New Energy Data Project in Minnesota Will be Part of a Multi-State Utility Energy Registry Effort

January 26, 2018 in Communities Author: Lola Schoenrich

Industry and Projects

*This blog was updated with video from a January 26 webinar to introduce the project (scroll to bottom for video)*

An increasing number of communities in Minnesota are developing clean energy, climate, and resilience goals and launching projects to meet them. These projects include public building energy efficiency, new and more efficient street lighting, solar projects, PACE financing, and many other community-wide initiatives. Continue reading »

GreenStep Cities: December Workshop

December 5, 2017 in Communities Author: Abby Finis

The December GreenStep Cities workshop focused on benchmarking for wastewater treatment. After an introduction by GPI’s Abby Finis, the discussion covered the value of benchmarking wastewater treatment, Jon Vanyo, C.E.M., Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (23:50),and Benchmarking Wastewater Treatment Plants, Cheri Schneider (40:19). The workshop concluded with case studies on Energy Reduction Analysis at New Prague Wastewater Treatment Facility, Scott Werner, MNtap (1:11:08), and The Value of Using Benchmarking for Wastewater and City Operations, Tracy Holdel, City of St. Cloud. Continue reading »

How Carbon Disclosure Platforms Can Help Cities Translate Commitments into Action

November 28, 2017 in Communities Author: Abby Finis

Note: This blog is the first installment of a two-part series on carbon disclosure.

Carbon disclosure is the practice of reporting and managing emissions through credible reporting platforms, consistent with global standards and protocols. Cities around the globe have committed to reducing their impact on climate change and are using these entities to monitor and demonstrate their progress. Established disclosure platforms are available to cities to measure their impact while providing insights into their energy use that can be used to identify opportunities for more effective practices and policies. Continue reading »

Measuring the Impact of GreenStep Cities

November 27, 2017 in Communities Author: Abby Finis

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. For the past seven years, cities have been recognized at three step levels for taking and reporting action. In 2016, the program introduced Steps 4 and 5, which allow cities to measure and track the impact of their actions. The following includes highlights of what we have learned so far. Continue reading »

Getting a Good Deal: Solar Garden Subscriptions for Local Governments

November 15, 2017 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake

Solar Garden

Since its launch in 2014, Xcel Energy’s solar garden program in Minnesota has driven a growing conversation about solar energy options and opportunities, especially among local government staff and elected officials. Local governments are sought after as solar garden subscribers for their large and often stable electric loads, excellent credit scores, and interest in opportunities to reduce energy costs and meet public goals on clean energy. Continue reading »

GreenStep Cities: November Workshop

November 5, 2017 in Communities Author: Abby Finis

The November GreenStep Cities workshop focused on energy and climate data and action planning. After introductions by Great Plains Institute’s Abby Finis, Brian Ross, and Becky Alexander of LHB, covered Tools and Best Practices for Local Energy Planning (11:04).Then Alexis Troschinetz of Clean Energy Resource Team shared insights on community led bulk buys and opportunities in her presentation, Saving Watts and Drops Bulk Buys (1:14:15).  The workshop concluded with a discussion of solar financing, by Peter Lindstrom (1:36:00). Continue reading »