Energy Futures: Conversations on Where We’re Headed Clean Energy Resource Teams

There are many people putting forward compelling ideas and visions for the future, and we have been craving a little time to step back and consider these fresh perspectives and how they can contribute to the clean energy future we’re building together. During the second virtual gathering of CERTs' new Energy Futures on October 21, 2020, we explored how energy efficiency and renewable energy work that is community-led and place-based can lead to real change, and has in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Duluth. We heard from Jodi Slick of Ecolibrium3, Jacob Mans at University of Minnesota School of Architecture, and Mauricio León at Metropolitan Council. Learn more

In September of 2020, Kristel Porter, Founder and Executive Director of MN Renewable NOW, a nonprofit working to advance a renewable energy future in North Minneapolis and beyond, sat down virtually for a conversation with Marie Donahue, Sustainability Storyteller with CERTs. Porter shares what inspires her to work on clean energy, how she and her team navigated challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, and her grassroots vision to advance local renewable energy and address issues of climate change and racial inequities block by block. Read more

In September of 2020, Danielle Hauck, Customer Engagement Manager at the Center for Energy and Environment, sat down virtually for a conversation with Marie Donahue, Sustainability Storyteller with CERTs. Hauck manages the organization’s Energy Advisor Service, which helps Home Energy Squad and home energy audit customers implement recommendations from their home energy visits. Hauck describes how she and her team have adapted the energy efficiency services they offer in these challenging times, how residents can be proactive in preparing their homes for winter, and lessons learned from her career path in the clean energy sector. Read more.

A recent virtual event centered on the story of a business caught in the middle of shockwaves of destruction following Floyd’s killing—after months of challenges due to COVID-19—and a broader look at the role of clean energy in rebuilding and supporting businesses along Lake Street and beyond. In the second half we talk with Matt Kazinka at Lake Street Council, a nonprofit that serves business along Lake Street in Minneapolis, whose own office was lost in the civil uprising. Matt speaks about the struggles, progress, and gratitude from businesses, and the organization's We Love Lake Street recovery fund, which has raised millions of dollars to support those impacted. Read more

A recent virtual event centered on the story of a business caught in the middle of shockwaves of destruction following Floyd’s killing—after months of challenges due to COVID-19—and a broader look at the role of clean energy in rebuilding and supporting businesses along Lake Street and beyond. In the first half we speak with Shanelle Montana at Du Nord Craft Spirits, located just two blocks from the third precinct that became to focal point of the nightly damage and destruction in the days after the killing of George Floyd. Shanelle (co-owner with her husband Chris) talks about their attempts and challenges to pursue energy efficiency and solar in the building where they are tenants, what happened in the days around the unrest, and what their future plans hold. Read more

There are many people putting forward compelling ideas and visions for the future, and we have been craving a little time to step back and consider these fresh perspectives and how they can contribute to the clean energy future we’re building together. During the first virtual gathering of CERTs' new Energy Futures on September 23, 2020, we explored the future of low-carbon transportation fuels with Brendan Jordan of Great Plains Institute, Erin Meier with Green Lands Blue Waters, and Michael Reese at University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center. Read more.