Minneapolis Green Zones
Minify Energy has been helping Minneapolis businesses leverage “Green Zone” incentives for community enhancements through energy-efficiency projects. Green Zones are neighborhoods that have been identified as being overburdened with high levels of environmental pollution as well as having undergone racial, political, and economic marginalization. The City of Minneapolis established two Green Zone sections (North & South) in 2017, along with plans to improve the social and economic position of the neighborhoods by addressing environmental justice.
Minify Energy Green Zone Outreach Efforts and Projects
Minify Energy is committed to helping Green Zone commercial building owners, property managers, and tenants improve their facilities, financial position, and their impact on the local community. We’ve been reaching out in person, completing free energy assessments of businesses, and sharing opportunities to improve facilities. In 2022, Minify Energy completed 7 projects in the North Green Zone with the following commercial and nonprofit organizations:
Check out our blog post “Bringing New Light to The Pacific Building“ for more detail on the work done for the Minneapolis Park Board building managed by C. Chase Company.
IMPACT
Combined grants and rebates cover a large portion of initial project costs.
Average Payback in 2.4 Years on Simple Energy Savings
These projects pay for themselves in just 2.4 years, based on utility bill savings. And, this doesn’t take into account the many other benefits realized by these building stakeholders in reduced operations & maintenance (O&M) costs, improved lighting quality (Brightness, CRI) inside and outside, and increased overall appeal for current and prospective tenants.
Minimized Consumption Means Utility Energy Savings
Our efforts in the North Green Zone resulted in a 56% reduction in energy costs for participating businesses.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The combined projects reduced energy consumption by 334,427 kWh per year, which is equivalent to 235 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or 53 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles per year.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE & CLIMATE EQUITY
The Green Zone initiative is addressing environmental issues and helping drive the local economy for communities that have been marginalized with inequitable treatment historically. These vibrant communities deserve economic development and support to thrive. And, you and your building can help in these efforts to support the local community.
Get in on the Green!
If your building is located in Minneapolis, we’d love to help you explore how to leverage the many incentive programs to upgrade your property and reduce your carbon footprint and utility costs, while improving your environmental quality and property value.
If you’re not in Minneapolis, several other local programs are in place to help encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy generation initiatives. We’ll help you identify and leverage these local, state, federal, and utility incentives to improve your energy footprint and costs.
Let’s see how we can help you go green and improve your building.