On August 24, 2015 the Statewide CERTs Partnership, including the Great Plains Institute, released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking applications for limited financial assistance for community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This funding is for LABOR COSTS ONLY for all seven CERTs regions, which cover the entire state of Minnesota. The primary objective of these funds is to spur action on local clean energy projects.
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Visit us at the Great Minnesota Get Together’s Eco Experience!
August 25, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
It’s that time of the year…The Minnesota State Fair!
I know not everyone LOVES it as much as I do. I worked there during high school and college and would go all 12 days annually if that was socially acceptable for someone that doesn’t work there. I do however, get to work there four days this year. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities Wraps Up Workshop Series and Celebrates 5 Years of Programming!
July 22, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
The final workshop of the GreenStep Cities workshop series focused on Climate Resiliency with examples of tools and planning cities could employ to prepare themselves for changes.
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Neighborhood Leaders in Minneapolis Learn About Community Solar Gardens
May 18, 2015 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake
Over 70 neighborhood leaders gathered at Mayflower Church in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 30th to learn about community solar gardens, including key considerations and specific roles for neighborhoods. Continue reading »
Press Event Highlights Opportunities for Small Business Energy Savings
February 25, 2015 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake
Small businesses are often the anchors of a vibrant community. They’re the places we go to find unique experiences, delicious foods, and local knowledge. They also have a role to play in transforming our energy system and boosting the economy by implementing actions to save energy, reduce overhead costs, and grow their business.
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GreenStep Cities Workshop: Cities and Community Solar
December 12, 2014 in Communities Author: Patrick Mathwig
Community solar has been THE hot energy issue in Minnesota this year. In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation that required Xcel Energy, Minnesota’s largest investor owned utility, to administer a community solar gardens (CSG) program, and enabled other utilities to administer them as well. Xcel’s Solar*Rewards Community program officially opened on Friday, December 12th, 2014. Minnesota currently has 14 megawatts of solar, but with the mandate of 1.5% solar by 2020, Minnesota’s solar capacity will increase greatly: by 2020, Minnesota is expected to have 400 megawatts of solar capacity. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities workshop: Bike, Ped and Transit Options
December 9, 2014 in Communities Author: Patrick Mathwig
November’s GreenStep Cities workshop was all about transportation, with a focus on Complete Streets. The GreenStep Transportation best practices (BPs) and actions are designed to help cities build their streets and cities in a way that better matches their citizen’s needs. Continue reading »
The Metro CERT Spring Resource and Networking Event on April 17th at the Como Zoo hosted an exciting group of speakers and energy professionals all focused on achieving the goal of cleaner and more sustainable energy use in our local communities. Continue reading »
Solar Conference Draws 350 to Bring Ideas to Action!
April 15, 2014 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
On March 7th, the Great Plains Institute was a sponsor of the Solar Powering Minnesota conference that brought together over 350 folks to bring their solar ideas to action. Continue reading »
Making Connections: Energy Trends and Our Vital Local Economy
February 18, 2014 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
On February 6, 2014 The Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition (MEPC) hosted an all day energy summit titled, Making Connections – Energy Trends and Our Vital Local Economy. The summit brought together over 140 decision makers and other stakeholders from local government to uncover trends in the way we produce, distribute, and use energy. Continue reading »
