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Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter
Minnesota's clean energy and transportation showcase  

 

 

February 2014

  
Welcome to the February issue of the Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter. Thanks for your continued interest in how we're partnering to develop a cleaner energy and transportation future for Minnesota. Questions or comments? Send us an email.
In This Issue
7west apartments first residential LEED Gold in Twin Cities
The Penfield now open in downtown St. Paul
Green Line grand opening June 14
Bicycle storage available at Union Depot
Taking the challenge
SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
MiM solar deadline approaching
Stay tuned: RDF grant update

7west apartments first residential LEED Gold in Twin Cities

The newly constructed 7west apartment building at 1800 Washington Ave S. in Minneapolis has received LEED� Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. The $41 million, 213-unit apartment building spans the parking ramp site and former Grandma's Saloon site. The building has many environmentally sustainable features that contributed to its high level of LEED certification, including recycling and organic composting on every floor, green roofs/terraces, a passive solar design, LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances, dual flush toilets, rain barrel irrigation system and bike storage. Learn more.

The Penfield now open in downtown St. Paul

The Penfield, which was developed by the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority, is the newest luxury, market rate housing in downtown. This $62 million project includes many design and construction elements to achieve the LEED� Silver certification through the US Green Building Council. It's designed to consume about 60 percent less energy than an average building of the same type. It'll also use 30 percent less potable water than an average building for sinks, showers and toilets; provide healthy and comfortable living environments for its residents; and manage stormwater responsibly. Other features include a green roof, zero use of ozone-depleting refrigerants, bike racks for residents and parking spaces reserved for fuel-efficient vehicles. Learn more.

Green Line grand opening June 14

The big day is almost here. The much-anticipated grand opening of the Green Line is set for June 14. The celebrations begin at 9:00 a.m. with the ribbon cutting ceremony at the historic Union Depot and go throughout the day at seven community events along the 11-mile line connecting the two downtowns. Metro Transit will offer free rides on June 14 and 15. Learn more about the celebration and the project.

Bicycle storage available at Union Depot

Union Depot is pleased to announce the availability of indoor bicycle storage and maintenance space. Addition of this storage facility further enhances the green transportation options available at Union Depot. Currently, six electric vehicle charging stations and Jefferson Lines, megabus.com, Metro Transit and MVTA buses serve the multi-modal transportation facility. In June, the Green Line will open providing even more opportunities to save energy. Send an email or call 651.202.2700 for more information about bicycle storage. Learn more.

Taking the challenge

Many owners of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are taking a Zero Emissions Charging Challenge. The goal is to power public stations in the Energy Innovation Corridor with either WindSource� or solar electricity. Pairing use renewable energy for charging, with no air pollution emissions from the tailpipe, allows EV owners to drive with zero emissions. Decals will be placed on charging stations this spring to let EV drivers know which stations are participating. This program is coordinated by Drive Electric Minnesota.

SAVE ENERGY & MONEY 

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CenterPoint Energy offers water heater replacement rebates

Your water heater uses about 15 percent of the natural gas consumed in your home. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, plan to replace it with a high-efficiency model before it leaks in order to save energy and money. With CenterPoint Energy's Water Heater rebates, CenterPoint Energy residential natural gas customers in Minnesota can receive a rebate up to $350 when a qualifying natural gas water heater is installed. Get more details and rebate requirements.

 

Xcel Energy offers efficiency controls bonus rate

Installing building controls can make it easier to manage your facility and help lower energy bills by using energy where and when you need it. Efficiency controls rebates are available for new and updated control systems, adding control points to an existing system and micro-processor based controls (including lighting). If you're considering a building controls project at a Minnesota business facility, you may be eligible to receive a 30 percent bonus rebate and save even more on your energy efficient improvement project. Call 1-800-481-4700 or learn more.

Thanks for your continued interest and support of the Energy Innovation Corridor - Minnesota's showcase area - making energy-efficiency, renewable energy, smart technologies and transportation a reality.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Energy Innovation Corridor Communications Team
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MiM solar
deadline
approaching
  
 
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program. Deadline to make the lottery is Feb. 28.

 

Stay tuned: RDF grant update

 

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The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission recently reviewed recommendations for various projects to receive grant dollars from Xcel Energy's Renewable Development Fund. A final decision is pending, but it looks hopeful for several projects planned within the Energy Innovation Corridor. Stay tuned for more or check out the docket status. Select 12 in the year, enter 1278 in the number field then click on search.

 

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About

Energy Innovation Corridor  

Located within one of the most unique urban communities in the country, the Energy Innovation Corridor was formed to create a sustainable energy and transportation showcase. The first-of-its-kind, this clean energy and transportation model extends along the 11-mile Central Corridor light rail transit project route, from downtown Saint Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, along Washington and University avenues, via the Minnesota State Capitol and entire University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus.  

 

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