October 10, 2019
Solar Potential Just Got Brighter in the Upper Midwest
Analysis suggests that US cities can deliver about a third of emission reductions needed to decarbonize the economy. Therefore, it is imperative that cities and communities take action and begin to do so in the next few years.
Our goal is that clean energy, resilience, and climate mitigation become the norm for all Minnesota and Midwestern cities and communities. To achieve this, we have developed replicable models for engaging large numbers of communities.
While the largest US cities are already engaged and taking action, small- and medium-sized cities and communities need additional assistance and replicable models. We address this gap by helping these communities to set goals and implement a wide range of energy and resilience projects through the GreenStep Cities program, as a partner of the Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams and through fee-for-service assistance.
Geography
Most of our community work is in Minnesota. We also work in the surrounding states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. We partner with organizations in other states to accelerate action across the country.
Our Goals
Over the next three years, our goals are to:
- Develop tools to provide local units of government with reliable energy data.
- Help at least 40 Minnesota cities incorporate energy, climate, and resilience into official plans.
- Help cities and local governments become solar and EV ready, develop solar and other clean energy projects, incorporate electric vehicles into fleets and charging infrastructure, and reduce energy use in all buildings.
- Share best practices widely through Minnesota GreenStep Cities.
- Work in partnership with other organizations and regional and national networks to engage smaller and medium-sized cities across the nation.
Our Communities Experts
Have questions? Get in touch with one of our communities experts.
Reports & Related Materials
Grow Solar: Local Government Solar Toolkit
The Grow Solar Local Government Toolkit is a 3-state collaborative project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Summary of Best Practices in Electric Vehicle Ordinances
Our Outreach
GPI lead programs making a difference in
Minnesota communities
GreenStep Cities
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. GPI partners with several state agencies, nonprofits, and the League of Minnesota Cities on program development and implementation.
Metro CERT
Metro CERT serves the 11-county Twin Cities metropolitan area by empowering communities and their members to adopt energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies and practices for their homes, businesses, and local institutions.
