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COMMUNITY
ENERGY
The Community Energy Program at The Green Institute supports and develops local efforts to transition our fossil-fuel based economy to a clean energy future benefiting local communities. Staff work with a broad range of public and private partners to incubate, develop and support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Xcel Energy recognizes the Green Institute's Metro - CERT Program as 2010 Outstanding Community Partner on Earth Day at Xcel's Minnesota. Metro CERT Coordinator Diana McKeown is pictured receiving the award from Xcel President and COO Ben Fowke.
Projects
Small Business Energy Efficiency Program
The Green Institute provides direct support to local businesses to help them shape and meet their energy efficiency and conservation goals. High energy rates can undermine a business' bottom line and there are many simple solutions to save up to 10% or an average of $3,400 annually.
- NEW: Food Service Energy Efficiency Leadership Pilot
- Energy Efficiency Resources and Best Practices for Small Food Sales and Service Businesses
If you are are a small business owner in the food service industry (or know someone who is) and are interested in learning more about our energy efficiency program or joining our applicant pool, just click the corresponding link:
Minneapolis or White Bear Lake
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) was launched in 2003 to facilitate citizen-based renewable energy and energy efficiency projects state-wide. The program is supported by a broad partnership of state agencies, universities, and non-profits. CERTs received the 2006 Minnesota Environmental Initiative’s Partnership of the Year Award. The Green Institute coordinates the Twin Cities metro region of CERTs.
Diana McKeown, Metro CERTs Network Coordinator, 612.278.7125.
- NEW: Updated METRO CERTS FACT SHEET
Neighborhood Energy Service
CERTs is a program partner in St. Paul for the Neighborhood Energy Service program. Neighborhood organizations are teaming up to offer a residential energy efficiency program to St. Paul homeowners, including an energy workshop, a home visit, and a personalized home energy report. This project is a partnership with the Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) and Metro CERT, along with the Center for Energy & Environment, Xcel Energy, and Minnesota Conservation Corp. For more information, contact Carl Samuelson 612.278.7123
Tom Stangl, NEC Auditor installs weatherstripping on program participant's door.
Anoka County's Community Action Program (ACCAP)
The Green Institute has spent the last year gaining field training in low-income auditing with ACCAP to better meets the energy needs of the surrounding residential and business community.
Nancy Kelly , Community Energy Project Manager, 612.278.7119
Find out about Bulk Purchasing Options on High Quality, Low Cost Products for your business, condo, apartment, rental properties, etc. Contact: Agatha Vaaler 612.278.7142
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
The Minnesota GreenStep Cities Initiative was initiated by CERTs partners as a voluntary program designed to identify, support and recognize implementation of a set of sustainable development best practices that lead cities beyond compliance with the State's climate change goals and encourage a culture of innovation. Read our most recent report for this project.
Past Partners and Accomplishments
Hope Community
The Green Institute was an early partner in Hope community's re-investment projects, which create affordable, sustainable multi-family residences in South Minneapolis. Highlights from their most recent developments include a Minnesota-sourced solar hot water system, ReUse Center salvaged flooring and energy efficient appliances throughout.
Phillips Community Energy Co-op (PCEC)
The PCEC was an initiative of The Green Institute to reduce the energy burden of low-income residents by delivering energy efficiency services to the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Rock-Tenn
The Green Institute was contracted to help Rock-Tenn, the largest recycling plant in the Upper Midwest, employing 500 people and recycling 1,000 tons of paper per day, find a viable clean energy source.
Solar Pioneers Report
The Green Institute’s Solar Pioneers Report follows the experience of 16 homeowners as they installed solar thermal water heaters to share lessons learned with other groups who might want to make the same investment.
2006 Energy Independence Day
The Green Institute also hosted the 2006 Energy Independence Day, featuring a signing of the Declaration of Energy Independence by public officials and exhibitors of clean energy technologies.
