The Minnesota
Department of Commerce has launched the 2016 Clean Energy Community Awards to
recognize the good work of Minnesota communities in helping to achieve the
state’s clean energy goals. Award
information and the online application form are available. Applications will be accepted until July 15,
2016.
The awards
will recognize communities that implement programs, policies, and technologies
that encourage energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy generation.
Commerce is the sponsor and coordinator of the program, with financial support
from the U.S. Department of Energy and The McKnight Foundation.
“Many Minnesota
communities are doing great work to advance our state’s clean energy goals, and
the Clean Energy Community Awards program is an opportunity to showcase this
work,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “Our state is a national leader
in clean energy initiatives and we want to continue that momentum.”
Minnesota
produced 21%
of its electricity from renewable energy sources
in 2015, so it is well on pace to exceed the state’s Renewable Electricity
Standard of 25% by 2025. Minnesota’s Solar Energy Standard also calls for
generating 1.5% of the state’s electricity from solar by 2020.
Who
can apply
Communities
eligible for the awards can be any group united in implementing clean energy
initiatives. Units of government (city, county, tribal nation, or other
jurisdiction) must be among the participating members, and participation from
nonprofits, service organizations, and businesses will strengthen the
application. To qualify for the award, the community’s clean energy program must
have been in operation during the last 12 months. Projects from communities of
all sizes are welcome.
Award
criteria
Successful
Clean Energy Community Award applicants will have implemented initiatives that
satisfy a majority—or demonstrate intense efforts in one or more—of the
following criteria:
-
Policy development, such as incorporation of energy goals into a
community’s Comprehensive, Sustainability, Zoning, or Climate Action Plans that
provide measurable clean energy achievements in public buildings/infrastructure
and/or private businesses/residences.
- Community partnerships and stakeholder education with local
business/industry/agriculture, nonprofits, utilities, or residents to meet
energy goals.
- Expansion of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy
opportunities to historically underserved communities.
- Innovation that is replicable by Minnesota communities and that
serves to advance Minnesota’s clean energy goals.
A sample of possible initiatives that meet clean energy goals
include:
- Creation of multi-year Comprehensive, Sustainability, Zoning, or
Climate Action Plans such as steps towards mitigation of climate change, goals
of achieving net-zero energy in public buildings, and participation in programs
such as the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program.
- Energy efficiency in existing public buildings and new public
buildings.
- Energy efficiency in private buildings.
- Efficiency in public infrastructure such as upgrading public
streetlights to energy efficient lighting.
- Installations of non-carbon based clean energy generation systems
through land use, permitting, financing, or incentive programs. (e.g., offering
financing programs for businesses/homeowners to install clean energy generation
systems).
- Conversion or replacement of city vehicle fleets to low- or
no-carbon fuels.
Award benefits
Finalist communities (up to 10) will have their initiatives
featured as part of an exhibit at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State
Fair. Award recipients (up to five) will receive: a stipend to send community
members to the award celebration and news conference during Energy Awareness
Month in October; statewide media coverage; award and signage suitable for
public display; and recognition on the Commerce Department website.
Communities big and small are eligible. To apply, go to www.mncerts.org/clean-energy-awards and complete an
application by July 15, 2016. Please direct questions about the awards program
to energy.info@state.mn.us.
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