The Community Energy Ambassador Certification through Clean Energy Resource Teams, equips residents with the knowledge and tools to champion clean energy in Rochester. Several commissioners have already become CERTified Ambassadors, while others are completing outreach projects that include tabling at community events, sharing resources on energy efficiency and renewables, and promoting initiatives like Electrify Everything workshops. By completing the training together, commissioners strengthened their knowledge on key energy topics, built camaraderie, and deepened community engagement. Their efforts model local leadership and trusted, resident-led outreach in support of Rochester’s clean energy goals, while also encouraging other groups to start their own Community Energy Ambassador cohorts. Learn more about their experience here.

Family Service Rochester has expanded its solar array, now offsetting 40,000 kilowatts of energy annually. The installation was dedicated in honor of April Sutor, who previously worked at the nonprofit for ten years and contributed a significant donation to support the project. The expanded system will generate an additional 12,000 kilowatts of clean energy each year, saving the organization approximately $7,000 annually and more than $210,000 over the next 30 years. These savings will allow Family Service Rochester to focus more resources directly on its mission of supporting strong families.

The project reflects the nonprofit’s commitment to sustainability and community impact, with energy savings and revenue from excess power helping to reinvest in programs that strengthen families in Rochester.

Be part of making Rochester look its best this fall by joining the Litter Bit Better event, happening October 4–12! Gather friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers and adopt a site to clean up, whether it’s a park, street, or green space, every effort makes a difference. Registration is quick and easy through the Litter Bit Better Registration Map or the RNeighbors Events Page, and free green trash bags are available for pickup at City Hall or the Development Services & Infrastructure Center. After cleaning up, simply leave your bags in an accessible spot for collection. Beyond litter, please keep our waterways healthy by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains through the Adopt a Storm Drain program. It’s a simple, hands-on way to care for our community while enjoying time outdoors. Join us in making Rochester A Litter Bit Better!

Stay Comfortable Year-Round with an Energy-Smart Upgrade

Thinking about replacing your heating system? An air source heat pump could be the right choice. These systems provide efficient heating and cooling year-round and can be paired with gas as a backup on the coldest days. RPU offers rebates to help you save money when you upgrade. For more information, visit rpu.org/rebates-programs/residential/conserve-save-rebates.php. To learn more about air source heat pumps, visit mnashp.org.

America Recycles Day is recognized annually on November 15 and serves as a helpful reminder to ensure proper recycling practices. Recycling is a simple and effective way to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and reduce waste. However, it is essential to avoid contaminating recycling bins with items such as rechargeable batteries, food waste, and plastic bags. The Recycling Guide, developed with input from industry experts, offers accurate information on what can be recycled, regardless of the waste hauler. For quick and easy reference, the Waste Wizard is an online tool that provides recycling and disposal instructions for over 500 items.

Individuals who self-haul to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus are encouraged to review the facility's list of acceptable items online before visiting.

Minnesota is updating its Statewide Bicycle+ System Plan to reflect changes since 2016, including the growth in bicycling for transportation and recreation and the increasing use of e-bikes, scooters, and other bike-like devices. The updated plan will help MnDOT guide the development of safer and more comfortable places to bike, address barriers to building bikeways, and support local and regional efforts to connect destinations across the state. The plan will also explore MnDOT’s role in improving routes that cross Trunk Highways, building internal capacity, and understanding emerging trends in bike and bike-like mode use. MnDOT is inviting all Minnesotans to share their experiences and ideas, whether they bike regularly or are interested in starting. Provide your input by taking the survey before it closes on September 30th: Take the Survey.

National Heat Pump Awareness Week, taking place September 29 through October 5, highlights the important role heat pumps play in the transition to cleaner, more efficient home heating and cooling. Heat pumps provide reliable comfort throughout the year while using significantly less energy than traditional systems. By moving heat rather than generating it, these systems deliver more energy than they consume, making them one of the most efficient technologies available today. With rebates, tax credits, and financing options available through the end of December 2025, now is the ideal time to make the switch. To explore available incentives, visit this resource. Whether exploring efficient heating and cooling for the first time, planning a future home upgrade, or replacing an aging system, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the benefits of heat pumps and the resources available to support the switch. Read the Step-by-Step Guide here.