Clean Energy Resource Teams

The University Register, Campus Newspaper of the University of Minnesota Morris, Sara Russell

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With the recent increase in energy prices, Minnesotans are doing all they can to reduce their energy costs and focus on cleaner, less expensive alternatives. One organization, sponsored and supported by the University of Minnesota West Central Partnership, has been addressing these issues in innovative ways that call upon community-wide teamwork. The west central Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT) represents one of five regional branches that focus on connecting willing individuals with technical resources to pursue the common goal of clean, locally produced energy, and last Tuesday and Wednesday, all branches convened for an energizing annual conference.

Since 2003, CERTs has offered forums and workshop sessions to residents of Minnesota interested in local energy projects. The annual culminating event for CERTs is a state-wide conference, held this year in St. Cloud February 10 and 11. This year’s theme, “Harnessing Resources and Teamwork for Minnesota’s Energy Future,” featured in-depth workshops, discussion forums, and networking opportunities to attendees. Major topics included successful CERTs-supported projects in urban and school settings; the latest in green jobs, manufacturing, and investment opportunities within the state; as well as displays and discussion on feasible wind, solar, biogas, cooling/heating, lighting, and fuel efficient car projects in Minnesota.

The conference drew business owners, farmers, students, teachers, local officials, and many other curious individuals interested in making small lifestyle changes in the name of clean and green. Tuesday, designated the pre-conference day, featured four intensive workshops regarding community-based energy development, efficiency in residential areas, saving energy in small businesses, using clean energies in schools, and the role of local governments in sustaining the community economically and otherwise through sustainable options.

Wednesday, designated the all-day conference, began bright an early with a welcome pep-talk, courtesy of CERTs coordinator Lissa Pawlisch, the manager of the State Energy Office of the Minnesota Office of Energy Security Janet Streff, and the Clean Energy Program Coordinator of The Minnesota Project Dan Thiede. The welcome was followed by panel discussions, networking, and three break-out sessions that featured a series of local experts discussing four specialized energy topics and how they fit into local sectors of Minnesota. The diverse panel of experts ranged from science teachers to CEOs of energy companies to dairy farmers to local energy consulting companies. The morning session pertained to development and accomplishments of green cities in Minnesota, efficiencies in utilities, sustainability in supply chain manufacturing under local management, and energy assistance in housing. During this session, a variety of professionals gave each of their perspectives on these topics.

Following the morning session, attendees were treated to a meal that was produced prepared locally by area farmers and sponsored by the University of Minnesota West Central Partnership. Attendees were given a run-down of the personal accomplishments of the CERTs teams from Joel Haskard, the CERTs Coordinator on behalf of the U of M Sustainable Development Partnerships. Additionally, the mayor of Apple Valley, Mary Hamman-Roland, and the CERTs coordinator in the metro area, Diana McKeown, gave updates on specific energy project accomplishments in their respective regions. All three speakers emphasized the need for an “all hands on deck” approach to energy projects, particularly those in the local sector, and also the need for long-term investments. Prior to the afternoon break-out sessions, attendees were given time to network with local businesses and organizations with exhibits and displays. Though all companies present at the poster and display session had the common tie of incorporating sustainability into their products and services, the organizations ran the gamut in terms services and products offered. From office supply companies to a sustainable database in the Twin Cities to local wind company owners to ethanol advocates, a multitude of energy perspectives were presented.

The afternoon breakout sessions, led by a series of local experts, featured ten more areas of local energy development in Minnesota. These sessions included panelists on students in college, high school, and middle schools starting energy projects off the ground; the viabilities of geothermal heating, wind, and solar; investing and financing green companies on a local scale; local food production; the roles of churches in green initiatives; biogas research and applications; green job opportunities, creation, and retention; and transportation solutions in metro areas. Following the break-out sessions, attendees were able to listen to the legislative forum, featuring local lawmakers and representatives in Minnesota. Moderated by Kerri Miller, host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Midmorning program, the forum included discussion from State Senator Ellen Anderson, State Representative Bill Hilty, Director of the MN Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Commerce Bill Glahn, and the District Director for Congressman Keith Ellison regarding the current state and future of Minnesota’s energy economy. The bulk of this conversation centered on the probable energy outcomes in Minnesota, following the introduction of the proposed economic stimulus package.

From the carpool database on the CERTs website for conference travel networking to the reusable dishes and cutlery at the local foods lunch, the CERTs annual conference certainly practiced the clean energy techniques it preaches. The conference, intended for education and networking, provided attendees with the present state of local energy projects and goals in Minnesota. Networking opportunities, coupled with diverse panels on a variety of topics, connected attendees to the technical resources necessary to envision and execute local energy projects across Minnesota.

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