News

Study confirms energy savings in multifamily building retrofits (and other resources)

A recent study sponsored by the Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and Living Cities could result in changes to the energy-efficiency retrofits market.

Recognizing the Benefits of Energy Efficiency is a comprehensive effort to quantify the benefits of energy efficiency retrofits in multifamily housing.

City of White Bear Lake At-A-Glance

A Metro CERT affiliate since 2008, the City of White Bear Lake is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, which permeates all facets of its operations.

Local governments gather to share information and resources on energy efficiency projects in Metro

On July 26th, nearly 60 people gathered at the Saint Paul Central Library for Metro CERT’s Local Government Resource and Networking Event. The goal for the morning was for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant recipients to come together to share stories, best practices and lessons learned from their projects.

Nearly fifty people attend Solar Works! in Mahtomedi Area workshop

On Thursday, May 3rd, I was excited to work on behalf of the Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative (MAGI)—a Metro CERT Affiliate—to help put together a community workshop in Mahtomedi titled, Solar Works! in the Mahtomedi Area. The event was part of a series of workshops organized by the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT).

Seeing the Brighter Side: The Saint Paul Solar and Energy Efficiency Tour

On July 26th, 2012, the City of Saint Paul showed how solar energy works in Minnesota with a tour of multiple new solar installations in the downtown area. Joined by members of various local governments in the Metro area and other interested members of the public, Metro CERT learned about three new solar installations at the RiverCentre and Science Museum.

Saint Paul residents prepare to power their homes with solar at Metro CERT workshop

Residents in Saint Paul had the opportunity to learn about the basics of solar energy and the incentives and rebates available for installing solar energy systems at the Metro CERT Solar Works! workshops for Saint Paul East (on June 7th at Battle Creek Recreation Center) and Saint Paul West (on June 13th at the Western Police Station).

Green Living for Low Income Families in Northfield

Low-income families are often forced to sacrifice energy efficiency and the environmental health of their homes for the sake of a bargain. Not so for five families in Northfield, MN. Thanks to a partnership between several local organizations, five foreclosed homes are being re-envisioned as models of energy efficient, affordable housing.

200 MW Wind Project Coming to SW Minnesota

General Electric (GE) and Enel Green Power North America are teaming up to build one of the biggest wind farms in the state of Minnesota!

GE will commit $156 million in capital, or about 51% ownership stake in the project, which will see the 200 megawatt (MW) Prairie Rose project use GE made turbines, according to a statement released by GE.

Solar projects in Minneapolis and St. Paul highlighted in new DOE report

In 2008, the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities initiative to develop comprehensive approaches to urban solar. They’re now sharing the results in a new publication, Solar in Action: Challenges and Successes on the Path Toward a Solar-Powered Community.

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and Ely team up to create Energy Action Plan

Aiming to decrease local reliance on non-renewable energy, the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) and Iron Range Resources investigated local communities’ Comprehensive Plans to determine how many of them addressed energy conservation and efficiency initiatives and to what extent action was taken.

Rosemount High School is up to the Challenge: the Quest for Energy Efficiency

Seeking to reduce its carbon footprint by 11% in three years, Rosemount High School was resourceful in utilizing support from local organizations. Rosemount High received guidance and information from Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon (MnSCC) and the Minnesota Energy Challenge, and funding from MnSCC, Metro CERT, and Dakota County Safe Streets for various aspects of the project.

Students Have Solar Flair at Rabideau CALC

Here’s an equation for energy efficiency: ($300 × 3 high schools) + 92 youth = solar success.

The Power of the Sun: Clean Energy Education at Winona High School

Students and staff at Winona Senior High School took environmental education to a new level with their determination to implement solar panels that would provide hands-on educational opportunities.

From Failing to Efficient: The Revitalization of the Park Rapids Armory

What began as a daunting project three years ago has recently produced successful results. In 2009 the armory in Park Rapids, MN was unusable and considered a threat to the environmental health of the city and its inhabitants. Today it acts as a model for energy efficient technologies and responsible community development.

Campers showered with solar heat at popular park in Grand Marais

Happy campers abound now that a solar hot water system has been constructed on the roof of Recreation Park’s new shower house in Grand Marais! Don Grant, a leader of the project explains: “The panels have eliminated complaints about losing hot water in the bathhouse. In the past, complaints were common during the 4th of July and the local Fisherman’s Picnic (festival) weekends.

Limited south-facing roof space inspires creative residential solar installations in three phases

Sustainable living and treading gently on the planet are everyday topics of conversation at the home-office of Powerfully Green, where we make every effort to use resources gently, and harness the free and clean solar energy available to us at our home.

Energy efficient heating and cooling systems keep operating expenses low in historic courthouse

The renovation of the Todd County Historic Courthouse in Long Prairie, completed in June 2012, includes a new heating and cooling system, making use of the latest energy-efficient technology.

Increased Safety, Lower Energy Costs: The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN

Churches across Minnesota and the country are looking at ways to reduce their energy costs while at the same time enhancing the comfort and safety of their buildings.

Guaranteed Energy Savings Program available to local government and schools in Minnesota

Is your school or local unit of government looking for ways to reduce your energy use and save money? A new program could be just what you’re looking for to finance your energy efficiency projects.

Energy Solutions Home Exhibit at the Great Minnesota Get Together will educate and inspire

Community of Milan Continues to Mobilize Around Clean Energy Technology

The benefits of Milan’s SEU program are beginning to get noticed, and their energy efficiency initiative continues to grow! With the help of West Central CERT grants, Milan has implemented energy efficiency plans that not only reduce energy consumption, but also reduce residents’ energy bills.

Calling all Solar Enthusiasts: Volunteer at Fair!

The Clean Energy Project Builder is in need of volunteer Solar Area Educators for the 2012 Minnesota State Fair! This year we are partnering with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) to host the Connect To The Sun exhibit in The Eco Experience building at the Minnesota State Fair.

We need volunteers (18+ years) to staff the Solar Area of The Eco Experience.

Hands-on clean energy education at Two Harbors High School

07/24/2012

The future looks bright for Two Harbors High School students! The installation of solar panels has created a unique educational opportunity for both students and the local community as solar energy is implemented in science and math curricula across the school. Enthusiasm for this project came more from educational purposes than from measurable, energy-saving potential.

Guide to Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Development sheds light on opportunities

The new Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Development is a handy publication for locating potential funding resources and programs that may help your clean energy project along.

Upcoming events for local governments and schools focus on energy-saving projects and financing

This summer’s heat has gotten a lot of us thinking about air conditioning – and how much it costs! Especially for local units of government and schools on ever tighter budgets, reining in these energy costs can make a big difference.

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