 Rule Advisory Panel (RAP) members have the following meetings scheduled in March 2021:
March 3, 2021: RAP Workgroup meeting, 1pm-3:30pm
Location: Webex link for March 3rd
Meeting number/access code: 146 318 8272
Meeting password: adJpNJdc725
Dial-in number: 415-655-0003
Theme of meeting: Discussion on Transition: How existing C&D waste management facilities (landfills, open Permit-by Rule activities, transfer stations, etc.) adjust to and comply with a new rule.
- Introduction and instructions for the worksheets for small group discussion
- Logistics of the small group discussions
- Plan for the large group discussion on March 10, 2021
March 9 & 10, 2021 "small group" meetings:
Small group virtual discussions will occur the morning & afternoon on March 9th, and the morning of March 10th. Webex invitations will be sent to workgroup members prior to the small group meetings.
March 10th, 2021: RAP Workgroup meeting, 1pm-3:30pm
Location: Webex link for March 10th
Meeting number/access code: 146 205 9625
Meeting password: JCbbbsVy922
Dial-in number: 415-655-0003
Theme of meeting: Summarize the information from the small group discussions regarding Transition.
- Small group report-out
- Theming small group responses
- Large group discussion
- Introduction of the April 14, 2021 RAP meeting topic
Members of the public are welcome to join remotely any of these meetings via Webex. RSVP to Greg Kvaal is helpful but not required.
 Building Material Focus Groups:
We've received a great response from potential participants interested in attending a single 2-hour focus group to help us understand what's working in terms of building material reuse and recycling, and what they perceive are barriers to these actions. We have representatives from non-profits, small businesses, reuse retailers, individuals within the technical assistance/education sector, national trade associations, large corporations, and local government staff with active building material management actions in the works.
While the official call for participants is over, we welcome additional potential participants, especially from the retail/sales sector, and from organizations representing material and waste management companies. All other participants are still welcome too, of course.
Please contact Annika Bergen if interested in participating. Next steps: emails will be sent out to participants asking them to select dates that work best for them. The focus group meetings will be online and will be held in March/April, and will be scheduled around participants' other commitments.
Do-It-Yourself Instructors wanted!
Rethos is a Minnesota nonprofit organization working nationwide for the use of old buildings and sites, and are holistic in thought and flexible in their approach. Their goal includes activating space, investing in communities, and reimagining what can be. Rethos is kicking off a fresh call for instructors, and we’re particularly looking for contractors or inspectors who can do basic home maintenance classes, systems classes (plumbing, electrical, heating), and classes about simple energy upgrades or weather-related concerns.
From Education Manager Natalie Heneghan’s own words: “Our Education Program is building a community of homeowners, craftspeople, DIYers, Realtors, and anyone who cares about (or cares for) old buildings. Our instructors come from a wide range of places and expertise. They are experts in building rehab, preservation trades, architecture, sustainable development, landscaping, and much more.” Natalie works closely with each instructor to develop curriculum, and create class materials & resources. It's a great opportunity for instructors to broaden their audience and share their knowledge. Rethos is always looking to connect their homeowner/DIY audience with brilliant minds who can help them achieve their rehab & sustainability goals. Interested? Fill out the Call for Instructors form or contact Natalie Heneghan for more information.
Minnesota Funding opportunities:
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Green Chemistry & Engineering Internship Grants: Minnesota companies are encouraged to apply now for this grant opportunity. MPCA is seeking project proposals from host organizations for an internship at a Minnesota facility in summer 2021. Visit the Green Chemistry & Engineering Internship grant page for more information. Deadline: March 8th.
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Greater Minnesota Recycling and Composting Grants: If you are a political subdivision located in Greater Minnesota, you may be eligible for a recycling or composting grant! Approximately $1 million in funding is available. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting applications under a Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) for Greater Minnesota recycling and composting projects. Maximum grant award $250,000, per project. The allocated funds were purposed for projects that focus on best practices for recycling or composting collection systems. All projects must be locally administered, have an educational component with measurable outcomes. Visit the Greater Minnesota recycling and composting grant FY21 page for more information. Deadline: March 9th.
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Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue Grants: The MPCA is excited to announce the release of a second Request for Proposals for these grants. These grants provide financial assistance to programs that help prevent food from being wasted and/or promote food rescue (food-to-people). Up to $580,000 is available to organizations with project proposals that have a measurable impact, through prevention or food rescue, on reducing the greenhouse gas impacts from food that is wasted. Multi-organizational collaboration is encouraged. Visit the Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue Grants page for more information. Deadline: March 19th.
 Better Futures Minnesota, Minneapolis
The past month has been FULL of "built environment" news! Here are just a few articles that may be of interest to you:
Preservation & renovation of buildings:
Deconstruction news:
Sustainable building materials in the news:
Management of building material & general waste:
"Built Environment" regulations, policies, best practice news:
| Rules Advisory Panel contact: |
Sustainable Building Group contact: |
| Greg Kvaal, Engineer |
Annika Bergen, Administrator |
| greg.kvaal@state.mn.us |
annika.bergen@state.mn.us |
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| Melissa Wenzel, Built Environment Sustainability Administrator, is on leave through 6/30/2021 working for MDH on Covid19-related activities. |
Have suggestions, ideas, or questions for our team? Check out both programs' website or email us at: demo.mpca@state.mn.us.
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