Andersen Windows donated 11 high-efficiency windows to the Lao Family Community Center, as part of a free energy-efficiency makeover sponsored by Xcel Energy and Eureka Recycling Energy Programs. The project began in the fall of 2010 with a free assessment to identify ways the facility could save energy and money. Andersen Windows installed low-maintenance, crank-out windows for the building's community resource room, which had been experiencing drastic temperature changes as the seasons changed. Inefficient aluminum-frame windows were replaced with vinyl-clad wood windows complete with high-efficiency glass. The new windows will significantly improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort and visibility. The overall goal of the energy-efficiency makeover is to achieve 15 percent energy savings for the building and pass the conservation tips and information along to Lao Family clients.

Ray Phillips lives only blocks away from the planned Raymond/University light rail station. Phillips has been anxiously awaiting the development and improved infrastructure of public transit and renewable energy along the corridor. 

As new business development and investment occurs block-by-block, Phillips took the initiative to lead by example with a renewable energy installation. Two solar thermal panels were installed and will produce 80 percent of his home's hot water. The installation by Applied Energy Innovations only took three days.

Phillips participated in the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Make Mine Solar H2O program. "We're working to make the whole process as easy as possible for participants. We walk them through every step of the process," says Applied Energy Innovations owner and solar installer, Dustin Denison. Denison and Phillips agree that projects like this are a model that can be replicated on sunny sites anywhere to save money and the planet.

Focus the Nation Clean Energy Forum hosted by Augsburg College, which is located in the Energy Innovation Corridor (EIC), drew in community members and students. Attendees learned about Augsburg's 'Green by 2019' initiative, which illustrates how organizations and residents are supported by EIC partner programs. Augsburg is leading by example by powering its campus with 100 percent Windsource®. Augsburg also expects to save 7.7 billion Btus through energy efficiency improvements. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops, panel discussions and many signed up for energy audits and the Windsource program. Learn more about Auggies environmental stewardship, including 'Green by 2019.'

BOMA Greater Minneapolis, BOMA Greater Saint Paul and Xcel Energy hosted an official kickoff event for the Kilowatt Crackdown on February 24! A total of 86 buildings, representing almost 35 million square feet of commercial office space, are part of the Kilowatt Crackdown which challenges Minneapolis and Saint Paul BOMA commercial office real estate members to reduce their energy use and increase energy efficiency.

The event attracted over 60 building managers and focused on providing information on programs and services to help them implement energy saving strategies including: Xcel Energy free ENERGY STAR benchmarking, energy efficiency programs and study funding, Saint Paul Port Authority's Trillion Btu financing program and the City of Minneapolis' revolving loan fund.

The next step in the Challenge is for building owners to obtain a 2010 ENERGY STAR benchmark rating and start implementing energy saving strategies. More than 20 winners will be awarded in the Spring of 2012. For more details checkout the BOMA Kilowatt Crackdown website.