City of Minneapolis Sustainability Update - Fall 2016

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Fall 2016

Welcome to the Fall 2016 Minneapolis Sustainability Update. As the holiday seasons approach, there are some great ways that you can save energy and reduce waste while celebrating with family and friends. This quarterly newsletter contains information on resources, initiatives and opportunities to get involved in sustainability this season.


Table of Contents


As temperatures drop, make sure your home heating system is safe, efficient

Be sure to check out the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s energy saving tips to save energy and money as temperatures drop!


Minneapolis offers 0% financing for recommended energy-efficiency upgrades

zero percent fincance

While funding lasts, the City of Minneapolis offers Minneapolis residents 0% financing on energy-saving upgrades recommended by Home Energy Squad experts. Home Energy Squad visits are $70, or free to income-qualified Minneapolis residents including renters. More than 9,000 households have already benefitted from the program. Homeowners and renters can call 612-335-5874 or visit https://www.mncee.org/hes/minneapolis/  to schedule a visit and learn more about 0% financing. For more information, please visit the City’s website.


Building Energy Challenge Awards Coming Nov. 2nd

building energy awards

With over  85% of required properties having successfully benchmarked and submitted 2015 building energy performance data, it is time to celebrate!  The Building Energy Challenge Awards will highlight buildings striving to meet a 15% greenhouse gas emission reduction target and recognize progress toward the goal. Six of the most efficient buildings in the city will receive Building Energy Performance Awards in three categories: Business, Arts/Community/Education, and Hotel/Recreation.  

When: Nov. 2nd, 3:30-4:30pm  

Where: Minneapolis City Hall Rotunda

Public invited, Register today!


2015 Benchmarking Results- See the Map

Benchmarking Map

How energy efficient are large commercial buildings throughout the city?  Is my building one of the highest performing?  You can answer these questions and more via the 2015 Minneapolis Energy Benchmarking Results Map.  Explore ENERGY STAR scores, compare energy use per square foot, and learn about peer buildings through this new, interactive map!


Benchmarking Leads to Easy ENERGY STAR Certification at the Colwell Building

Colwell Bldg

With a score of 79, the Colwell Building in the North Loop neighborhood is Minneapolis' newest ENERGY STAR certified building. Gretchen Lundberg, who was in charge of the building’s application, says that for Minneapolis office buildings, certification is a must, “Prospective tenants ask if we’re LEED or ENERGY STAR certified.” Now, she can answer that question with an emphatic ‘yes!’  

Taking advantage of the Minneapolis ENERGY STAR Certification Grant Program, Gretchen explains just how easy the certification process was.  Read more,


Have a score of 75+? Be recognized for your efforts

energy star window sticker logo

Do you have an energy efficient building with an ENERGY STAR score greater than 75?  The world deserves to know (and you deserve the credit!). Buildings with ENERGY STAR certification typically use 35% less energy, cost $0.54 less per square foot to operate, and have higher rental and occupancy rates.  Buildings with a score of 75 or greater are eligible for certification, and what's more, the City of Minneapolis is offering grants to cover more than 60% of the required site visit cost for certification.  Buildings pay only $300.

The City of Minneapolis ENERGY STAR certification grants are limited, click here to learn more!


Minneapolis designated "SolSmart Gold"

solar panels

Minneapolis has been designated “SolSmart Gold” by the U.S. Department of Energy for making it faster, easier and cheaper to go solar. In 2015, there were a record 95 new solar installations in the city. Are you ready to make the switch? Learn more at http://bit.ly/2dmwwN1.


Minnesota Clean Energy Community Awards

wind turbine

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be recognized by the Minnesota Department of Commerce as a finalist for the Clean Energy Community Award. Our first-in-the-nation City-utility Clean Energy Partnership with Xcel Energy and Center Point Energy is instrumental in supporting the City’s Climate Action Plan and Energy Vision for 2040. Learn more at:

https://mn.gov/commerce/industries/energy/efficiency/cec.jsp


Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan Open House

Make your voice heard! Join us at one of these family-friendly, interactive open houses. You will have the opportunity to share feedback with city planners and engage with artists to plan for the future development of Minneapolis. Enjoy complimentary refreshments from local vendors. Dates and times:

Tuesday, Oct. 25th 5:00-7:30pm at Midtown Global Mark(920 E. Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407)

Thursday Oct. 27 5:00-7:30pm at North Commons Park

(1801 James Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411)


Minneapolis Green Zones Workgroup Update

The next Green Zones Workgroup meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 15 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Center For Changing Lives in Conference Room 182. The Center For Changing Lives is located at 2400 Park Ave S, Minneapolis. The agenda will include reviewing maps for Green Zones criteria and discussing other place-based initiatives in Minneapolis. This meeting is open to the public. See the Green Zone Workgroup agendas and meetings page for more information about past meetings.


2016 Food Council Open House

Thursday, December 1 | 6:30-8:00 pm, registration open at 6:00
Seward Montessori, 2309 28th Avenue South (map)

REGISTER ONLINE (RSVP encouraged, but not required)

Please join the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council in celebrating another year of growing, processing, distributing, eating and composting healthy, sustainable, locally grown foods. The event will begin with an information fair and reception, including opportunities to provide feedback to the Food Council on local food policy priorities. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more about the Annual Open , visit the Homegrown Minneapolis website and find out more about submitting a nomination  for a "Homegrown Heroes" award (Deadline: November 1st) or signing up to table at the information fair (Deadline: November 6th) 


2016 collection of leaves and bundled brush ends the week of Nov. 14

Autumn Leaves

During the week of Nov. 14, your weekly garbage day  is the last 2016 collection date for leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. Yard waste must be in compostable bags – paper (Kraft) or compostable plastic – or unbagged in a reusable container at least 26 inches high with sturdy handles. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers. Set all yard waste next to your garbage cart by 6 a.m.

Leaves

  • Less than 40 pounds.

Brush

  • Less than 40 pounds.
  • Less than three feet long.
  • Branch size less than three inches in diameter.
  • Must be bundled with string (no tape).

Remember, it’s against the law and bad for our waters to rake leaves into the street. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into our lakes and river, and decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae.

If you have questions about leaf and brush pickup, call 673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.


Organics Recycling Reaches 40% Opt-in Rate

Organics Recycling

Forty percent of Minneapolis residents have opted to recycle organics! This incredible accomplishment is the result of the City’s efforts to collect food scraps, coffee grounds, meat trimmings, paper towels and more. It's not too late to sign up! If you are a Minneapolis resident interested in recycling organics, sign up here.


This Halloween: Compost your Jack-O-Lanterns!

Jackolantern

After Halloween is over, place your pumpkins in your green organics recycling cart.  Take out candles or their metal holders first, and remember that pumpkins with paint or glitter on them cannot be composted.


Become a Recycling Block Leader for your neighborhood

Globe Recycling Symbol

If you’re passionate about recycling and waste reduction, sign up to be a recycling block leader and help educate your neighbors on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, organics recycling and more! More information on responsibilities and sign up can be found here.


Upcoming Fix-it Clinic dates

Woman at Fix it Clinic

Get household items like small appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices, and other gadgets fixed for free and learn valuable repair skills at an upcoming Fix-It ClinicUpcoming Fix-It Clinics are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Saturday, November 12, noon to 4 p.m. at Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street E, Wayzata

Sunday December 11, noon to 4 p.m. at Grace Center for Community Life, 1500 6th St NE, Minneapolis


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