CERTs Conference

Over 500 Minnesotans attended the seventh statewide CERTs Conference, connecting to build a clean energy future in their communities! March 28-29 were two truly energizing days in St. Cloud, MN for the 2018 CERTs Conference. Communities, organizations, and individuals showed up to figure out how they can get projects done, save money, and be part of Minnesota’s fastest growing jobs sector.

2018 CERTs Conference Photo Album

MARCH 28, 2018 - FULL-DAY CONFERENCE & RECEPTION

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast, Networking & Exhibit Time

9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Kickoff

9:45 a.m. | Project Lightning Talks

• Solar + Storage at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth
• Brightfields: First brownfield solar project in Minnesota
• Congregations Advancing Energy Efficiency
• Warren: A Small City Making Big Strides with Clean Energy
• Lake Crystal beats summer peak loads with energy-saving competition
• PACE financing making projects possible
• 40 kW solar array finds forever home in Hackensack

11:00 a.m. | Clean Energy Community Awards

12:00 p.m. | Lunch, Networking & Exhibit Time

1:00 p.m. | Regional Project Networking Sessions

2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

• Utility Efficiency Program Ideas Ready for Replication
• Preparing for the Next Wind Energy Boom
• Clean Energy Community Awards Panel
• Recent Advances in Biomass Energy

4:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

• Community Solar Gardens: What’s New, What’s Next? 
• Charging Ahead with Energy Storage in Minnesota
• Innovations in Clean Energy Financing

5:00 p.m. | Evening Reception in Exhibit Hall

MARCH 29, 2018 - HALF DAY OF WORKSHOPS & TOURS

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking

9:00 a.m. | Workshops

• Utility Innovation: Identifying Win-Win Strategies & Solutions
• Learn & Drive: Electric Vehicles & Charging Infrastructure
• Strategies for Reducing Low-Income Energy Burden
• Local Government Solar: Best Practices & Tools

12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Networking

2:00 p.m. | Tour of St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility

Over 500 people attended the CERTs 2015 Conference! The event was an exploration and celebration of successful energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Now these amazing people have returned to their communities with the resources and connections they need to take action—how great is that?

CERTs 2015 Conference Photo Album

Full-Day Conference

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Half Day of Workshops

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Thank you to our CERTs 2015 Conference Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

Clean Energy Resource Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors
Southern Minnesota Municipal

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Thank you to our CERTs 2015 Conference Exhibitors:

• 360 Energy Group
• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• Alliance for Sustainability
• American Lung Association in Minnesota
• Apex Efficiency Solutions, Inc.
• BIOFerm Energy Systems
• Center for Energy and Environment
• CenterPoint Energy
• Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center
• Clean Energy Resource Teams
• ConEdison Solutions
• Cool Planet
• Crescent Electric Supply
• Dragonfly Solar
• EnerChange
• Franklin Energy
• Gone2Green Wind & Solar Energy and Bergey Wind Power
• Green Energy Products
• Hubbell Lighting
• Innovative Power Systems
• JKG Fuel Solutions
• Juhl Energy. Inc.
• Lighten Up, LLC
• Michaels Energy
• Midwest Energy News
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Minnesota Army National Guard
• Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
• Minnesota Energy Resources
• Minnesota GreenStep Cities
• Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
• MN Community Solar
• North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
• Opower
• PALS, INC and Energyficient Lighting Systems
• Prairie Woods ELC & Youth Energy Summit
• Redwood Area Development Corporation
• RetroGreen Energy
• Royalton High School YES! Team
• Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
• Silicon Energy
• Sioux Empire Lighting, Inc.
• SolarWall – Conserval Systems
• Southwest Regional Development Commission and RMEB PACE
• Stearns Bank
• SunEdison
• SunShare
• The Weidt Group
• UE Systems
• University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships & Extension
• USDA Rural Development
• Werner Electric Supply
• West Central Research and Outreach Center
• Will Steger Foundation
• Windtech, Inc. & EES Holdings
• Windustry
• WoodMaster & Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
• Xcel Energy
• ZEF Energy
• Zenergy
• Zinniel Electric Co

CERTs 2013 was an exploration and celebration of successful energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, and a coming together of hundreds of amazing people who are working to create a clean energy future in their communities and beyond.

CERTs 2013 Conference Photo Album

Pre-Conference Workshops & Reception

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Conference & Exhibition

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thank you to our 2013 Exhibitors:

• 24 HOUR SOLAR LLC
• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• Aladdin Solar
• Alliance for Sustainability
• AMEC
• American Lung Association in Minnesota
• Avant Energy, Inc.
• Blue Net Inc.
• Center for Energy and Environment
• Center for Renewable Energy Education and Demonstration Project
• CenterPoint Energy
• City of Elk River
• CLASS 5 Energy
• ConEdison Solutions
• DEKRA Certification, Inc.
• Do It Green! Minnesota
• EDF Renewable Energy
• EnerChange
• EnergyMisers, LLC
• Energy Services Coalition
• Energy Smart
• Graybar
• Green Energy Products
• Guncheon Financial
• Heating the Midwest
• Honeywell Building Solutions
• HumeraTech
• Institute for Local Self-Reliance
• Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability
• Juhl Renewable Energy Systems, Inc.
• Kandiyohi County
• Lighting House USA
• Metal Roofing and Siding of Minnesota
• Midwest Energy Alternatives Project
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
• Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
• Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• Natural Awakenings Magazine
• NORESCO
• Northern Sun
• RetroGreen Energy
• Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
• Saint Paul Port Authority
• Sierra Club
• Silicon Energy
• Solar Skies Manufacturing, LLC
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Southwest Regional Development Commission
• Sustainable Resources Center
• tenKsolar
• The Minnesota Project
• University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center
• USDA Rural Development
• Werner Electric Supply
• Will Steger Foundation
• WoodMaster & Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
• Xcel Energy
• Zinniel Electric

The CERTs 2011 Clean Energy Convergence united Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in their communities. The event brought together over 600 engaged community members on February 2-3, 2011 in Saint Cloud, MN!

CERTs 2011 Conference Photo Album

Utility Programs, Projects & Partnerships

This workshop covered four interesting case studies from utilities and their partners in Minnesota that range from behavior change pilots to outcome-based incentives, and featured moderated dialogue about ideas and strategies to meet CIP goals in the years ahead.

• Moderated by Terry Webster, Office of Energy Security 
   
• Jack Hogin, Minnesota Environmental Initiative – Overview of 1.5 percent Workgroup Meetings that his organization has been convening. Now that Minnesota utilities are required to achieve annual energy savings equal to 1.5 percent of annual retail energy sales of electricity and natural gas, the working group has been convened to identify solutions to the challenges of accounting energy savings that are occurring separate from utility programs and identify ways of improving the quantification of savings from low-income and behavioral programs.
   
• Roger Warehime, Owatonna Public Utilities; Matt McCaffree, OPOWER – Joint efforts to curb energy use with on-bill benchmarking for residents 
   
• Sonja Bogart, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association and Scott Revening, MyMeter – Talk about a similar program they’re running with the same goal of meeting energy-efficiency goals through customer engagement.
   
• Karen Mann with Schools for Energy Efficiency and Jeff Larson with Minnesota Energy Resources will present their outcome-based utility incentive pilot program being implemented in the Crosby-Ironton School District. In this program, utility incentives are paid on a dollars-per-therm-saved basis (or per-kWh-saved basis with Minnesota Power) as measured through billing data—rather than a per-measure basis.
   
• Carl Nelson, Center for Energy & Environment; Mike Hoy, Dakota Electric; Todd Berreman, CenterPoint Energy; Diana McKeown, Metro CERT – Discuss various aspects of their programs, including the use of motivational community meetings to drive participation, leveraging neighborhood groups, direct install measures in conjunction with audits, and using audits to drive customers toward other utility programs for more expensive improvements. 
   
• Jeff Haase, Office of Energy Security – Moderate a conversation about looking toward 2012 and beyond, drawing on the experiences, ideas and strategies that those in the room have used to meet CIP goals. Potential topics include phasing in and phasing out incentives and why, cross-territorial partnership opportunities, and partnering with other entities to meet CIP goals.

Community Capacity Building for Clean Energy Action

Have you been wondering how to jump-start action in your community on clean energy and energy efficiency? Look no further! This workshop presented strategies from leaders in workplace, university, business, and civic perspectives who have been building capacity in their communities. These case studies offer a real sense for what is working in other communities and introduce you to people you can talk to as you work to move your community to take action.

• Moderated by Joel Haskard, CERTs – Opening conversation of community projects and sharing resources 
   
• Diane Dingfelder, Winona State University – Winona State’s Energy Resource Advisor Training, which starts again in March, 2011.
   
• Laura Millberg, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Work on employee engagement and train-the-trainer.
   
• Pam Bishop, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation – Asset-based mapping.
   
• Rebecca Spengler – Energy Efficient Ely.
   
• David Bahr – Bemidji Grass Roots Energy Network; and Erika Bailey-Johnson – Bemidji State University.

Energy-Saving Steps for Your Business or Organization

This workshop provided practical information to help attendees identify energy-saving opportunities, connected people to financial incentives to help pay for energy efficiency improvements, and give them the tools needed to conduct long-term energy planning and benchmarking. A panel of business leaders discussed their energy-saving initiatives and processes, project challenges, and the savings they’ve achieved.

• Jill Curran, Energy Smart – Opportunities About: No- and low-cost through high-ticket upgrade opportunities; Will outline several success stories of businesses that Energy Smart has assisted. 
   
• Jill Curran, Energy Smart – Making the Financial Case and Finding the Money: Will highlight types of incentives that may be available including utility rebates, federal tax credits, local government grants and how organizations can best be prepared to pursue them; Will also make the case for why saving energy boosts the bottom line and will highlight some return on investment information for various types of upgrades. 
   
• Chelsey Johnson, Energy Smart – Generating and Tracking Long-term Success: Will discuss the value and process by which organizations can track and analyze their energy consumption; Will discuss reading and interpreting energy bills, putting together a utility bill analysis and how this data can be used to benchmark energy-savings potential; A utility bill analysis and Energy Star building rating how-to demonstration will be conducted. 
   
• Kelly Spors, Energy Smart – Moderating a Business Leaders Panel: Leaders that have taken on ambitious energy-saving initiatives will discuss their initiatives, the savings they’ve achieved, their project challenges, and how they overcame them.
  • Tony Magnotta, Minnesota Abstract and Title, Capitol Lien Records and Research
  • Jason Bernick, Bernick’s Beverages & Vending
  • Steve Brehm, Berry Coffee Co.
  • Joe Ohman, Creative Memories

Creating a Clean Energy School

Saving energy and producing clean energy at your school is an exciting and challenging endeavor! This workshop began by discussing top-down approaches to creating a clean energy school, like understanding building energy use, the importance of benchmarking, and good projects to take on. It then takes a close look at how one school, Aitkin High School, is working from the bottom up as we hear from teachers, administration, and students alike about their efforts. The workshop finishes by meeting in the middle to talk about how to pull together a dream green team that can work on your clean energy school!

• Moderator Patrick Santelli, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon – Introduction: Will discuss top-down and bottom-up approaches to creating clean energy schools. 
   
• Meghan Pendray, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) – Top-down Approach: Where do school buildings use energy?
   
• Katie Jones, CERTs GreenCorps Member – Top-down Approach: B3 and Benchmarking.
   
• Kim Pederson, Otter Tail Power Company – Top-down Approach: Building Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
   
• Ruth Reeves and Pam Brand, Aitkin High School – Bottom-up Approach: A Teacher’s Perspective 
   
• Leah Thurner, Aitkin High School – Bottom-up Approach: A Student’s Perspective.
   
• Abby Fenton, Will Steger Foundation – Bottom-up Approach: The “Ideal” Green Team, a facilitated discussion.

Becoming a GreenStep City

The goal of this workshop was to help cities understand the mechanics of the GreenStep Cities Program, hear stories and examples from cities who are already participating, and learn about other ways to engage your community and its many resources to help your city achieve its goals.

• Philipp Muessig, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – GreenStep Cities 101
   
• Panel Discussion: Findings and Perspectives from Cities on integrating GreenStep with existing efforts, up-front work to get your City to sign a resolution, and the mechanics of “reporting in” on your achievements.
  • Amir Nadav, Energy and Environment Advisory Commission, City of Eagan
  • Matt Glaesman, Sustainability Commission, City of St. Cloud
  • Bob McLean, Hunt Utilities Group in Pine River
  • Andrea Lauer, Mayor of Royalton
• Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs and Philipp Muessig, MPCA – Panel Recap and Preview of Evaluation Discussion 
   
• Discussion – Gathering YOUR Feedback: Measuring the Impact of GreenStep Cities and the Best Practice Actions 
   
• Small Group Discussions – How to Leverage Community Assets

• Conference Kick-off – Lissa Pawlisch and Diana McKeown, CERTs
• Welcoming Remarks – Dave Kleis, Mayor of St. Cloud
• Social Entrepreneurship and Our Clean Energy Future – Dr. Jim Bensen, President Emeritus, Bemidji State University
• Engaging the Public for Energy Conservation – Dr. Christie Manning, Macalester College 

• Leaders in Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy
  Local Governments Track
  • Moderator: Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs
  • Muriel Krusemark, City of Hoffman
  • Tim Simon, City of Elk River

• Funding Energy Projects at Schools
  Schools and Youth Track
  • Moderator: Bill Sierks, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Stephanie Wirz, Eden Valley-Watkins High School
  • Brian Ross, CR Planning

• What You Can Do to Save Energy in Your Home
  Residents and Community Groups Track
  • Moderator: Carl Samuelson, Metro CERT
  • Terry Webster and Joe Plummer, Office of Energy Security

• Energy Entrepreneurs in Minnesota
  Minnesota Businesses Track
  • Moderator: Bill Mittlefehldt, NE CERT
  • Rebecca Spengler, A Laundry Room
  • Jim Losleben, tenKsolar 

• Emerging Trends in Biomass Energy
  Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track
  • Moderator: Anna Dirkswager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
  • Alan Doering, Agricultural Utilization and Research Institute
  • Mike Polzin, Minnesota Power

• Recognizing CERTs Participants: Joel Haskard, Julia Eagles, Jeff Vetsch with CERTs
• CERTs 2011 Local Food Story 

• Energy Project Financing and Local Governments
  Local Governments Track
  • Moderator: Jeremy de Fiebre, Office of Energy Security
  • Mark Hancock, Center for Energy and Environment – Public Building Enhanced Energy Efficiency Program (PBEEEP)
  • Lynn Hinkle, Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association – Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and its promise for the commercial sector

• Building Successful School and Community Partnerships
  Schools and Youth Track
  • Moderator: Anne Dybsetter, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
  • Tami Bennett-Tait, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School
  • Shelli-Kae Foster, Alexandria District Sustainability Coordinator
  • Jessie Lee and Alisha Engelbrekt, New London-Spicer Middle School

• Solar Energy for Your Home and Community
  Residents and Community Groups Track
  • Moderator & Introduction: Stacy Miller, Office of Energy Security
  • Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance – Solar Air Heat
  • Kurt Koegel, SolarSkies – Solar Hot Water
  • Rebecca Lundberg, PowerfullyGreen – Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

• Low-Cost & No-Cost Energy Saving Strategies
  Minnesota Businesses Track
  • Moderator: Diana McKeown, Metro CERT
  • Nancy Kelly, Eureka Recycling
  • Amy Fields and Treshy Schaper, East Side Coop
  • Ted Lowell, Acadia Cafe

• Workforce Training to Meet Energy Industry Demands
  Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track
  • Oriane Casale, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development – Labor Market Information and energy jobs in Minnesota
  • Michelle Gransee-Bowman, Office of Energy Security – Overview of accredited energy-efficiency and clean-energy training programs in the state

• Effective Strategies for Leveraging Community Support
  Local Governments Track
  • Moderator: Joel Haskard, CERTs
  • Dan Frank and Quinn Swanson, Pine River Healthy Green Community Program

• Innovative Project Case Studies at Schools
  Schools and Youth Track
  • Moderator: Patrick Santelli, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon
  • Veda Kanitz with students, Rosemount High School Team
  • Kristi Moberg with students, Ortonville High School Team
  • Chelsey Shoup, Robert Bauer, and Andy Pearson, University of Minnesota Active Energy Club

• Cracking the Rental and Multi-Family Housing Nut
  Residents and Community Groups Track
  • Moderator: Julia Eagles, Metro CERT
  • Karen Moe, Minnesota Community Action Partnership
  • Cecil Smith, Ventura Flats

• Ways to Save Energy on the Farm
  Minnesota Businesses Track
  • Moderator: Jake Fischer, The Minnesota Project
  • Dave Warrington, Alliant Energy
  • Stan Simon, S.L. Simon Engineering

• The Wind Energy Industry Today in Minnesota
  Minnesota Energy Industry Trends Track
  • Cheryl Glaeser, Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Dan Juhl, Juhl Wind, Inc. and Next Generations Power Systems

Thanks to Our Exhibitors!

• Agricultural Utilization and Research Institute
• Alliance for Sustainability
• Alliant Energy
• American Lung Association in Minnesota
• Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.
• Applied Energy Innovations
• BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota
• Braun Intertec
• C.R. Planning
• Center for Energy and Environment
• CenterPoint Energy Inc.
• Central Lakes College
• Century College
• City of Elk River
• Do It Green! Minnesota
• Duluth Energy Efficiency Program
• Energy Smart
• EnergyMisers, LLC
• Environmental Resources Management
• enXco
• Fresh Energy
• Geronimo Wind Energy
• Green Energy Products, LLC
• Habitat for Humanity – Minnesota
• Juhl Wind, Inc.
• KidWind
• League of Minnesota Cities
• LightingHouseUSA
• Marvin Windows and Doors
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Midwest Lighting and Electric
• Minnesota GreenStar – Certified Green Homes and Remodeling
• Minnesota Office of Energy Security
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• Minnesota West Community & Technical College
• National Farmers Union
• Outdoor Lighting Management
• Parsons Electric and Electrical Consulting Solutions
• ReGo Electric Conversions
• Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
• S.L. Simon Engineering
• Solar Skies Mfg., LLC
• Solarflow Energy
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• SRF Consulting
• St. Cloud Area Sustainability Committee
• Superior Solar
• tenKsolar
• FuelMN, LLC
• University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center
• USDA Rural Development
• VELUX America
• Will Steger Foundation
• Windustry
• Winona State University
• WSB & Associates, Inc.
• Xcel Energy
• Zenergy by West Central Telephone Association

The Third Clean Energy Resource Teams Conference was held in St. Cloud on February 10-11, 2009 at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
  
CERTs 2009: Harnessing Resources & Teamwork for Minnesota’s Energy Future brought together 500 Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and clean energy projects in their communities, thus accelerating our learning process together.

This conference could not have come at a more important time. Our economy is hurting, energy prices are on the rise, and the impacts of global warming are becoming increasingly clear. Minnesotans of all stripes want to know what they can do. It just so happens that many of the solutions to our global climate challenge are also the ones that are going to help our economy and our communities thrive.

CERTs 2009 told participants, “You can be a part of Minnesota’s clean energy future, and you can get energy efficiency and clean energy projects on the ground in your community!” It’s true: Whether you’re a farmer, utility representative, school staff, local official, student, business owner—or member of any community—there is a role for you to play. Conference attendees learned what people are doing across the state, connected, and shared resources.

• Community-Based Energy Development: This session introduced attendees to clean energy development, especially with regard to wind power. They learned how to put together a community wind project, what variables impact return on investment, and how Minnesota is supporting community-based energy development. They also heard from a panel of wind energy experts about business models for wind development. 

• Accelerating Residential Efficiency: The residential sector is one of the largest energy consumers in Minnesota, and therefore holds great potential for energy efficiency. Attendees found out how utilities, non-profits, and community groups are working to accelerate programs and learning to help residents conserve. 

• Saving Energy is Smart Business: Attendees learned how their business can save money by taking advantage of existing Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP) offered by Minnesota’s energy utilities. Business executives also shared their stories of implementing energy efficiency upgrades, receiving rebates through the CIP process and realizing substantial dollar savings on monthly electric bills. 

• Creating a Clean Energy School: There are schools across the state, at all levels, that are working to save energy and produce clean energy, issues that are especially important with our current climate challenge and fuel costs. This workshop featured schools who are working on innovative projects, with major results. We found out what administrators, operators, teachers, and students can do to be a part of the action. 

• Best Practices for Local Governments: Local government leaders at the city and county level will shared step-by-step the trailblazing initiatives that they are undertaking to determine their clean energy future, leading us toward a discussion of best practices for local governments working on clean energy. 

• Welcoming Remarks: Janet Streff – Manager, State Energy Office, Minnesota Office of Energy Security

• Green Jobs: Where Clean Energy and Economic Recovery Converge – Minnesota State Representative Jeremy Kalin

• The Clean Energy Resource Teams: Helping Minnesota Determine its Energy Future – Lissa Pawlisch – CERTs Coordinator, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

• Introducing Randy Udall – Annette Bair – SW CERT Coordinator and Physical Development Director, Southwest Regional Development Commission

• America’s Energy Challenge: From Fossil Fuels to Energy Flows – Randy Udall – Former director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) in western Colorado

• Thank You: Dan Thiede – Clean Energy Program Coordinator, The Minnesota Project

• Cities Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
  • Moderator: Carl Nelson – Program & Policy Manager, Center for Energy and Environment
  • George Kinney – Chair of Northfield Energy Task Force
  • Anne Reich – Science Educator, Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative
  • Bill Mittlefehldt – Coordinator, Northeast Clean Energy Resource Team
• Utilities Collaborating on Conservation & Efficiency – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
  • Jeff Haase – Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Tom Sagstetter – CIP Coordinator, Great River Energy
  • Dean Talbott – CIP Program Specialist, Minnesota Power
• Energy Efficiency – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
  • Moderator: Terry Webster – State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Commerce
  • Neely Crane-Smith – Community Energy Coordinator, Center for Energy and Environment
  • Kent Mowrer – Agricultural Representative, Alliant Energy
  • Mark Blaiser – Executive Director, Minnesota Waste Wise
• Supply Chain: Manufacturing & Local Ownership – Development, Funding & Financing
  • Moderator: Dentley Haugesag – Renewable Energy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
  • Randy Hagen – Owner, SolarSkies
  • Jim Bjork – Vice President for North American Expansion, Moventas
  • Dan Juhl – Chairman and CEO, Juhl Wind, Inc.
• Affordable Housing & Energy Assistance Go Green – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
  • Moderator: Joel Haskard – CERTs Coordinator, U of M Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
  • Jason Edens – Director, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
  • Janne Flisrand – Program Coordinator, Minnesota Green Communities
  • Davis Leino-Mills – Agency Director and Steve Connell –Weatherization Director, Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council

• Recognizing CERTs Participants – Joel Haskard – CERTs Coordinator, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

• The Power of the Grassroots – Diana McKeown – Metro CERTs Coordinator, The Green Institute

• Luncheon Address – Mary Hamann-Roland – Mayor of Apple Valley and League of Minnesota Cities President

• CERTs 2009 Local Food Story – Find out who grew, delivered, and prepared your fabulous meals

• Students Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
  • Moderator: Kai Bosworth – Student, Macalester
  • Robert Palmer – Science Teacher, Willmar Senior High
  • Cheryl Glaeser – Program Specialist, Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Matt Kazinka – Student, Macalester College
  • Lindsay Wimmer – Student, College of St. Benedict
  • Starr Brainard – Junior, Central High School
• Geothermal Panel Discussion – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
  • Moderator: Bruce Labno – Senior Consultant, Golder Associates Inc
  • Jeff Haase – Demand Efficiency Program Supervisor, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Bob Donley – GeoRep, ECONAR GeoSystems, LLC
• Small-Scale Wind – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
  • Lise Trudeau – Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Melissa Peterson – Program Analyst, Windustry
  • David Winkelman – President, Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction
• Financing and Investment – Development, Funding & Financing
  • Moderator: Bob McLean – Chief Operating Officer, Hunt Utilities Group
  • Jeff Wright – Vice President, Midwest Wind Finance, LLC
  • Scott Havlik – Branch Manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
  • Pat Edeburn – Managing Partner, Granite Equity Partners
• Food is an Energy Issue – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
  • Jennifer Blecha – Local Food Program Manager, The Minnesota Project
  • Heather Schoonover – Senior Program Associate, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
  • Annalisa Hultberg – Local Foods Program Assistant, The Minnesota Project

• Congregations Leading the Way – Minnesota Community Clean Energy Trailblazers
  • Sean Gosiewski – Program Director, Alliance for Sustainability
  • Patricia Benson – Creation Care Coordinator, Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy
• Biogas Digesters: New Applications – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy In-Depth
  • Moderator: Amanda Bilek – Program Associate, Great Plains Institute
  • Jerry Jennissen – Dairy Farmer and Digester Owner
  • Rich Huelskamp – Research Scientist, University of Minnesota BioProducts & BioSystems Engineering Department
  • Steve Palm – Chairman of the Board, Linden Hills Power & Light
• Solar Energy – Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Home, Farm & Business
  • Moderator: Stacy Miller – Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
  • Brian Ross – Principal, CR Planning
  • Mike Greenbaum – Finance and Development Director, Merrick, Inc.
  • Ralph Jacobson – Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society and Vice President, Energy Harvest Group
• Green Jobs & Opportunities – Development, Funding & Financing
  • Moderator: Trudy Richter – President, Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc.
  • Anne Hunt – Sustainability Coordinator, City of St. Paul
  • Katrina Mitchell – Green Cities, Green Jobs Team
  • Bill Glahn – Director, Minnesota Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner, Department of Commerce
• Transportation & Carbon Solutions – Opening New Doors and Expanding our Vision
  • Lynne Bly – Transportation Policy Director, Fresh Energy
  • Annette Bair – SW CERT Coordinator and Physical Development Director, Southwest Regional Development Commission
  • Steven Taff – Extension Economist, University of Minnesota

• Moderator: Kerri Miller – Host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Midmorning Program
• Minnesota State Senator Ellen Anderson – Chair, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Finance Division
• Minnesota State Representative Bill Hilty – Chair, Energy Finance and Policy Division
• Bill Glahn – Director of Minnesota Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner of Department of Commerce
• Brian Elliot – District Director for Congressman Keith Ellison

Exhibitors

• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• Alliance for Sustainability & Will Steger Foundation
• Alliant Energy
• American Lung Association of Minnesota
• AquaGen
• Biomass Magazine
• Braun Intertec
• CapX 2020
• Center for Energy & Environment
• Do It Green! Minnesota
• ECONAR GeoSystems
• Energy Smart
• “Entegrity Wind Systems, Inc.”
• Environmental Resources Management
• Fresh Energy
• Genex Farm Systems
• Great River Energy
• Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
• Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
• University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment
• Izaak Walton League of America – Minnesota Division
• Lpd Electric Inc.
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
• Minnesota GreenStar – Certified Green Homes and Remodeling
• Minnesota Office of Energy Security, Department of Commerce
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Power
• The Minnesota Project
• Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• Minnesota West Community and Technical College
• National Wind
• Otter Tail Power Company
• OwnEnergy, Inc.
• ProActive Solutions & “3Com”
• Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
• S.L. Simon Engineering
• Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Triangle Park Creative
• Traut Wells, Inc.
• Twin Cities Green
• USDA Rural Development
• U.S. Green Building Council – Mississippi Headwaters Chapter
• Windlogics, Inc.
• Windustry
• Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction
• Xcel Energy
• Youth Environmental Activists of Minnesota

The conference was a huge success. Over 400 people came together on both days. Participants represented people from all walks of life – local governments, schools, universities, business people, farmers and farm group members, members of environmental groups, retirees, and more.

Highlights included keynote speakers Alexis Karolides from Rocky Mountain Institute and WCCO’s Don Shelby, 15 different breakout sessions, and a legislative forum hosted by MPR’s Kerri Miller. Participants gave high marks to the conference overall and to each of the speakers and breakout sessions.

The January 2007 CERTs Conference, Local Energy/Local Opportunities, featured many knowledgeable speakers who discussed topics from biodiesel to community wind development to green buildings. To view pdfs of the PowerPoint presentations from the conference breakout sessions, please scroll down and click on the titles of different talks. 

Welcome & Opening Plenary Session | 9:00-10:45am

• Welcome – Lola Schoenrich, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Director & Lissa Pawlisch, UMN RSDP, CERTs Coordinator
• Community Energy, a Clean Energy Future – Alexis Karolides, AIA – Rocky Mountain Institute, Breakthrough Design Team, Principal
• Perspectives on Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future – Don Shelby, WCCO News, Anchor

Five Breakout Sessions | 11:15am-12:15pm

• Community-Wide Energy Efficiency Projects
  • Moderator – Okey Ukaga, UMN Northeast RSDP, Executive Director
  • Strategies for Community-Wide Energy Efficiency – Judy Thommes, CEE, Marketing Manager
  • Winona County Sustainability Effort – Anne Morse, Winona County Environmental Services, Environmental Specialist, Annika Gunderson, Cotter Senior High student & Camille Nicholson, Winona Senior High student
  • St. Paul: A History of Action – Anne Hunt, Mayor Chris Coleman’s Office, Deputy Policy Director

• Congregation Energy Projects
  • Moderator – Linda Kingery, _UMN Northwest RSDP, Executive Director
  • Engaging Congregations on Renewables and Energy Efficiency – Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for Sustainability, Executive Director

• Small-Scale Wind at Home and on Farm
  • Moderator – Lissa Pawlisch, _UMN RSDP, CERTs Coordinator
  • Planning Your Small Wind Project – Brian Antonich, Windustry, Small Wind Program Analyst
  • A Small Wind Odyssey – Robert Meyerson, Kandiyohi County Agribusiness/Renewable Energy Development Committee
  • Working With Your Utility – Al Haman, STAR Energy Services

• Biomass Heating Alternatives
  • Moderator – Linda Ulland – UMN Central RSDP, Executive Director
  • Biomass Heating Overview – Shalini Gupta, Izaak Walton League Midwest Office, Senior Energy Associate
  • Repowering 100 Year Old District Heating in Virginia Hibbing – Gary Cerkvenik, Laurentian Energy Authority, Project Consultant
  • Experiences of Using a Corn-Fired Boiler in a Public Building – Norman Krause, Central Lakes College, Central Lakes Ag Center, Director

• Commercializing New Technology
  • Moderator – Jim Steenerson, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Grants Specialist
  • Commercialization of Microgasification Technology – Darren Schmidt, P.E., UND EERC, Research Manager and Certified Energy Manager, Biomass Power
  • Use of Biomass Gasification to Replace Natural Gas in a Corn Ethanol Plant – Dan Benson, Chippewa Valley Agrafuels Cooperative, Board of Directors
  • Commercializing Research: From the Lab to Steel – Todd Reubold, UMN IREE, Assistant Director

Five Breakout Sessions | 1:15-2:15pm

• Community-Wide Renewable Energy Systems
  • Moderator – Dorothy Rosemeier – UMN West Central RSDP, Executive Director
  • University of Minnesota Renewable Energy Research and Demonstration Center – Mike Reese, UMN West Central Research & Outreach Center, Director, Renewable Energy
  • Renewable Energy Efforts in Kandiyohi County – Wes Hompe, Willmar Municipal Utilities, Staff Electrical Engineer
  • Creating a Sustainable Community Energy System in Northfield – Bruce Anderson, Sustainable Community Solutions
• School Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
  • Moderator – Doug Karnuth, Schools for Energy Efficiency and Hallberg Engineering
  • Proctor Schools – Focusing on Earth Education – Diane Rauschenfels, Proctor Public Schools, Superintendent
  • Saving Energy in Our Schools – Nancy Johnson, Cambridge Isanti School District, Energy Efficiency Coordinator
• Solar, Solar and More Solar
  • Moderator – Stacy Miller, Minnesota Department of Commerce, State Programs Administrator
  • Living with Solar Electric – David Boyce, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, Chair
  • Solar Space Heating in Low-Income Homes – Sarah Hayden, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Acting Director
  • Solar by Design – Nolita Christensen, Happy Dancing Turtle, Interim Executive Director

• On-Farm and Community Digesters
  • Moderator – Amanda Bilek, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Associate
  • On Farm Digesters in the Midwest – Amanda Bilek
  • Off-Farm Uses for Methane Produced On-Farm – Dr. Wayne Hansen, AURI, Project Specialist
  • Opportunity for Renewable Energy Production in Livestock Operations – Cecil Massie, Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Senior Process Engineer

• Green Buildings
  • Moderator – Warren Hanson, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, President
  • Minnesota Green Communities Initiative – Making All Affordable Housing Green by 2010 – Warren Hanson
  • Greener by Design – Bob McLean, Hunt Utilities Group, Chief Operating Officer
  • Waldsee BioHaus Saving 85% of Annual Energy Costs in Bemidji, Minnesota – Warren Schulze, Concordia Language Villages, Assistant Director of Facilities

Five Breakout Sessions | 2:30-3:30pm

• How to Start a CERT in Your Community
  • Moderator – Joel Haskard, UMN RSDP, Assistant CERTs Coordinator
  • Making CERTs Local – Marvin Rothfusz, PREACT-McLeod County, Coordinator
  • Experiences of a Local CERT – Ward Lutz, OlmCERT, Coordinator
• Local Government Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
  • Moderator – Annette Bair, SRDC, Physical Development Director, and SW CERT Coordinator
  • Blue Earth County’s Green Building Initiatives – Katy Wortel, Blue Earth County Commissioner
  • Utility Scale Wind Turbine in Winona County – Anne Morse, Winona County Environmental Services, Environmental Specialist
  • Addressing Global Warming in Duluth – Sandy Sweeney, City of Duluth, Energy Manager
• Saving Energy at Home
  • Moderator – Bruce Nelson, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office, Senior Engineer
  • Ten Ways to Save Energy in Your Home – Terry Webster, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office, Information Officer
  • Energy Efficiency on the Farm – Steve Kosbab, Great River Energy, Member Services

• Community Biofuels Projects
  • Moderator – Erin Tegtmeier, Experiment in Rural Cooperation, Director
  • Biodiesel Microbrewery – Jeffrey Baldridge, Green Range Renewable Energy, Partner
  • From Field to Fuel Tank – Kim Odden, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Farm, Business and Production Management Instructor

• Locally Owned Utility-Scale Wind Development
  • Moderator – Denny Timmerman, AURI, Project Development Director, Southwest Region
  • Developing a Utility Scale Project – Key Issues and Considerations – Mark Lindquist, The Minnesota Project, Energy Policy Specialist
  • Community Wind Tool Box – Lisa Daniels, Windustry, Executive Director
  • Perspectives from a Locally-Owned Project – Local Wind Project Owner

Legislative Forum: Community Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency | 3:40-5:00pm

• Kerri Miller (Moderator) – Host of MPR Midmorning Program & Political Analyst for Fox 9 News
• Senator Ellen Anderson (DFL) District 66, St. Paul
• Representative Al Juhnke (DFL) District 13B, Willmar
• Representative Kathy Tingelstad ® District 49B, Andover
• Mike Bull – Assistant Commissioner Renewable Energy and Advanced Technologies, Minnesota Department of Commerce

Sponsors

Major Funders

• The Blandin Foundation
• Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Hospitality Sponsor

• Center for Energy and Environment

Platinum Sponsors

• Community Wind Development Group
• Great River Energy
• Minnesota Department of Commerce
• Otter Tail Power Company
• Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction

Refreshment Sponsor

• Fresh Energy

Gold Sponsors

• ECONAR
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Power
• Windustry

Silver Sponsors

• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• The Green Institute
• The Izaak Walton League
• Minnesota Environmental Partnership
• Minnesota Green Communities
• Schools for Energy Efficiency
• University of Minnesota Extension Service
• University of Minnesota – West Central Research & Outreach Center

Exhibitors

• American Lung Association of Minnesota
• American Sustainable Energy Council
• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• Center for Energy and the Environment
• Community Wind Development Group
• Eco Heat, Inc.
• ECONAR Energy Systems, Corp.
• Fond du Lac Community College – Clean Energy Technical Department
• Fresh Energy
• Great River Energy
• Green Range Renewable Energy
• The Green Institute
• Happy Dancing Turtle
• The Izaak Walton League
• Kingbuilt.com, Inc.
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Midwest Wind Energy Finance
• Minnesota Department of Commerce
• Minnesota Environmental Partnership
• Minnesota Green Communities
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Power
• Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• Otter Tail Power
• Schools for Energy Efficiency
• Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• University of Minnesota Extension Service
• University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment
• University of Minnesota – West Central Research & Outreach Center
• USDA Rural Development
• USPIRG
• Windustry
• Winkelman’s Environmentally Responsible Construction

The first CERTs Conference, Tommorow’s Energy in Communities Today, was held in St. Cloud in February 2005.

Agenda

 
Opening Plenary: Visions of a Clean Energy Future | 9:00-10:15am

• Introduction: Diane Jensen, The Minnesota Project, Executive Director
• What a Clean Energy Future will Look like in Minnesota: Janet Steff, State Energy Office, Manager
• Big Picture on Conservation: Alecia Ward, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Executive Director
• Big Picture on Renewable: Steve Clemmer, Union of Concerned Scientists, Research Director, Clean Energy Program

Four Breakout Sessions | 10:45am-12:00pm

• Schools and Energy Efficiency
  • Moderator: Bruce Nelson, Department of Commerce, Senior Engineer
  • Saving Energy to Support Education: Sheri Rosenthal, Schools for Energy Efficiency, Program Director
  • Saving Energy to Support Education: El Haus, St. Cloud School District, Building & Grounds Supervisor
• Local Government: Land Use Regulation and Renewable Energy
  • Moderator: Brian Kletscher, Redwood County Commissioner
  • Land Use Planning and Renewable Energy: Brian Ross, CR PLanning, Vice President
  • Zoning for Wind Turbines: Mark Lindquist, The Minnesota Project, Energy Program Specialist
• Clean Energy Initiatives in the Non-Profit Sector
  • Moderator: Dorothy Rosemeier, West Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Executive Director
  • Affordable and Efficient Housing: Lisa Onken, Southwest Minnesota Regional Housing Partnership, Program Director
  • Clean Energy in Urban Neighborhoods: Carl Nelson, The Green Institute, Energy Program Director
  • Practical Benefits of Sustainable Technology for Non-Profits: Dave Pederson, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning center, Executive Director
• Working with Utilities to Maximize Energy Efficiency
  • Moderator: Alecia Ward, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Executive Director
  • Rural Cooperative Conservation Improvement Programs: Steve Kosbab, Great River Energy, Senior Account Representative
  • Municipal Utilities Conservation Improvement Programs: Larry Johnson, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Director of Corporate Development
  • Xcel Energy’s Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program: Julia Gauthier, Xcel Energy, Product Portfolio Manager

Lunch: Update on Clean Energy Resource Teams – Melissa Pawlisch, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships & CERTs Coordinator | 12:00-1:30pm

Four Breakout Sessions | 1:30-2:30pm

• School-Based Energy Production
  • Moderator: Jamie Jeuneman
  • Small-Scale Renewables in Schools: Jamie Jeuneman, Silver Creek Institute, Executive Director
  • Finding the Educational Component of a Renewable Energy Installation: Michael J. Kennedy, Minnesota Office of Energy Assistance, Education Specialist
  • Renewable Energy at University of Minnesota-Morris and WCROC: Mike Reese, West central Research and Outreach Center, Renewable Energy Coordinator
• Local Government – Case Studies in Conservation
  • Moderator: Steve Palmeri, United States Department of Energy, Partnership Team Leader
  • Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings: Tony Hainault, Hennepin County Environmental Services, Air Quality and Energy Analyst
  • Community Energy Efficiency Project: Anne Morse, Winona County, Environmental Specialist
• Community-Led Renewable Energy Initiatives
  • Moderator: Erin Tegtmeier, Experiment in Rural Cooperation
  • Creating a Homegrown Clean Energy Future: Grassroots Organizing for Community Energy Self-Sufficiency: Bruce Anderson, ReNew Northfield, Board Presidfent
  • Models for Community Solar Projects: Brian Ross, CR Planning, Vice President
• Distributed Generation + Net Metering: Working Effectively with your Utility
  • Moderator: Roger Warehime, Owatonna Public Utilities, Marketing and Energy Conservation Manager
  • Distributed Renewables: Interconnection Process & Utility Concerns: Craif Turner, Dakota Electric Association, Engineering Systems Manager
  • Distributed Renewables: Experience from the Field: Mike LaBeau, Conservation Technologies, President

Five Breakout Sessions | 2:45-3:45pm

• School Buses and Snow Plows: Biodiesel and Local Government Fleets
  • Moderator: Jack Keers, Pipestone County Commissioner
  • Biodiesel in Brooklyn Park: Steve Lawrence, City of Brooklyn Park, Central Services Superintendent
  • Southwest CERT Biodiesel Survey: Annette “Netty” Bair, Southwest Regional Development Commission, Physical Development Director
• Local Government: Political Power Producers
  • Moderator: Susan Ode, ICLEI-Cities for Climate Protection, Outreach Director
  • Municipal Utilities and Renewable Development: Dan Hayes, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Manager of Member Support Programs and Agency Communication
  • Models for Renewable Demonstration: Sandy Sweeney, Duluth Cities for Climate Protection, Energy Coordinator
• Communities and Corporations: Clean Energy Partnerships
  • Moderator: Linda Kingery, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Director
  • Ethanol Production and Biomass Gasification: Kerry Nixon, Central MN Ethanol Co-op, general manager
  • Connecting with Private Industries on Clean Energy: Jennifer Hawkins, Region 5 Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Coordinator
• Understanding Green Pricing and the Renewable Energy Objective
  • Moderator: Mike Taylor
  • Renewable Energy Objective Primer: Mike Taylor, Minnesota Department of Commerce, State Energy Office, Program Manager
  • Green Pricing Primer: J. Drake Hamilton, Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Science Policy Director
• Technology Basics for Clean Energy
  • Moderator: Shalini Gupta, The Green Institute, Community Energy Initiatives Project Associate
  • The Many Forms of Biomass: Michael Sparby, Agriculture Utilization Research Institute, Project Development Director
  • Geothermal 101: Scott Jones, ECONAR Energy Systems, Sales Manager

Closing Plenary Session: What can we do about Global Warming? – Susan Ode, ICLEI-Cities for Climate Protection, Oureach Director | 2:45-3:45

Sponsors

  
Major Funders

• LCMR
• The Carolyn Foundation
• The Blandin Foundation

Gold

• Great River Energy
• Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED)
• Minnesota Department of Commerce

Silver

• Center for Energy and the Environment
• Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
• Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy (now Fresh Energy)
• Minnesota Power
• Windustry
• University of Minnesota IREE

Bronze

• Izaak Walton League, Midwest Division
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
• North American Water Office
• The Green Institute

Exhibitors

• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
• Center for Energy and the Environment
• The Green Institute / Phillips Community Energy Cooperative
• Hallberg Engineering / Schools for Energy Efficiency
• ICLEI
• Johnson Controls / National Energy Foundation
• Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center
• Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
• Minnesota Power
• The Minnesota Project
• Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
• University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• USDA Rural Development
• Windustry