council, visit their webpage at http://www.comopark.org. And if you’d like to hear more about the pilot program, contact Betti Iwanski at biwanski@comcast.net or Jess Roberts at jproberts89@hotmail.com.

Burnsville Sustainability Plan: The City of Burnsville completed a year-long sustainability review in 2007 and developed 14 priority areas for sustainability improvements called Best Practices Areas. During 2008, city staff worked with a consultant team to develop a 105-page Sustainability Guide Plan based on best practices. Learn more about the plan >>

Communicating Green Business Best Practices: More than 40 downtown businesses in Excelsior, MN have joined UPonGREEN, a for-profit marketing program designed to make environmental claims sensible, transparent, cost-effective, and attractive to consumers. Created by Minnesota businessman Mitch Hedlund, best practices were developed in consultation with the Minneapolis-based Center for Energy & Environment. Relatively easy to achieve and therefore useful for smaller businesses, an UPonGREEN recognition is earned by taking action and achieving at least 9 of 14 best practices in the areas of: Water (2 action options), Energy (4), Solid Waste (3), Transportation (1), Buying local/organic/sustainable (2) Employee/company involvement (2). Click here to learn more >>

Three Eco-Team Models for Sustainable Living (Thanks to Next Step http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us for this and many other great resources!)

  • The Woody-Elmo GreenHead Challenge, developed by Mark Norquist, Minnetonka resident and expert in motivation and performance improvement, aims to help households cut energy and water use, recycle more and save money. GreenHead teams are currently competing to win a cabin weekend during the summer of 2009 in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
  • Similar in design to the GreenHead Challenge and the EcoTeams pioneered in the Twin Cities during the 1990s, Environmental Action Teams – a program of the Madison Environmental Group in Wisconsin – encourages sustainable living and strengthens communities by coaching teams in neighborhoods, community organizations and workplaces. Contact the EnAct coordinator for a copy of the EnAct Participant Guide, which contains 80 pages of tips and resources.
  • Home parties, sponsored by the City of White Bear Lake, are currently being piloted. This model for neighborhood gatherings promotes the incorporation of sustainable practices in the home. A “home party host” will receive a free energy audit, and participants will receive a bag of donated items/coupons for local sustainable products and services. Developing in cooperation with the city’s Commission on Environmental and Sustainable Practices, the contact person is Ellen Richter (erichter@whitebearlake.org).

Northeast Region

 
NE CERT Meeting: Over 40 people met in Beaver Bay March 4th to learn more about the Silver Bay eco-industrial park. Click on the links below to learn more about the meeting.

2009 Energy Design Conference: Close to one thousand people gathered at the DECC last week for education, insight and new ideas on the wise use of energy and resources.The 19th annual Energy Design Conference and Expo hosted by Minnesota Power was a success, despite a predicted major snowstorm and a stormy economy. Amanda Oja, MP Event Coordinator for the Conservation Improvement Program, says, “Many attendees tell us they wouldn’t miss this event and they’ve been coming for many years. So we try to keep it as innovative, interesting, and cutting edge as possible so it’s always a useful, educational, and exciting conference for them.” The main focus for nearly two decades has been the education of area builders and contractors. They attend sessions for accreditation and continuing education credit, and this year they had close to 60 educational opportunities to choose from. 75 exhibitors were also on hand to display building and environmental products and services. Oja says participants came from as far away as Colorado, Illinois and the Dakotas. New this year was the well received track on Commercial Energy with a focus on energy efficient lighting and other energy conservation measures for businesses. Interest in renewables remained high at this year’s conference. The new Federal economic stimulus package will keep the spotlight on energy efficiency, renewable and green energy measures. Oja says next years conference will strive for even more information for builders that is “relevant to what’s going on with policy.” But, she notes, “Already our conference speaks to that, because we’re talking about energy efficient building.” And she adds, “It has grown to include other people in the green energy field like architects and designers. That’s what’s so great about this conference. You get all these people who are interested in the same thing and all bringing opinions to the table.” The 2010 Energy Design Conference and Expo will celebrate its 20th anniversary with plans for a Keynote Speaker and other additions to a great event. People can access presentations via the website at www.duluthenergydesign.com.

Cook County Local Energy Project: CCLEP was formed in April 2008 as a citizens’ group, working with the county, to coordinate a local response to the worldwide transition away from fossil fuel-based energy sources. Learn more about CCLEP at http://www.cookcountylep.org.

Hibbing Community College Solar Course: A new Hibbing Community College Solar Photovoltaic Installer program will prepare students to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification test. This training and certification will provide the opportunity for students to have the supervised entry level skills to install solar energy equipment with a solar dealer/installer or other solar industry company.

Update from NE regional coordinator Bill Mittlefehldt:

  • The key events in March were the impressive Energy Design Conference at the DECC, and the Lake Superior College annual Living Green Conference for citizens, organizations, and leaders to share their ideas and innovations while focusing on sustainability.

  • Outreach to partners was extended by trips to Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Duluth and St. Paul.
    • The city of Silver Bay has assembled an impressive set of partners and expertise to promote their Eco-Industrial Park by Lake Superior. Their civic leaders have attracted both media and business partners.
    • Grand Marais has a Biomass Team that has generated a biomass-binary energy proposal which is backed by the Mayor, County Commissioner and local business leaders. They have found some synergy together, a renewable energy for the entire region. With help from the CERTs office in St. Paul, the Grand Marais Biomass Project was included in some planning for legislative considerations in this session. The Bioenergy-Carbon Management Team organized by Cheryl Miller has brought together expertise in biomass and carbon sequestration. The Team hopes to build demonstration sites for using ‘timber stand improvement’ in conjunction with district heating and co-gen plants.
  • I continue to look for new applications of Googlemapping tools, digital video and streaming web-videos that can spread the intensity and locality of learning as we learn to respond together to our three challenges: climate, energy and economy.

Northwest Region

 
No updates this month.

Southeast Region

 
Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon in the news! Where’s the furnace? Tim’s energy audit was courtesy of the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon grant that ARTech received from the state of Minnesota. ARTech is one of 103 schools participating in the program. From data that the students had collected… Read more >>

Southeast CERT Presents Awards: SE CERT presented Clean Energy Project Awards to 11 Middle and High school students at the Regional Science Fairs in Winona and Rochester on February 19th In addition, six $100 sponsorships were awarded at each fair to send students to the State Science Fair. Good luck to all the winners attending the State Science Fair! To see the winners names, please click here >>

Mankato Free Press: Mankato Place Mall installs solar panels: Read the article >>

Southwest Region

 
Great Wind Forum in Lakefield! It is estimated that there were about 100 people in attendance. Thanks to all our speakers and to everyone who attended. Click here to see a photo from the forum. A partial article is in the Lakefield Pilot on-line paper. Read the article >>

Dan Juhl Wind: Check out a great article on Dan Juhl’s continued work pioneering community-owned small wind: Click here >>

West Central Region

 
Olivia Renewable Energy Conference: Over 60 people braved the blowing snow on March 11th to participate in a day-long Renewable Energy Conference in Olivia. It was a rich day of learning and discussion—with the entire afternoon devoted to small group discussion and brainstorming around how businesses and youth can drive clean energy projects in their communities and utilize community energy efficiency, solar and wind models to make projects happen. The Conference was co-sponsored by WC CERT, Renville HRA/EDA, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.

Stevens Forward! Carbon Neutral by 2015: Since 2007, a group of two-dozen local citizen stewards have spent many hours learning about and discussing the economic, cultural, social, and educational issues that affect this county in western Minnesota, that includes the city of Morris. An extensive planning initiative that promotes innovations in renewable energy, agriculture, business, and education is underway and supported by the Stevens County board of commissioners. They have adopted the ambitious goal of becoming the first carbon neutral county in the world by 2015. CERTs will present a $10,000 check to Stevens Forward on April 22nd to support their efforts as part of CERT’s Community Energy Action Fund pilot program. Learn more at http://stevensforward.org.

UM-Morris to offer gasification course in May: The University of Minnesota-Morris Continuing Education Department is developing a new curriculum in biomass gasification technology. The department received a grant of $174,258 from the Renewable Energy Marketplace – Alliance for Talent Development initiative to help develop the course. The regional alliance of industry, economic developers and educational institutions is one of 39 regional projects in the nation involved in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development. Click here to learn more >>

UofM IREE awards $4.85 million to 7 Projects: The U of M’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment recently awarded $4.85 million to seven projects, including “Evaluation, Validation and Demonstration of Small-Scale Renewable Energy Systems for Homes and Businesses” with the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. The goal is to evaluate small-scale renewable energy systems and become an accredited performance test center. The team will work to create a business model and to jumpstart the infrastructure for a self-sustaining, fee-based center, which can facilitate the testing, validation and demonstration of such systems.

CERTs in the News! The CERTs-funded Gaylord digester study is moving forward and got press in the Gaylord Hub, No waste of time – City learns more about digester. Read the full article >>

Stimulus Bill Clean Energy savings!

Click here to see this information in a more narrative form on our blog >>

Links for keeping up and saving big:

ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency – 30% off the cost of your residential solar (PV & hot water) and wind turbine, $1500 for energy efficiency upgrades…WOW!

EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Economic Recovery Resources – Note the numerous assistance tools for local government here! Also check out American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: A Guide to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Local and Tribal Governments, and the Webinar Using EPA Resources to Maximize Clean Energy in Economic Recovery Spending, both available here.

Office of Energy Security Economic Stimulus Resources – The Office of Energy Security is responsible for managing much of the energy-related recovery and stimulus coming to Minnesota. Check out the resources they have listed, and let them know about your ideas here.

Minnesota Management and Budget American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Resources – Another place to check in often for updates on the ARRA and MN.

Articles for keeping up and saving big:

Obama-Biden Administration Announces More Than $186.1 Million in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants for Minnesot
US DOE, 12 March 2009

Obama Administration Announces Additional $37,359,500 for Local Energy Efficiency Improvements in Minnesota
US DOE, 26 March 2009

Stimulus funds for energy projects on way to state: White House says $37.3 million headed to Minnesota for energy efficiency projects
Star Tribune, 26 March 2009

Out of the cold: How stimulus package helps Minnesota’s rural families
MinnPost.com, 7 February 2009

Stimulus weatherization money has contractors gearing up
Minnesota Public Radio, 26 March 2009

Home Green Home: Auditors and Incentives
New York Times, 5 March 2009

NOW is the Time to Make Efficiency & Renewable Energy Improvements in Your Home!
CERTs Blog, 2 March 2009

Applying Peace Corps Ideas To Hometown In Need
National Public Radio, 3 March 2009

Andersen recalls 180 workers because of window tax credit
Star Tribune, 25 March 2009

Action Alert

Help Your CERT Region Win the Minnesota Energy Challenge!

 
Click to find out more! CERT regions are competing in the Minnesota Energy Challenge. Who can save the most energy?
By taking the Energy Challenge, you agree to take steps to reduce CO 2 emissions—and save money on your utility bills.

Sign up, save, and let the competition begin! West Central CERT is currently in the lead…

Click here to find out more >>



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