CERTs Conference

Every two years CERTs hosted a conference in St. Cloud to bring people together from across Minnesota. Explore agendas, presentations & photos from those events below.

CERTs Aligning Events Programming to Focus on Regional and Audience Specific Forums

CERTs will forgo, at least for now, hosting its statewide conference. After 13 years and seven biennial conferences held in St. Cloud, the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) will forgo its statewide conference to further advance its focus on regional and audience-specific events, projects, and other opportunities.

In the beginning, the statewide conferences were a way for people interested in the ‘niche of alternative energy' to come together and share stories and resources. Now, energy efficiency and renewable energy are mainstream in Minnesota. We have really loved the conference as a way to bring folks together, and we know many others have, too. We promise, we’re not at all going away. Instead, we’re refocusing our limited staff time and resources on more local, regional events, sector-specific learning opportunities, and other activities that directly support community-based clean energy projects.

Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs Statewide Director

After a round of strategic planning in 2018, CERTs emerged with a refined workplan to advance clean energy adoption with our key audiences.

CERTs provide hands-on clean energy assistance, practical steps to help people complete projects, and targeted learning opportunities. “We believe we can more effectively and quickly spur efficiency and renewable energy efforts by building our capacity around local projects and events, and by supporting local champions," says Pawlisch.

We absolutely expect to continue the partnerships we’ve built around our conference and to forge new collaborations with clean energy innovators and champions in the months and years ahead.

Indeed, the conference has always been just one pathway through which we engage Minnesotans. While the statewide conference has been a big draw, in just the past year, CERTs has hosted 20 regional and audience-specific events that engaged over 1,200 people on topics ranging from solar to electric vehicles. CERTs will be taking the most popular parts of the conference, like presentations about local projects, small-group discussions, and peer-to-peer workshops, and incorporating them into future events.

Join us as we continue our clean energy adventure! Learn more, stay connected, and support our work:

What impact is CERTs having?

  • Staffs and engages with communities in seven MN regions, each guided by a steering committee of local leaders
  • Awarded over $1.2 million in Seed Grants to 355 energy projects since 2006
  • Impacted 293,000 people through grants, events, and programs since 2009
  • Helped Minnesotans save nearly 434 billion BTUs of energy and avoid $5.3 million in energy costs since 2010

CERTs 2018 Conference

Over 500 Minnesotans attended the seventh statewide CERTs Conference, connecting to build a clean energy future in their communities! March 28-29 were two truly energizing days in St. Cloud, MN for the 2018 CERTs Conference. Communities, organizations, and individuals showed up to figure out how they can get projects done, save money, and be part of Minnesota’s fastest growing jobs sector.

2018 CERTs Conference Photo Album

Agenda & Presentations

MARCH 28, 2018 - FULL-DAY CONFERENCE & RECEPTION

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast, Networking & Exhibit Time

9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Kickoff

9:45 a.m. | Project Lightning Talks

  • Solar + Storage at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth
  • Brightfields: First brownfield solar project in Minnesota
  • Congregations Advancing Energy Efficiency
  • Warren: A Small City Making Big Strides with Clean Energy
  • Lake Crystal beats summer peak loads with energy-saving competition
  • PACE financing making projects possible
  • 40 kW solar array finds forever home in Hackensack

11:00 a.m. | Clean Energy Community Awards

12:00 p.m. | Lunch, Networking & Exhibit Time

1:00 p.m. | Regional Project Networking Sessions

2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

  • Utility Efficiency Program Ideas Ready for Replication
  • Preparing for the Next Wind Energy Boom
  • Clean Energy Community Awards Panel
  • Recent Advances in Biomass Energy

4:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

  • Community Solar Gardens: What’s New, What’s Next? 
  • Charging Ahead with Energy Storage in Minnesota
  • Innovations in Clean Energy Financing

5:00 p.m. | Evening Reception in Exhibit Hall

MARCH 29, 2018 - HALF DAY OF WORKSHOPS & TOURS

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking

9:00 a.m. | Workshops

  • Utility Innovation: Identifying Win-Win Strategies & Solutions
  • Learn & Drive: Electric Vehicles & Charging Infrastructure
  • Strategies for Reducing Low-Income Energy Burden
  • Local Government Solar: Best Practices & Tools

12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Networking

2:00 p.m. | Tour of St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility

Sponsors

OATI and USA Microgrids

 

Clean Energy Resource Sponsors

Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources University of Minnesota's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

Platinum Sponsors

  American Lung Association in Minnesota
Great River Energy Otter Tail Power Company
Minnesota High Tech Association and SciTechsperience Werner Electric Supply

Gold Sponsors

  Xcel Energy   Innovative Power Systems
Green Energy Products, LLC   Energy Insight Franklin Energy
Great Plains Institute Minnesota Native Landscapes HUG & HDT  

Silver Sponsors

The Weidt Group Michaels Energy   West Central Research and Outreach Center
All Energy Solar Clean Energy Economy Minnesota Ever-Green Energy paleBLUEdot LLC
Missouri River Energy Services Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association Minnesota Farmers Union MinnPACE a Division of the Saint Paul Port Authority
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center WoodMaster Kingsway Marketing
Zenergy from WCTA SolarWall - Conserval Systems Blattner Energy, Inc. ZEF Energy
Juhl Energy, Inc. Minnesota Power US Solar 75F
AMERESCO Green Light Recycling Prairie Restortations University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment
LHB      

Media Partner

 

Exhibitors

  • 75F
  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
  • All Energy Solar
  • Ameresco
  • American Lung Association in Minnesota
  • Apex Efficiency Solutions, SBC
  • Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) Midwest Chapter
  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • CenterPoint Energy
  • Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota
  • City of St. Cloud
  • Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM)
  • Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
  • Cool Choices
  • EnerChange
  • Energy Insight Inc.
  • Energy Releaf
  • Franklin Energy
  • Great Plains Institute
  • Green Energy Products
  • Green Lights Recycling
  • Innovative Power Systems
  • KidWind & REcharge Labs
  • Kingsway Marketing
  • LHB
  • Malina Solar Structures
  • McKinstry
  • Michaels Energy
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Minnesota Energy Resources
  • Minnesota Farmers Union
  • Minnesota Native Landscapes
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Minnesota State University Mankato
  • Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College
  • MinnPACE a Division of the Saint Paul Port Authority
  • Missouri River Energy Services
  • NeonLink LLC
  • North Central SARE
  • OATI & USA Microgrids
  • Otter Tail Power Company
  • paleBLUEdot llc
  • Prairie Restorations, Inc.
  • Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center & Youth Energy Summit (YES!)
  • RESA POWER SERVICE
  • RetroGreen Energy
  • RREAL & Real Solar
  • SciTechsperience Internship Program at MHTA
  • Sierra Club North Star Chapter
  • SmartFlower of Minnesota & Lighting of Minnesota
  • SolarWall – Conserval Systems
  • The Weidt Group
  • University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP)
  • US Solar
  • Werner Electric
  • West Central Research and Outreach Center
  • Woodmaster 
  • Xcel Energy
  • ZEF Energy
  • Zenergy

CERTs 2015 Conference

Over 500 people attended the CERTs 2015 Conference! The event was an exploration and celebration of successful energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Now these amazing people have returned to their communities with the resources and connections they need to take action—how great is that?

CERTs 2015 Conference Photo Album

Agenda & Presentations

Full-Day Conference

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

8:30-10:00AM Registration, Light Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitor Time
10:00-11:00AM Morning Kick-Off & Lightning Talks 
We began the conference with six fast-paced lightning talks on a range of projects in MN: 
 

  1. Alicia Wold, CostumeRentals 
    Eating Your Energy Elephant: How We Saved 20% 
     
  2. Matt Kazinka, Lake Street Council 
    Bring the Savings to Their Doorstep: Small Business Energy Coaching in Minneapolis 
     
  3. Tracy Tebben, New London-Spicer High School 
    Building the Solar Active Greenhouse  
     
  4. Christine Sazama, Harmony Food Cooperative 
    Harmony’s Solar Awning Project 
     
  5. Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance 
    Community Solar for Community Action: A New Model of Energy Assistance 
     
  6. Dan Juhl, Juhl Energy, Inc. 
    Local Distributed Energy: A Solar & Wind Hybrid 
11:00AM-12:00PM Breakout Sessions
  Solar Incentives & Tools 
This session provided an update on the Made-in-Minnesota (MiM) solar rebate, an overview of utility solar incentives, an introduction to the Minnesota Solar Suitability App, and tools for decreasing solar soft costs.

  • Moderator: Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Kim Havey, MN Dept. of Commerce 
  • Dan Thiede, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Brian Ross, Great Plains Institute
  LED Street Lighting 
This session introduced attendees to the basics of energy-saving LED street lighting. We learned from local governments and utilities alike who have installed LED street lighting. They included technologies, costs, financing, lessons learned, and more!

  • Moderator: Netty Fiedler, CERTs & Southwest Regional Development Commission
  • Blake Redfield, City of St. Cloud
  • Brian Jeremiason, Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative
  • Andrea Lauer, City of Royalton
  Utility Programs for On-Farm Efficiency 
Utilities serving farms across Minnesota gave an overview of their programs, from energy audits and rebates for efficient equipment to tailored technical assistance and beyond. 

  • Moderator: Dan Husted, Lake Region Electric Cooperative
  • Shannon Jerabek, McLeod Coop & Fritz Ebinger, The Minnesota Project
  • Jon Fabre, Otter Tail Power Company
  • Paul Gillis, Dairyland Power
  Garnering Community Financial Support for Your Project 
Community members can be a vital source of financial support for clean energy projects. This session provided an overview of crowd funding approaches, with case studies from Bonnie’s Grocery in the West Central region, El Norteño Restaurant in the Metro, and Rural Renewable Energy Alliance in Central Minnesota.

  • Moderator: Trevor Drake, CERTs & Great Plains Institute
  • Moderator: Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
  • Kathy Draeger, UMN RSDP & Extension
  • Matt Kazinka, Lake Street Council
12:00-1:15PM Lunch, Networking & Exhibitor Time 
Lunch was time for attendees to connect with people from across the state working to build a clean energy future.
1:15-2:15PM Breakout Sessions
  EVs & Charging Infrastructure 
Electric vehicles are hitting the streets of Minnesota. During this session people learned about current vehicle technology, existing efforts to expand the state’s network of EV charging stations, and utility efforts on EVs.

  • Moderator: Brendan Jordan, Great Plains Institute
  • Lisa Thurstin, American Lung Association in Minnesota
  • Matthew Blackler, ZEF Energy
  • David Ranallo, Great River Energy
  Behavior Change Approaches for Energy Conservation 
Have you ever been exasperated by how difficult it can be to motivate people to change behaviors for energy conservation? Prompting behavioral change is not easy! Fortunately, social scientists took the guesswork out of how to influence people to change their habits. This session provided an overview of behavior change strategies, a few community-based project examples, and an opportunity to reflect on and integrate behavior change science into energy work.

  • Alexis Troschinetz, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Jothsna Harris, Will Steger Foundation
  • Ryan Hentges, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
  Strategic Opportunities for Solar Thermal & Solar Transpired Air 
Heating with solar energy offers excellent opportunities in Minnesota. This session provided an overview of various technologies and applications; costs, benefits, and limitations; and efforts to promote solar thermal strategically across the state. 

  • Moderator: Stacy Miller, Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • BJ Allen, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
  • Ralph Jacobson, Innovative Power Systems
  • Todd Marron, SolarWall – Conserval Engineering Inc.
  • Recommendations for advancing solar thermal
  Solar Financing Models: Solar Endowments, 3rd Party, & others 
Paying for it is often the hardest part of any project, solar energy included. This session provided an overview of challenges and opportunities with conventional private financing, loans, and crowdfunding approaches. We then heard from speakers who dug into innovative loan models, solar endowments, and third-party financing.

  • Moderator: Laura Burrington
  • Jeremy Kalin, Eutectics
  • Nick Hylla, Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Jamie Borell, Innovative Power Systems
2:15-2:30PM Passing Time
2:30-3:30PM Breakout Sessions
  Community Solar in Minnesota: Projects Across Utility Territories 
This session provided an introduction to community solar gardens in Minnesota. We reviewed basic concepts and then heard about existing projects and how they work, including projects from cooperatives and in Xcel Energy territory. We ended with tips about questions potential subscribers should ask.

  • Moderator: Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Stacy Miller, Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Mark Rathbun, Great River Energy
  • Thor Bjork, Xcel Energy
  Strategic Opportunities for Biomass 
Are you curious about biomass projects that communities and businesses are using to reduce costs and expand their clean energy options? This session provided an overview of biomass technologies in use in Minnesota, project models, and tools for funding and implementation.

  • Moderator: Joel Haskard, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Anna Dirkswager, MN Dept. of Natural Resources
  • Chris Waltz, Franklin Energy
  LED Farm Lighting 
This session offered an opportunity to hear about and discuss the range of LED lighting technologies for farming, including technologies/applications under study, new products on the market, and tried and true applications that are being combined with delivery approaches for greater adoption.

  • Fritz Ebinger, CERTs & The Minnesota Project
  • Chad Palmer, Energyficient Systems, Inc.
  • Alexis Troschinetz, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  Financing Public & Commercial Energy Efficiency Projects with GESP & PACE 
This session offered an overview of new financing energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities for cities, counties, schools, and businesses in Minnesota through the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP) and commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). We also dug into program and project eligibility, with time for questions.

  • Moderator: Peter Berger, Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Moderator: Peter Klein, Saint Paul Port Authority
  • Peter Lindstrom, CERTs & UMN RSDP
  • Richard Otten, Otten Energies
  • Mayor Rita Albrecht, City of Bemidji
3:30-3:45PM Passing Time
3:45-5:15PM Regional Sessions on Kickstarting Community-Driven Clean Energy Projects 
During these sessions, people identified top project ideas and themes from each region of Minnesota, and helped people with project ideas find the resources they need to move forward. Project ideas from these sessions will help CERTs Regional Steering Committees plan out the next year of meetings, prep for the 2015-2016 Seed Grant Round, and determine how to align CERTs staff resources to address the region’s most pressing clean energy needs.
  Central Region
  Metro Region
  Northeast Region
  Northwest Region
  Southeast Region
  Southwest Region
  West Central Region
5:30-8:00PM Reception at the Kelly Inn 
This was the party at the conference! We kicked it off with three lightning talk presentations focused on big clean energy ideas—the kind that give you goosebumps: 

  1. Mindy Granley, University of Minnesota Duluth 
    $5 Million and Change for Duluth! 
  2. Jukka Kukkonen, PlugInConnect, LLC 
    Charge, Drive, Have Fun. Repeat. 
  3. Michael Noble, Fresh Energy; Russ Henry, Giving Tree Gardens; Marla Spivak & Karen Oberhauser, University of Minnesota 
    The Pollinator Pledge 

These presentations sparked great conversation throughout the evening, accompanied by drinks, dinner-worthy appetizers, and live folk music by the Moonlight Duo of Nick Jordan and Mary DuShane. 
 

8:15PM Bus Leaves for Twin Cities

Half Day of Workshops

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

8:00-9:00AM Registration, Light Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitor Time
9:00AM-12:00PM In-Depth Workshops
  Digging in to Community Solar Gardens 
Community solar gardens are not a one-size-fits-all sort of effort. There are a number of Solar Garden Operators (and Developers) now working in Minnesota. They work at different scales with different business models, target audiences and missions. Participants got a sense for the range of scales and players working on projects in Minnesota. We discussed how to inform and empower communities about how they can move community solar gardens forward. There was particular interest in exploring these questions: “How do we put the community back in community solar gardens?” and “What does community mean in terms of community solar gardens?” 

  • Moderators:
    • Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs & UMN RSDP
    • Laura Burrington
  • Developer Panel:
    • Ken Bradley, SunShare
    • Dustin Denison, MN Community Solar
    • Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, Cooperative Energy Futures
    • Pete Giese, SunEdison
  • Community Panel:
    • Mary Jo Cristofaro, Northfield Area Community Solar
    • Chris Meyer, Power Up Winona
    • John Dunlop, MN Interfaith Power & Light
    • Jen Hassebroek, City of Oakdale
  Accomplishing GreenStep Cities Energy Best Practices 
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon 28 best practices. Many of these best practices are focused on ways that cities can save energy through conservation and efficiency measures, and also produce renewable energy. In this workshop we dove into these best practices, and heard from member cities who have already done the work in their own operations and communities. The workshop also included an award ceremony hosted by the Weidt Group for those cities who have been most successful in saving energy as tracked in the B3 Benchmarking database.

  • Moderator: Beth Mercer-Taylor, UMN Institute on the Environment
  • Chris Swanson, City of Maplewood
  • Jason Lindahl, City of Rosemount
  • Amir Nadav, Great Plains Institute
  Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Grants 
This interactive workshop featured poster presentations from more than a dozen energy professionals about their efficiency research in an array of sectors in Minnesota. All of the presenters received Conservation Applied Research & Development (CARD) grants from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. They provided overviews of their research and work to the full group, and then made themselves available for one-on-one conversations with attendees. 

  • Moderator: Jessica Burdette, Minnesota Department of Commerce 
     
  • Corrie Bastian, Center for Energy and Environment
    Reducing the Energy Cost of Effective Ventilation in Multi-Unit Buildings 
     
  • Russ Landry, Center for Energy and Environment
    Condensing Boiler Optimization in Commercial Buildings 
     
  • Ben Schoenbauer, Center for Energy and Environment
    Heat Pump Water Heaters 
     
  • Ben Auchter, Energy Center of Wisconsin
    Adjusting Lighting Levels in Commercial Buildings 
     
  • Claire Cowan, Energy Center of Wisconsin
    Characterizing Residential High Users 
     
  • Scott Pigg, Energy Center of Wisconsin
    Quality Install and Maintenance of Residential HVAC Equipment 
     
  • Todd Berreman, CenterPoint Energy
    Advanced Heat Recovery System Field Deployment 
     
  • Nancy Kelly, Michaels Energy
    Cost-Effective Recommissioning of Restaurants 
     
  • Fritz Ebinger, CERTs & The Minnesota Project
    Dairy Cooperative Partnerships for Improved Program Adoption 
     
  • Martha Carney, Outsourced Innovation
    Improving Energy Efficiency in Controlled Environment Crop Production 
     
  • Amalia Hicks, Sustainable Engineering Group
    Energy Conservation Potential of Displacement Ventilation in MN Climate 
     
  • Tom Syring, Franklin Energy
    Minnesota Multifamily Rental Characterization Study 
     
  • Jon Vanyo, Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
    Energy Conservation Potential at Minnesota Data Centers 
  USDA Rural Energy for America Program Funding 
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from USDA Rural Development is a great opportunity for Minnesota farmers and rural businesses to save energy with efficiency work and add renewable energy systems. Grants can cover up to 25% of eligible project costs, and loans can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs. This workshop reviewed changes to the program and offered assistance with preparing applications. The workshop was designed for potential applicants, those assisting potential applicants, and any parties interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

  • Ron Omann, USDA Rural Development
12:00-1:30PM Lunch, Networking & Exhibitor Time

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Thank you to our CERTs 2015 Conference Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

Clean Energy Resource Sponsor

Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources

Platinum Sponsors

Southern Minnesota Municipal Werner Electric Supply
SunEdison  

Gold Sponsors

  Xcel Energy    
      Innovative Power Systems
USDA Rural Development Franklin Energy Michaels Energy  
Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center      

Silver Sponsors

The Weidt Group Apex Efficiency Solutions, Inc Saint Paul Port Authority  
    SolarWall - Conserval Systems 360 Energy Group
WoodMaster   ZEF Energy MN Community Solar
      SunShare
Juhl Energy, Inc.   Southwest Initiative Foundation Dragonfly Solar
Minnesota Power   Minnesota GreenStep Cities HUG & HDT

Media Partner

 

 


Thank you to our CERTs 2015 Conference Exhibitors:

  • 360 Energy Group
  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • Alliance for Sustainability
  • American Lung Association in Minnesota
  • Apex Efficiency Solutions, Inc.
  • BIOFerm Energy Systems
  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • CenterPoint Energy
  • Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center
  • Clean Energy Resource Teams
  • ConEdison Solutions
  • Cool Planet
  • Crescent Electric Supply
  • Dragonfly Solar
  • EnerChange
  • Franklin Energy
  • Gone2Green Wind & Solar Energy and Bergey Wind Power
  • Green Energy Products
  • Hubbell Lighting
  • Innovative Power Systems
  • JKG Fuel Solutions
  • Juhl Energy. Inc.
  • Lighten Up, LLC
  • Michaels Energy
  • Midwest Energy News
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Minnesota Army National Guard
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  • Minnesota Energy Resources
  • Minnesota GreenStep Cities
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
  • MN Community Solar
  • North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
  • Opower
  • PALS, INC and Energyficient Lighting Systems
  • Prairie Woods ELC & Youth Energy Summit
  • Redwood Area Development Corporation
  • RetroGreen Energy
  • Royalton High School YES! Team
  • Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
  • Silicon Energy
  • Sioux Empire Lighting, Inc.
  • SolarWall – Conserval Systems
  • Southwest Regional Development Commission and RMEB PACE
  • Stearns Bank
  • SunEdison
  • SunShare
  • The Weidt Group
  • UE Systems
  • University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships & Extension
  • USDA Rural Development
  • Werner Electric Supply
  • West Central Research and Outreach Center
  • Will Steger Foundation
  • Windtech, Inc. & EES Holdings
  • Windustry
  • WoodMaster & Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Xcel Energy
  • ZEF Energy
  • Zenergy
  • Zinniel Electric Co

CERTs 2013 Conference

CERTs 2013 was an exploration and celebration of successful energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, and a coming together of hundreds of amazing people who are working to create a clean energy future in their communities and beyond.

CERTs 2013 Conference Photo Album

Agenda & Presentations

Pre-Conference Workshops & Reception

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 

11:00AM-12:00PM Registration, Networking & Exhibitor Time (Terry Haws Hall C)
12:00-1:00PM Lunch, Networking & Exhibitor Time (Terry Haws Hall C)
1:00-5:00PM Your Choice of Three In-Depth Pre-Conference Workshops
  Utilities: Sharing Best Practices to Meet Conservation Goals (Herberger Suite)
Break 
3:00-3:30PM
This workshop will highlight case studies from utilities and their partners across Minnesota to see what effective energy savings programs might be replicable across service territories. Programs include specific sector targeting, behavior change opportunities, scalable technology-focused projects, and smart measures, among others.
  Jessica Burdette – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources 
  Joe Plummer – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources 
  Rob Scott-Hovland – Missouri River Energy Services
  Carl Nelson – Center for Energy and Environment 
  John O’Neil – Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency 
  Jeff Haase – Great River Energy 
  Todd Berreman – CenterPoint Energy 
  Nick Mark – CenterPoint Energy 
   
  Local Governments: Moving Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects Forward(Opportunities Suite)
  Is your local government looking for rules of thumb for energy efficiency or wondering if renewable energy is the right fit for you? This workshop will emphasize the sorts of energy-saving projects that local units of government should do now, and focus on why certain technologies are a good fit for certain uses.
  Moderators: Lissa Pawlisch – CERTs; Abby Finis – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Tony Mancuso – St. Louis County
  John Paulson – City of Hutchinson
  Garrett Mosiman – Center for Sustainable Building Research
  Wayne Roehrich – City of Brooklyn Park
  Rebecca Spengler – Ely Alternative Energy Task Force
   
  Solar: Simple Steps to Solar Energy (Stockinger Suite)
  Join solar professionals, Minnesotans with installed projects, and peers to talk about real, concrete steps toward moving your solar project forward. There will be opportunities to discuss your project with a variety of solar professionals. To prepare, feel free to come with your virtual solar site assessment and photos of your site.
  Moderators: Troy Goodnough – University of Minnesota – Morris; Jim Dontje – Gustavus Adolphus College
  Stacy Miller – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Eric Jensen – Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  Matt Karl – Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  Laura Cina – Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  Jeff Vetsch – WC CERT
  Diana McKeown – Metro CERT
   
5:00-8:00PM Reception at the Kelly Inn (Grand Ballroom)

Conference & Exhibition

Thursday, February 21, 2013

7:30-8:30AM Registration, Light Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitor Time (Terry Haws Hall C)
8:30-9:00AM Welcome & Kick-Off (Terry Haws Hall C)
9:00-10:30AM Your Choice of Five Breakout Sessions on Renewable Energy Technologies
  Emerging Technologies: Electric Vehicles & Smart Homes (Herberger Suite)
  Learn about emerging technologies, including electric vehicles and new building technologies (such as smart meters, phone apps, and remote control), and projects that are incorporating these technologies.
  Moderators: Trevor Drake – Metro CERT; Jeff Vetsch – WC CERT
  Jukka Kukkonen – PlugInConnect
  John Carmody – University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research
  Garret Mosiman – University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research
   
  Geothermal & Air-Source Heat Pumps: Harness the Earth’s Temperature (Bell & Alexander Rooms)
  Learn about the best applications for geothermal and air-source heat pumps, as well as innovative uses of these technologies in projects throughout Minnesota.
  Moderator: Lise Trudeau – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Dean Havel – Electro Industries and Northern Heat Pump
  Jeff Haase – Great River Energy
   
  Wind Options: Residential, Community & Commercial (Wilson Suite)
  Come learn the latest information about the wind industry in Minnesota, from large-scale commercial development to single turbine projects at farms and schools.
  Moderator: Cheryl Glaeser – Southwest Initiative Foundation
  Kathy Draeger – U of M Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  Katie Ledermann – Mahtomedi High School Eco Club and Jeff Ledermann – Minnesota Department of Education & MAGI
  Shanelle Montana – EDF Renewable Energy
   
  Biomass Energy: Homegrown Heat for Minnesota (Weidner, Clark & Edelbrock Rooms)
  Learn about community biomass projects throughout Minnesota, how you can do your own, and what technologies and resources are available.
  Moderator: Al Doering – Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  Rebecca Spengler – Ely Alternative Energy Task Force
  Wendy Pederson – City of Franklin and Dan Reek – ZB Engineering
   
  Solar for Your Community: Technologies, Resources & Financing (Stockinger Suite)
  Learn about interesting solar community-ownership and bulk-purchase programs, emerging financing models, differences in markets by technology, opportunities and challenges, and resources to bring back to your community.
  Moderator: Diana McKeown – Metro CERT
  Rosie Hoyem – Minnesota Renewable Energy Society 
  Steve Nisbet – Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association
  Jim Dontje – Gustavus Adolphus College
  Timothy Den-Herder Thomas – Cooperative Energy Futures
  Stacy Miller – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Laura Cina – Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
   
10:30-10:50AM Break
10:50AM-12:20PM Your Choice of Five Breakout Sessions on Energy Efficiency by Sector
  Business Efficiency: Improving Your Bottom Line (Herberger Suite)
  Join this interactive session to discuss and learn how your business can analyze return on investment (ROI), meet project partners, discover resources and tools, and reap the rewards of energy efficiency.
  Moderator: Jill Curran – Minnesota Waste Wise – Energy Smart
  Carl Samuelson – Eureka Recycling
  Ryan Verhulst – Minnesota Waste Wise – Energy Smart
  Mark Powers – Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
   
  Farm Efficiency: Reaping the Rewards (Bell & Alexander Rooms)
  This session highlights recent initiatives in developing farm energy efficiency as a price-competitive energy resource. Come learn about farm energy audits, how an audit will help identify proper energy efficiency improvements on the farm, and super-efficient LED light technology that can boost farm profitability.
  Moderator: Fritz Ebinger – The Minnesota Project
  Shannon Jerabek – McLeod Cooperative Power
  Dana Petersen – Iowa State University – Farm Energy
  John Zimmerman – Zimmerman Farms in Rice County
   
  School Efficiency: Energized for Savings (Wilson Suite)
  Learn about innovative projects happening in schools across Minnesota and how they have involved students and the community in benchmarking, energy efficiency, and more.
  Moderators: Cheryl Glaeser – Southwest Initiative Foundation; Don Graves – Hibbing Community College & Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability; Bill Mittlefehldt – Northeast CERT
  Erika Bailey-Johnson – Bemidji State University
  Patrick Merrick – Westbrook-Walnut Grove YES! Team
  Rick Wilson – Kennedy Community School
   
  Home Efficiency: Moving from Audit to Action (Weidner, Clark & Edelbrock Rooms)
  You have heard about all of the ways you can reduce your energy use and save money, and now it’s time to act. Learn how to get past key obstacles on your journey toward energy efficiency!
  Moderators: Sarah Hayden – Central CERT; Terry Webster – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Rebecca Olson – Neighborhood Energy Connection
  Terry Webster – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Stacy Boots-Camp – Center for Energy and Environment
   
  Local Government Efficiency: Benchmarking & Financing Tools (Stockinger Suite)
  B3, GESP, and PACE. What do these acronyms have to do with me? Come learn how these tools and programs can help you foster energy efficiency in your local government operations and in your community!
  Moderators: Abby Finis & Peter Berger – Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  Mike Bauer – City of Rogers 
  Katy Gehler – City of Prior Lake
  Ross Bintner – City of Edina
   
12:20-1:45PM Lunch, Networking & Exhibitor Time (Terry Haws Hall C)
1:45-3:30PM Regional Sessions on Kickstarting Community-Driven Clean Energy Projects
  Join attendees from your CERT Region to identify five energy efficiency or renewable energy projects in (35 projects statewide) that can be implemented by the next CERTs Conference in February 2015. Whether you have an idea to share or are eager to work with others, there’s a role for everyone! 
  Central (Schilplin & Whitney Rooms)
  Metro (Herberger Suite)
  Northeast (Wilson Suite)
  Northwest (Clark & Edelbrock Rooms)
  Southeast (Mitchell & Swisshelm Rooms)
  Southwest (Weidner Room)
  West Central (Bell & Alexander Rooms)
   
4:00PM Bus Leaves for Twin Cities

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Thank you to our 2013 Exhibitors:

  • 24 HOUR SOLAR LLC
  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • Aladdin Solar
  • Alliance for Sustainability
  • AMEC
  • American Lung Association in Minnesota
  • Avant Energy, Inc.
  • Blue Net Inc.
  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • Center for Renewable Energy Education and Demonstration Project
  • CenterPoint Energy
  • City of Elk River
  • CLASS 5 Energy
  • ConEdison Solutions
  • DEKRA Certification, Inc.
  • Do It Green! Minnesota
  • EDF Renewable Energy
  • EnerChange
  • EnergyMisers, LLC
  • Energy Services Coalition
  • Energy Smart
  • Graybar
  • Green Energy Products
  • Guncheon Financial
  • Heating the Midwest
  • Honeywell Building Solutions
  • HumeraTech
  • Institute for Local Self-Reliance
  • Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability
  • Juhl Renewable Energy Systems, Inc.
  • Kandiyohi County
  • Lighting House USA
  • Metal Roofing and Siding of Minnesota
  • Midwest Energy Alternatives Project
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
  • Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Natural Awakenings Magazine
  • NORESCO
  • Northern Sun
  • RetroGreen Energy
  • Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
  • Saint Paul Port Authority
  • Sierra Club
  • Silicon Energy
  • Solar Skies Manufacturing, LLC
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Southwest Regional Development Commission
  • Sustainable Resources Center
  • tenKsolar
  • The Minnesota Project
  • University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  • University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center
  • USDA Rural Development
  • Werner Electric Supply
  • Will Steger Foundation
  • WoodMaster & Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Xcel Energy
  • Zinniel Electric

CERTs 2011 Conference

The CERTs 2011 Clean Energy Convergence united Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in their communities. The event brought together over 600 engaged community members on February 2-3, 2011 in Saint Cloud, MN!

CERTs 2011 Conference Photo Album

Agenda & Presentations

 

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS & RECEPTION

Wednesday, February 2nd, 11:00am–8:00pm

 

11am-12pm – Registration

12-1pm – Luncheon and Networking Time

1:00-5:00pm – Concurrent In-Depth Workshops (Break 3:00-3:30pm)

Utility Programs, Projects & Partnerships

This workshop covered four interesting case studies from utilities and their partners in Minnesota that range from behavior change pilots to outcome-based incentives, and featured moderated dialogue about ideas and strategies to meet CIP goals in the years ahead.

  • Moderated by Terry Webster, Office of Energy Security 
     
  • Jack Hogin, Minnesota Environmental Initiative – Overview of 1.5 percent Workgroup Meetings that his organization has been convening. Now that Minnesota utilities are required to achieve annual energy savings equal to 1.5 percent of annual retail energy sales of electricity and natural gas, the working group has been convened to identify solutions to the challenges of accounting energy savings that are occurring separate from utility programs and identify ways of improving the quantification of savings from low-income and behavioral programs.
     
  • Roger Warehime, Owatonna Public Utilities; Matt McCaffree, OPOWER – Joint efforts to curb energy use with on-bill benchmarking for residents 
     
  • Sonja Bogart, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association and Scott Revening, MyMeter – Talk about a similar program they’re running with the same goal of meeting energy-efficiency goals through customer engagement.
     
  • Karen Mann with Schools for Energy Efficiency and Jeff Larson with Minnesota Energy Resources will present their outcome-based utility incentive pilot program being implemented in the Crosby-Ironton School District. In this program, utility incentives are paid on a dollars-per-therm-saved basis (or per-kWh-saved basis with Minnesota Power) as measured through billing data—rather than a per-measure basis.
     
  • Carl Nelson, Center for Energy & Environment; Mike Hoy, Dakota Electric; Todd Berreman, CenterPoint Energy; Diana McKeown, Metro CERT – Discuss various aspects of their programs, including the use of motivational community meetings to drive participation, leveraging neighborhood groups, direct install measures in conjunction with audits, and using audits to drive customers toward other utility programs for more expensive improvements. 
     
  • Jeff Haase, Office of Energy Security – Moderate a conversation about looking toward 2012 and beyond, drawing on the experiences, ideas and strategies that those in the room have used to meet CIP goals. Potential topics include phasing in and phasing out incentives and why, cross-territorial partnership opportunities, and partnering with other entities to meet CIP goals.

 


 

Community Capacity Building for Clean Energy Action

Have you been wondering how to jump-start action in your community on clean energy and energy efficiency? Look no further! This workshop presented strategies from leaders in workplace, university, business, and civic perspectives who have been building capacity in their communities. These case studies offer a real sense for what is working in other communities and introduce you to people you can talk to as you work to move your community to take action.

  • Moderated by Joel Haskard, CERTs – Opening conversation of community projects and sharing resources 
     
  • Diane Dingfelder, Winona State University – Winona State’s Energy Resource Advisor Training, which starts again in March, 2011.
     
  • Laura Millberg, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Work on employee engagement and train-the-trainer.
     
  • Pam Bishop, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation – Asset-based mapping.
     
  • Rebecca Spengler – Energy Efficient Ely.
     
  • David Bahr – Bemidji Grass Roots Energy Network; and Erika Bailey-Johnson – Bemidji State University.

Energy-Saving Steps for Your Business or Organization

This workshop provided practical information to help attendees identify energy-saving opportunities, connected people to financial incentives to help pay for energy efficiency improvements, and give them the tools needed to conduct long-term energy planning and benchmarking. A panel of business leaders discussed their energy-saving initiatives and processes, project challenges, and the savings they’ve achieved.

  • Jill Curran, Energy Smart – Opportunities About: No- and low-cost through high-ticket upgrade opportunities; Will outline several success stories of businesses that Energy Smart has assisted. 
     
  • Jill Curran, Energy Smart – Making the Financial Case and Finding the Money: Will highlight types of incentives that may be available including utility rebates, federal tax credits, local government grants and how organizations can best be prepared to pursue them; Will also make the case for why saving energy boosts the bottom line and will highlight some return on investment information for various types of upgrades. 
     
  • Chelsey Johnson, Energy Smart – Generating and Tracking Long-term Success: Will discuss the value and process by which organizations can track and analyze their energy consumption; Will discuss reading and interpreting energy bills, putting together a utility bill analysis and how this data can be used to benchmark energy-savings potential; A utility bill analysis and Energy Star building rating how-to demonstration will be conducted. 
     
  • Kelly Spors, Energy Smart – Moderating a Business Leaders Panel: Leaders that have taken on ambitious energy-saving initiatives will discuss their initiatives, the savings they’ve achieved, their project challenges, and how they overcame them.
    • Tony Magnotta, Minnesota Abstract and Title, Capitol Lien Records and Research
    • Jason Bernick, Bernick’s Beverages & Vending
    • Steve Brehm, Berry Coffee Co.
    • Joe Ohman, Creative Memories

Creating a Clean Energy School

Saving energy and producing clean energy at your school is an exciting and challenging endeavor! This workshop began by discussing top-down approaches to creating a clean energy school, like understanding building energy use, the importance of benchmarking, and good projects to take on. It then takes a close look at how one school, Aitkin High School, is working from the bottom up as we hear from teachers, administration, and students alike about their efforts. The workshop finishes by meeting in the middle to talk about how to pull together a dream green team that can work on your clean energy school!

  • Moderator Patrick Santelli, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon – Introduction: Will discuss top-down and bottom-up approaches to creating clean energy schools. 
     
  • Meghan Pendray, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) – Top-down Approach: Where do school buildings use energy?
     
  • Katie Jones, CERTs GreenCorps Member – Top-down Approach: B3 and Benchmarking.
     
  • Kim Pederson, Otter Tail Power Company – Top-down Approach: Building Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
     
  • Ruth Reeves and Pam Brand, Aitkin High School – Bottom-up Approach: A Teacher’s Perspective 
     
  • Leah Thurner, Aitkin High School – Bottom-up Approach: A Student’s Perspective.
     
  • Abby Fenton, Will Steger Foundation – Bottom-up Approach: The “Ideal” Green Team, a facilitated discussion.

Becoming a GreenStep City

The goal of this workshop was to help cities understand the mechanics of the GreenStep Cities Program, hear stories and examples from cities who are already participating, and learn about other ways to engage your community and its many resources to help your city achieve its goals.

  • Philipp Muessig, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – GreenStep Cities 101
     
  • Panel Discussion: Findings and Perspectives from Cities on integrating GreenStep with existing efforts, up-front work to get your City to sign a resolution, and the mechanics of “reporting in” on your achievements.
    • Amir Nadav, Energy and Environment Advisory Commission, City of Eagan
    • Matt Glaesman, Sustainability Commission, City of St. Cloud
    • Bob McLean, Hunt Utilities Group in Pine River
    • Andrea Lauer, Mayor of Royalton
  • Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs and Philipp Muessig, MPCA – Panel Recap and Preview of Evaluation Discussion 
     
  • Discussion – Gathering YOUR Feedback: Measuring the Impact of GreenStep Cities and the Best Practice Actions 
     
  • Small Group Discussions – How to Leverage Community Assets

5:00-8:00pm – Reception and Clean + Green Film Festival

 

 

FULL DAY CONFERENCE

Thursday, February 3rd, 9:00am-5:00pm

 

8-9am – Registration, Light Breakfast & Exhibit Hall Time

9:00-10:30am – Welcome & Keynote Addresses

  • Conference Kick-off – Lissa Pawlisch and Diana McKeown, CERTs
  • Welcoming Remarks – Dave Kleis, Mayor of St. Cloud
  • Social Entrepreneurship and Our Clean Energy Future – Dr. Jim Bensen, President Emeritus, Bemidji State University
  • Engaging the Public for Energy Conservation – Dr. Christie Manning, Macalester College 

11:00am-12:00pm – Morning Breakout Sessions

  • Leaders in Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy
    Local Governments Track

    • Moderator: Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs
    • Muriel Krusemark, City of Hoffman
    • Tim Simon, City of Elk River

  • Funding Energy Projects at Schools
    Schools and Youth Track

    • Moderator: Bill Sierks, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
    • Stephanie Wirz, Eden Valley-Watkins High School
    • Brian Ross, CR Planning

  • What You Can Do to Save Energy in Your Home
    Residents and Community Groups Track

    • Moderator: Carl Samuelson, Metro CERT
    • Terry Webster and Joe Plummer, Office of Energy Security

  • Energy Entrepreneurs in Minnesota
    Minnesota Businesses Track

    • Moderator: Bill Mittlefehldt, NE CERT
    • Rebecca Spengler, A Laundry Room
    • Jim Losleben, tenKsolar 

  • Emerging Trends in Biomass Energy
    Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track

    • Moderator: Anna Dirkswager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
    • Alan Doering, Agricultural Utilization and Research Institute
    • Mike Polzin, Minnesota Power

12:00-1:30pm – Lunch, Networking & Exhibit Hall Time

  • Recognizing CERTs Participants: Joel Haskard, Julia Eagles, Jeff Vetsch with CERTs
  • CERTs 2011 Local Food Story 

1:30-2:30pm – Post-Lunch Breakout Sessions

  • Energy Project Financing and Local Governments
    Local Governments Track

    • Moderator: Jeremy de Fiebre, Office of Energy Security
    • Mark Hancock, Center for Energy and Environment – Public Building Enhanced Energy Efficiency Program (PBEEEP)
    • Lynn Hinkle, Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association – Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and its promise for the commercial sector

  • Building Successful School and Community Partnerships
    Schools and Youth Track

    • Moderator: Anne Dybsetter, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
    • Tami Bennett-Tait, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School
    • Shelli-Kae Foster, Alexandria District Sustainability Coordinator
    • Jessie Lee and Alisha Engelbrekt, New London-Spicer Middle School

  • Solar Energy for Your Home and Community
    Residents and Community Groups Track

    • Moderator & Introduction: Stacy Miller, Office of Energy Security
    • Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance – Solar Air Heat
    • Kurt Koegel, SolarSkies – Solar Hot Water
    • Rebecca Lundberg, PowerfullyGreen – Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

  • Low-Cost & No-Cost Energy Saving Strategies
    Minnesota Businesses Track

    • Moderator: Diana McKeown, Metro CERT
    • Nancy Kelly, Eureka Recycling
    • Amy Fields and Treshy Schaper, East Side Coop
    • Ted Lowell, Acadia Cafe

  • Workforce Training to Meet Energy Industry Demands
    Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track

    • Oriane Casale, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development – Labor Market Information and energy jobs in Minnesota
    • Michelle Gransee-Bowman, Office of Energy Security – Overview of accredited energy-efficiency and clean-energy training programs in the state

3:00-4:00pm – Afternoon Breakout Sessions

  • Effective Strategies for Leveraging Community Support
    Local Governments Track

    • Moderator: Joel Haskard, CERTs
    • Dan Frank and Quinn Swanson, Pine River Healthy Green Community Program

  • Innovative Project Case Studies at Schools
    Schools and Youth Track

    • Moderator: Patrick Santelli, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon
    • Veda Kanitz with students, Rosemount High School Team
    • Kristi Moberg with students, Ortonville High School Team
    • Chelsey ShoupRobert Bauer, and Andy Pearson, University of Minnesota Active Energy Club

  • Cracking the Rental and Multi-Family Housing Nut
    Residents and Community Groups Track

    • Moderator: Julia Eagles, Metro CERT
    • Karen Moe, Minnesota Community Action Partnership
    • Cecil Smith, Ventura Flats

  • Ways to Save Energy on the Farm
    Minnesota Businesses Track

    • Moderator: Jake Fischer, The Minnesota Project
    • Dave Warrington, Alliant Energy
    • Stan Simon, S.L. Simon Engineering

  • The Wind Energy Industry Today in Minnesota
    Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track

    • Cheryl Glaeser, Southwest Initiative Foundation
    • Dan Juhl, Juhl Wind, Inc. and Next Generations Power Systems

4:00-5:00pm – Networking, Exhibit Hall Time & Raffle

 

Thanks to Our Exhibitors!

  • Agricultural Utilization and Research Institute
  • Alliance for Sustainability
  • Alliant Energy
  • American Lung Association in Minnesota
  • Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.
  • Applied Energy Innovations
  • BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota
  • Braun Intertec
  • C.R. Planning
  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • CenterPoint Energy Inc.
  • Central Lakes College
  • Century College
  • City of Elk River
  • Do It Green! Minnesota
  • Duluth Energy Efficiency Program
  • Energy Smart
  • EnergyMisers, LLC
  • Environmental Resources Management
  • enXco
  • Fresh Energy
  • Geronimo Wind Energy
  • Green Energy Products, LLC
  • Habitat for Humanity – Minnesota
  • Juhl Wind, Inc.
  • KidWind
  • League of Minnesota Cities
  • LightingHouseUSA
  • Marvin Windows and Doors
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Midwest Lighting and Electric
  • Minnesota GreenStar – Certified Green Homes and Remodeling
  • Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Minnesota West Community & Technical College
  • National Farmers Union
  • Outdoor Lighting Management
  • Parsons Electric and Electrical Consulting Solutions
  • ReGo Electric Conversions
  • Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
  • S.L. Simon Engineering
  • Solar Skies Mfg., LLC
  • Solarflow Energy
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • SRF Consulting
  • St. Cloud Area Sustainability Committee
  • Superior Solar
  • tenKsolar
  • FuelMN, LLC
  • University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center
  • USDA Rural Development
  • VELUX America
  • Will Steger Foundation
  • Windustry
  • Winona State University
  • WSB & Associates, Inc.
  • Xcel Energy
  • Zenergy by West Central Telephone Association

CERTs 2009 Conference

The Third Clean Energy Resource Teams Conference was held in St. Cloud on February 10-11, 2009 at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
  
CERTs 2009: Harnessing Resources & Teamwork for Minnesota’s Energy Future brought together 500 Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and clean energy projects in their communities, thus accelerating our learning process together.

This conference could not have come at a more important time. Our economy is hurting, energy prices are on the rise, and the impacts of global warming are becoming increasingly clear. Minnesotans of all stripes want to know what they can do. It just so happens that many of the solutions to our global climate challenge are also the ones that are going to help our economy and our communities thrive.

CERTs 2009 told participants, “You can be a part of Minnesota’s clean energy future, and you can get energy efficiency and clean energy projects on the ground in your community!” It’s true: Whether you’re a farmer, utility representative, school staff, local official, student, business owner—or member of any community—there is a role for you to play. Conference attendees learned what people are doing across the state, connected, and shared resources.

 

 

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS & RECEPTION

Tuesday, February 10th, 12:00–8:00pm

 

1:00-5:00pm – Concurrent In-Depth Workshops (Break 3:00-3:30pm)

  • Community-Based Energy Development: This session introduced attendees to clean energy development, especially with regard to wind power. They learned how to put together a community wind project, what variables impact return on investment, and how Minnesota is supporting community-based energy development. They also heard from a panel of wind energy experts about business models for wind development. 
  • Accelerating Residential Efficiency: The residential sector is one of the largest energy consumers in Minnesota, and therefore holds great potential for energy efficiency. Attendees found out how utilities, non-profits, and community groups are working to accelerate programs and learning to help residents conserve. 
  • Saving Energy is Smart Business: Attendees learned how their business can save money by taking advantage of existing Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP) offered by Minnesota’s energy utilities. Business executives also shared their stories of implementing energy efficiency upgrades, receiving rebates through the CIP process and realizing substantial dollar savings on monthly electric bills. 
  • Creating a Clean Energy School: There are schools across the state, at all levels, that are working to save energy and produce clean energy, issues that are especially important with our current climate challenge and fuel costs. This workshop featured schools who are working on innovative projects, with major results. We found out what administrators, operators, teachers, and students can do to be a part of the action. 
  • Best Practices for Local Governments: Local government leaders at the city and county level will shared step-by-step the trailblazing initiatives that they are undertaking to determine their clean energy future, leading us toward a discussion of best practices for local governments working on clean energy. 

5:00-8:00pm – Reception and Clean + Green Film Festival at the Kelly Inn

 

 

FULL DAY CONFERENCE

Wednesday, February 11th, 9:00am-5:30pm

 

9:00-10:30am – Morning Plenary

  • Welcoming Remarks: Janet Streff – Manager, State Energy Office, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Green Jobs: Where Clean Energy and Economic Recovery Converge – Minnesota State Representative Jeremy Kalin
  • The Clean Energy Resource Teams: Helping Minnesota Determine its Energy Future – Lissa Pawlisch – CERTs Coordinator, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  • Introducing Randy Udall – Annette Bair – SW CERT Coordinator and Physical Development Director, Southwest Regional Development Commission
  • America’s Energy Challenge: From Fossil Fuels to Energy Flows – Randy Udall – Former director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) in western Colorado
  • Thank You: Dan Thiede – Clean Energy Program Coordinator, The Minnesota Project

11:00am-12:00pm – Morning Breakout Sessions

  • Cities Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
    • Moderator: Carl Nelson – Program & Policy Manager, Center for Energy and Environment
    • George Kinney – Chair of Northfield Energy Task Force
    • Anne Reich – Science Educator, Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative
    • Bill Mittlefehldt – Coordinator, Northeast Clean Energy Resource Team
  • Utilities Collaborating on Conservation & Efficiency – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
    • Jeff Haase – Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
    • Tom Sagstetter – CIP Coordinator, Great River Energy
    • Dean Talbott – CIP Program Specialist, Minnesota Power
  • Energy Efficiency – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
    • Moderator: Terry Webster – State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Commerce
    • Neely Crane-Smith – Community Energy Coordinator, Center for Energy and Environment
    • Kent Mowrer – Agricultural Representative, Alliant Energy
    • Mark Blaiser – Executive Director, Minnesota Waste Wise
  • Supply Chain: Manufacturing & Local Ownership – Development, Funding & Financing
    • Moderator: Dentley Haugesag – Renewable Energy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
    • Randy Hagen – Owner, SolarSkies
    • Jim Bjork – Vice President for North American Expansion, Moventas
    • Dan Juhl – Chairman and CEO, Juhl Wind, Inc.
  • Affordable Housing & Energy Assistance Go Green – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
    • Moderator: Joel Haskard – CERTs Coordinator, U of M Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
    • Jason Edens – Director, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
    • Janne Flisrand – Program Coordinator, Minnesota Green Communities
    • Davis Leino-Mills – Agency Director and Steve Connell –Weatherization Director, Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council

12:00-1:15pm – Luncheon

  • Recognizing CERTs Participants – Joel Haskard – CERTs Coordinator, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  • The Power of the Grassroots – Diana McKeown – Metro CERTs Coordinator, The Green Institute
  • Luncheon Address – Mary Hamann-Roland – Mayor of Apple Valley and League of Minnesota Cities President
  • CERTs 2009 Local Food Story – Find out who grew, delivered, and prepared your fabulous meals

1:50-2:50pm – Post-Lunch Breakout Sessions

  • Students Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
    • Moderator: Kai Bosworth – Student, Macalester
    • Robert Palmer – Science Teacher, Willmar Senior High
    • Cheryl Glaeser – Program Specialist, Southwest Initiative Foundation
    • Matt Kazinka – Student, Macalester College
    • Lindsay Wimmer – Student, College of St. Benedict
    • Starr Brainard – Junior, Central High School
  • Geothermal Panel Discussion – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
    • Moderator: Bruce Labno – Senior Consultant, Golder Associates Inc
    • Jeff Haase – Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
    • Bob Donley – GeoRep, ECONAR GeoSystems, LLC
  • Small-Scale Wind – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
    • Lise Trudeau – Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
    • Melissa Peterson – Program Analyst, Windustry
    • David Winkelman – President, Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction
  • Financing and Investment – Development, Funding & Financing
    • Moderator: Bob McLean – Chief Operating Officer, Hunt Utilities Group
    • Jeff Wright – Vice President, Midwest Wind Finance, LLC
    • Scott Havlik – Branch Manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
    • Pat Edeburn – Managing Partner, Granite Equity Partners
  • Food is an Energy Issue – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
    • Jennifer Blecha – Local Food Program Manager, The Minnesota Project
    • Heather Schoonover – Senior Program Associate, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
    • Annalisa Hultberg – Local Foods Program Assistant, The Minnesota Project

3:00-4:00pm – Afternoon Breakout Sessions

  • Congregations Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
    • Sean Gosiewski – Program Director, Alliance for Sustainability
    • Patricia Benson – Creation Care Coordinator, Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy
  • Biogas Digesters: New Applications – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
    • Moderator: Amanda Bilek – Program Associate, Great Plains Institute
    • Jerry Jennissen – Dairy Farmer and Digester Owner
    • Rich Huelskamp – Research Scientist, University of Minnesota BioProducts & BioSystems Engineering Department
    • Steve Palm – Chairman of the Board, Linden Hills Power & Light
  • Solar Energy – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
    • Moderator: Stacy Miller – Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
    • Brian Ross – Principal, CR Planning
    • Mike Greenbaum – Finance and Development Director, Merrick, Inc.
    • Ralph Jacobson – Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society and Vice President, Energy Harvest Group
  • Green Jobs & Opportunities – Development, Funding & Financing
    • Moderator: Trudy Richter – President, Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc.
    • Anne Hunt – Sustainability Coordinator, City of St. Paul
    • Katrina Mitchell – Green Cities, Green Jobs Team
    • Bill Glahn – Director, Minnesota Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner, Department of Commerce
  • Transportation & Carbon Solutions – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
    • Lynne Bly – Transportation Policy Director, Fresh Energy
    • Annette Bair – SW CERT Coordinator and Physical Development Director, Southwest Regional Development Commission
    • Steven Taff – Extension Economist, University of Minnesota

4:20-5:20pm – Legislative Forum

  • Moderator: Kerri Miller – Host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Midmorning Program
  • Minnesota State Senator Ellen Anderson – Chair, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Finance Division
  • Minnesota State Representative Bill Hilty – Chair, Energy Finance and Policy Division
  • Bill Glahn – Director of Minnesota Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner of Department of Commerce
  • Brian Elliot – District Director for Congressman Keith Ellison

 

Exhibitors

  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • Alliance for Sustainability & Will Steger Foundation
  • Alliant Energy
  • American Lung Association of Minnesota
  • AquaGen
  • Biomass Magazine
  • Braun Intertec
  • CapX 2020
  • Center for Energy & Environment
  • Do It Green! Minnesota
  • ECONAR GeoSystems
  • Energy Smart
  • “Entegrity Wind Systems, Inc.”
  • Environmental Resources Management
  • Fresh Energy
  • Genex Farm Systems
  • Great River Energy
  • Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
  • Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
  • University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment
  • Izaak Walton League of America – Minnesota Division
  • Lpd Electric Inc.
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
  • Minnesota GreenStar – Certified Green Homes and Remodeling
  • Minnesota Office of Energy Security, Department of Commerce
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Minnesota Power
  • The Minnesota Project
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College
  • National Wind
  • Otter Tail Power Company
  • OwnEnergy, Inc.
  • ProActive Solutions & “3Com”
  • Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
  • S.L. Simon Engineering
  • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Triangle Park Creative
  • Traut Wells, Inc.
  • Twin Cities Green
  • USDA Rural Development
  • U.S. Green Building Council – Mississippi Headwaters Chapter
  • Windlogics, Inc.
  • Windustry
  • Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction
  • Xcel Energy
  • Youth Environmental Activists of Minnesota

CERTs 2007 Conference

The conference was a huge success. Over 400 people came together on both days. Participants represented people from all walks of life – local governments, schools, universities, business people, farmers and farm group members, members of environmental groups, retirees, and more.

Highlights included keynote speakers Alexis Karolides from Rocky Mountain Institute and WCCO’s Don Shelby, 15 different breakout sessions, and a legislative forum hosted by MPR’s Kerri Miller. Participants gave high marks to the conference overall and to each of the speakers and breakout sessions.

The January 2007 CERTs Conference, Local Energy/Local Opportunities, featured many knowledgeable speakers who discussed topics from biodiesel to community wind development to green buildings. To view pdfs of the PowerPoint presentations from the conference breakout sessions, please scroll down and click on the titles of different talks. 

Welcome & Opening Plenary Session | 9:00-10:45am

  • Welcome – Lola Schoenrich, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Director & Lissa Pawlisch, UMN RSDP, CERTs Coordinator
  • Community Energy, a Clean Energy Future – Alexis Karolides, AIA – Rocky Mountain Institute, Breakthrough Design Team, Principal
  • Perspectives on Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future – Don Shelby, WCCO News, Anchor

Five Breakout Sessions | 11:15am-12:15pm

  • Community-Wide Energy Efficiency Projects
    • Moderator – Okey Ukaga, UMN Northeast RSDP, Executive Director
    • Strategies for Community-Wide Energy Efficiency – Judy Thommes, CEE, Marketing Manager
    • Winona County Sustainability Effort – Anne Morse, Winona County Environmental Services, Environmental Specialist, Annika Gunderson, Cotter Senior High student & Camille Nicholson, Winona Senior High student
    • St. Paul: A History of Action – Anne Hunt, Mayor Chris Coleman’s Office, Deputy Policy Director

 

  • Congregation Energy Projects
    • Moderator – Linda Kingery, _UMN Northwest RSDP, Executive Director
    • Engaging Congregations on Renewables and Energy Efficiency – Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for Sustainability, Executive Director
  • Small-Scale Wind at Home and on Farm
    • Moderator – Lissa Pawlisch, _UMN RSDP, CERTs Coordinator
    • Planning Your Small Wind Project – Brian Antonich, Windustry, Small Wind Program Analyst
    • A Small Wind Odyssey – Robert Meyerson, Kandiyohi County Agribusiness/Renewable Energy Development Committee
    • Working With Your Utility – Al Haman, STAR Energy Services
  • Biomass Heating Alternatives
    • Moderator – Linda Ulland – UMN Central RSDP, Executive Director
    • Biomass Heating Overview – Shalini Gupta, Izaak Walton League Midwest Office, Senior Energy Associate
    • Repowering 100 Year Old District Heating in Virginia Hibbing – Gary Cerkvenik, Laurentian Energy Authority, Project Consultant
    • Experiences of Using a Corn-Fired Boiler in a Public Building – Norman Krause, Central Lakes College, Central Lakes Ag Center, Director
  • Commercializing New Technology
    • Moderator – Jim Steenerson, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Grants Specialist
    • Commercialization of Microgasification Technology – Darren Schmidt, P.E., UND EERC, Research Manager and Certified Energy Manager, Biomass Power
    • Use of Biomass Gasification to Replace Natural Gas in a Corn Ethanol Plant – Dan Benson, Chippewa Valley Agrafuels Cooperative, Board of Directors
    • Commercializing Research: From the Lab to Steel – Todd Reubold, UMN IREE, Assistant Director

Five Breakout Sessions | 1:15-2:15pm

  • Community-Wide Renewable Energy Systems
    • Moderator – Dorothy Rosemeier – UMN West Central RSDP, Executive Director
    • University of Minnesota Renewable Energy Research and Demonstration Center – Mike Reese, UMN West Central Research & Outreach Center, Director, Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy Efforts in Kandiyohi County – Wes Hompe, Willmar Municipal Utilities, Staff Electrical Engineer
    • Creating a Sustainable Community Energy System in Northfield – Bruce Anderson, Sustainable Community Solutions
  • School Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
    • Moderator – Doug Karnuth, Schools for Energy Efficiency and Hallberg Engineering
    • Proctor Schools – Focusing on Earth Education – Diane Rauschenfels, Proctor Public Schools, Superintendent
    • Saving Energy in Our Schools – Nancy Johnson, Cambridge Isanti School District, Energy Efficiency Coordinator
  • Solar, Solar and More Solar
    • Moderator – Stacy Miller, Minnesota Department of Commerce, State Programs Administrator
    • Living with Solar Electric – David Boyce, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, Chair
    • Solar Space Heating in Low-Income Homes – Sarah Hayden, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Acting Director
    • Solar by Design – Nolita Christensen, Happy Dancing Turtle, Interim Executive Director
  • On-Farm and Community Digesters
    • Moderator – Amanda Bilek, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Associate
    • On Farm Digesters in the Midwest – Amanda Bilek
    • Off-Farm Uses for Methane Produced On-Farm – Dr. Wayne Hansen, AURI, Project Specialist
    • Opportunity for Renewable Energy Production in Livestock Operations – Cecil Massie, Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Senior Process Engineer
  • Green Buildings
    • Moderator – Warren Hanson, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, President
    • Minnesota Green Communities Initiative – Making All Affordable Housing Green by 2010 – Warren Hanson
    • Greener by Design – Bob McLean, Hunt Utilities Group, Chief Operating Officer
    • Waldsee BioHaus Saving 85% of Annual Energy Costs in Bemidji, Minnesota – Warren Schulze, Concordia Language Villages, Assistant Director of Facilities

Five Breakout Sessions | 2:30-3:30pm

  • How to Start a CERT in Your Community
    • Moderator – Joel Haskard, UMN RSDP, Assistant CERTs Coordinator
    • Making CERTs Local – Marvin Rothfusz, PREACT-McLeod County, Coordinator
    • Experiences of a Local CERT – Ward Lutz, OlmCERT, Coordinator
  • Local Government Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
    • Moderator – Annette Bair, SRDC, Physical Development Director, and SW CERT Coordinator
    • Blue Earth County’s Green Building Initiatives – Katy Wortel, Blue Earth County Commissioner
    • Utility Scale Wind Turbine in Winona County – Anne Morse, Winona County Environmental Services, Environmental Specialist
    • Addressing Global Warming in Duluth – Sandy Sweeney, City of Duluth, Energy Manager
  • Saving Energy at Home
    • Moderator – Bruce Nelson, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office, Senior Engineer
    • Ten Ways to Save Energy in Your Home – Terry Webster, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office, Information Officer
    • Energy Efficiency on the Farm – Steve Kosbab, Great River Energy, Member Services
  • Community Biofuels Projects
    • Moderator – Erin Tegtmeier, Experiment in Rural Cooperation, Director
    • Biodiesel Microbrewery – Jeffrey Baldridge, Green Range Renewable Energy, Partner
    • From Field to Fuel Tank – Kim Odden, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Farm, Business and Production Management Instructor
  • Locally Owned Utility-Scale Wind Development
    • Moderator – Denny Timmerman, AURI, Project Development Director, Southwest Region
    • Developing a Utility Scale Project – Key Issues and Considerations – Mark Lindquist, The Minnesota Project, Energy Policy Specialist
    • Community Wind Tool Box – Lisa Daniels, Windustry, Executive Director
    • Perspectives from a Locally-Owned Project – Local Wind Project Owner

Legislative Forum: Community Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency | 3:40-5:00pm

  • Kerri Miller (Moderator) – Host of MPR Midmorning Program & Political Analyst for Fox 9 News
  • Senator Ellen Anderson (DFL) District 66, St. Paul
  • Representative Al Juhnke (DFL) District 13B, Willmar
  • Representative Kathy Tingelstad ® District 49B, Andover
  • Mike Bull – Assistant Commissioner Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Department of Commerce

Sponsors

Major Funders

  • The Blandin Foundation
  • Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Hospitality Sponsor

  • Center for Energy and Environment

Platinum Sponsors

  • Community Wind Development Group
  • Great River Energy
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Otter Tail Power Company
  • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction

Refreshment Sponsor

  • Fresh Energy

Gold Sponsors

  • ECONAR
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Minnesota Power
  • Windustry

Silver Sponsors

  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • The Green Institute
  • The Izaak Walton League
  • Minnesota Environmental Partnership
  • Minnesota Green Communities
  • Schools for Energy Efficiency
  • University of Minnesota Extension Service
  • University of Minnesota – West Central Research & Outreach Center

Exhibitors

  • American Lung Association of Minnesota
  • American Sustainable Energy Council
  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • Center for Energy and the Environment
  • Community Wind Development Group
  • Eco Heat, Inc.
  • ECONAR Energy Systems, Corp.
  • Fond du Lac Community College – Clean Energy Technical Department
  • Fresh Energy
  • Great River Energy
  • Green Range Renewable Energy
  • The Green Institute
  • Happy Dancing Turtle
  • The Izaak Walton League
  • Kingbuilt.com, Inc.
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Midwest Wind Energy Finance
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Minnesota Environmental Partnership
  • Minnesota Green Communities
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Minnesota Power
  • Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
  • Otter Tail Power
  • Schools for Energy Efficiency
  • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • University of Minnesota Extension Service
  • University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment
  • University of Minnesota – West Central Research & Outreach Center
  • USDA Rural Development
  • USPIRG
  • Windustry
  • Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction

CERTs 2005 Conference

The first CERTs Conference, Tommorow’s Energy in Communities Today, was held in St. Cloud in February 2005.

Agenda

 
Opening Plenary: Visions of a Clean Energy Future | 9:00-10:15am

  • Introduction: Diane Jensen, The Minnesota Project, Executive Director
  • What a Clean Energy Future will Look like in Minnesota: Janet Steff, State Energy Office, Manager
  • Big Picture on Conservation: Alecia Ward, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Executive Director
  • Big Picture on Renewable: Steve Clemmer, Union of Concerned Scientists, Research Director, Clean Energy Program

 

Four Breakout Sessions | 10:45am-12:00pm

  • Schools and Energy Efficiency
    • Moderator: Bruce Nelson, Department of Commerce, Senior Engineer
    • Saving Energy to Support Education: Sheri Rosenthal, Schools for Energy Efficiency, Program Director
    • Saving Energy to Support Education: El Haus, St. Cloud School District, Building & Grounds Supervisor
  • Local Government: Land Use Regulation and Renewable Energy
    • Moderator: Brian Kletscher, Redwood County Commissioner
    • Land Use Planning and Renewable Energy: Brian Ross, CR PLanning, Vice President
    • Zoning for Wind Turbines: Mark Lindquist, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Specialist
  • Clean Energy Initiatives in the Non-Profit Sector
    • Moderator: Dorothy Rosemeier, West Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Executive Director
    • Affordable and Efficient Housing: Lisa Onken, Southwest Minnesota Regional Housing Partnership, Program Director
    • Clean Energy in Urban Neighborhoods: Carl Nelson, The Green Institute, Energy Program Director
    • Practical Benefits of Sustainable Technology for Non-Profits: Dave Pederson, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning center, Executive Director
  • Working with Utilities to Maximize Energy Efficiency
    • Moderator: Alecia Ward, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Executive Director
    • Rural Cooperative Conservation Improvement Programs: Steve Kosbab, Great River Energy, Senior Account Representative
    • Municipal Utilities Conservation Improvement Programs: Larry Johnson, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Director of Corporate Development
    • Xcel Energy’s Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program: Julia Gauthier, Xcel Energy, Product Portfolio Manager

 

Lunch: Update on Clean Energy Resource Teams – Melissa Pawlisch, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships & CERTs Coordinator | 12:00-1:30pm

Four Breakout Sessions | 1:30-2:30pm

  • School-Based Energy Production
    • Moderator: Jamie Jeuneman
    • Small-Scale Renewables in Schools: Jamie Jeuneman, Silver Creek Institute, Executive Director
    • Finding the Educational Component of a Renewable Energy Installation: Michael J. Kennedy, Minnesota Office of Energy Assistance, Education Specialist
    • Renewable Energy at University of Minnesota-Morris and WCROC: Mike Reese, West central Research and Outreach Center, Renewable Energy Coordinator
  • Local Government – Case Studies in Conservation
    • Moderator: Steve Palmeri, United States Department of Energy, Partnership Team Leader
    • Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings: Tony Hainault, Hennepin County Environmental Services, Air Quality and Energy Analyst
    • Community Energy Efficiency Project: Anne Morse, Winona County, Environmental Specialist
  • Community-Led Renewable Energy Initiatives
    • Moderator: Erin Tegtmeier, Experiment in Rural Cooperation
    • Creating a Homegrown Clean Energy Future: Grassroots Organizing for Community Energy Self-Sufficiency: Bruce Anderson, ReNew Northfield, Board Presidfent
    • Models for Community Solar Projects: Brian Ross, CR Planning, Vice President
  • Distributed Generation + Net Metering: Working Effectively with your Utility
    • Moderator: Roger Warehime, Owatonna Public Utilities, Marketing and Energy Conservation Manager
    • Distributed Renewables: Interconnection Process & Utility Concerns: Craif Turner, Dakota Electric Association, Engineering Systems Manager
    • Distributed Renewables: Experience from the Field: Mike LaBeau, Conservation Technologies, President

 

Five Breakout Sessions | 2:45-3:45pm

  • School Buses and Snow Plows: Biodiesel and Local Government Fleets
    • Moderator: Jack Keers, Pipestone County Commissioner
    • Biodiesel in Brooklyn Park: Steve Lawrence, City of Brooklyn Park, Central Services Superintendent
    • Southwest CERT Biodiesel Survey: Annette “Netty” Bair, Southwest Regional Development Commission, Physical Development Director
  • Local Government: Political Power Producers
    • Moderator: Susan Ode, ICLEI-Cities for Climate Protection, Outreach Director
    • Municipal Utilities and Renewable Development: Dan Hayes, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Manager of Member Support Programs and Agency Communication
    • Models for Renewable Demonstration: Sandy Sweeney, Duluth Cities for Climate Protection, Energy Coordinator
  • Communities and Corporations: Clean Energy Partnerships
    • Moderator: Linda Kingery, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Director
    • Ethanol Production and Biomass Gasification: Kerry Nixon, Central MN Ethanol Co-op, general manager
    • Connecting with Private Industries on Clean Energy: Jennifer Hawkins, Region 5 Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Coordinator
  • Understanding Green Pricing and the Renewable Energy Objective
    • Moderator: Mike Taylor
    • Renewable Energy Objective Primer: Mike Taylor, Minnesota Department of Commerce, State Energy Office, Program Manager
    • Green Pricing Primer: J. Drake Hamilton, Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Science Policy Director
  • Technology Basics for Clean Energy
    • Moderator: Shalini Gupta, The Green Institute, Community Energy Initiatives Project Associate
    • The Many Forms of Biomass: Michael Sparby, Agriculture Utilization Research Institute, Project Development Director
    • Geothermal 101: Scott Jones, ECONAR Energy Systems, Sales Manager

 

Closing Plenary Session: What can we do about Global Warming? – Susan Ode, ICLEI-Cities for Climate Protection, Oureach Director | 2:45-3:45

Sponsors

  
Major Funders

  • LCMR
  • The Carolyn Foundation
  • The Blandin Foundation

Gold

  • Great River Energy
  • Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED)
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce

Silver

  • Center for Energy and the Environment
  • Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
  • Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy (now Fresh Energy)
  • Minnesota Power
  • Windustry
  • University of Minnesota IREE

Bronze

  • Izaak Walton League, Midwest Division
  • Minnesota Department of Agriculture
  • Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
  • North American Water Office
  • The Green Institute

Exhibitors

  • Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
  • Center for Energy and the Environment
  • The Green Institute / Phillips Community Energy Cooperative
  • Hallberg Engineering / Schools for Energy Efficiency
  • ICLEI
  • Johnson Controls / National Energy Foundation
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center
  • Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
  • Minnesota Power
  • The Minnesota Project
  • Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
  • University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  • USDA Rural Development
  • Windustry