Local governments of all sizes are setting energy goals across Minnesota. They see the rapid advancements in technology and the economic benefits that come with renewable energy and electrification of transportation. Yet when it comes to implementation, communities regularly face barriers to enact the programs and projects that will help them achieve their goals. Continue reading »
GPI Receives 2018 Nonprofit Partner Award from the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association
November 14, 2018 in Communities, Energy Systems, News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is proud to be recognized by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) with the 2018 MnSEIA Nonprofit Partner Award. GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom accepted the award at MnSEIA’s annual conference this week. Continue reading »
Dedicated City Staff Crucial to Setting and Implementing Energy Goals
November 6, 2018 in Communities Author: Jenna Greene
Sustainability issues such as energy, water quality, and climate mitigation and resiliency are becoming increasingly important to cities in Minnesota and across the country. At the same time, it is challenging for city staff to focus on improving citywide sustainability given the daily needs and priorities of government service delivery and operations. Continue reading »
GPI Welcomes Jenna Greene to Communities Program
October 28, 2018 in Communities Author: Lola Schoenrich
I am excited to welcome Jenna Greene to GPI’s Communities Program. Jenna joins us as a program assistant working on GPI’s efforts to expand solar deployment, increase energy efficiency and solar deployment opportunities for small businesses, and support community energy and climate planning. Continue reading »
Planning Tools Boost Cities’ Capacity to Tackle Emissions Reduction & Energy Savings Goals in Minnesota
October 19, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
Tracking greenhouse gas emissions, understanding where emissions come from, and determining strategies to reduce them are all relatively new concepts for cities. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities October Workshop: Climate Smart Municipalities
October 10, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
GreenStep Cities hosted a workshop on Climate Smart Municipalities with presenters from both Minnesota and Germany. For the past three years, five Minnesota GreenStep Cities communities have partnered with five communities from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia to advance climate action. At this October workshop, presenters discussed this partnership and innovative electric vehicle practices in both states. Continue reading »
Cities Making Progress on Electric Vehicle Readiness Across Minnesota
September 25, 2018 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
Twenty-eight cities across Minnesota are looking to the future and getting ready for broad adoption of electric vehicles.
Cities Charging Ahead! is a peer cohort of 28 cities working together across Minnesota to explore electric vehicle readiness. Participants receive technical assistance focused on actions and best practices, based on the GreenStep Cities program, that cities can implement to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles such as: Continue reading »
The power of partnerships: Minnesota communities look to collaborate to achieve mutual energy goals
August 29, 2018 in Communities Author: Jessi Wyatt
Communities across the country can benefit from identifying and prioritizing synergies between energy goals outlined at multiple levels of government — across cities, counties, and the state level. Continue reading »
Abby Finis Named Top 40 Under 40 By Midwest Energy News
August 27, 2018 in Communities, News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
Abby Finis, senior energy planner at the Great Plains Institute (GPI), was named a Top 40 Under 40 by Midwest Energy News for 2018. The honor highlights emerging leaders throughout the region and their work in America’s transition to a clean energy economy. Continue reading »
Tribal Nations Leading on Sustainability Join Unique Pilot Program
July 19, 2018 in Communities Author: Kristin Mroz
A solar air heating system located at the Leech Lake Department of Natural Resources
This is a guest blog post by Kristin Mroz, local government coordinator with the Environmental Quality Board which is an official partner of the GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program. Kristin’s role supports the needs of local and tribal governments and assists with coordinating efforts by state agencies to support communities in climate and sustainability actions. Continue reading »
