Clean Energy Resource Teams

https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/solar-schools-bright-idea-education-and-cost-savings

CERTs has been working with schools across the state to make solar a reality for years, and in the process, has developed unbiased tools and resources for other schools to utilize free of charge. Tools for site selection, requests for proposals, State contracts, calculators, as well as connections to curriculum and more are online and ready to use.

Organization Type: Higher Education

Locations Served: Entire State

Contact: Peter Lindstrom

Email: plindstr@umn.edu

Types of Resources Offered:

Professional or Specialty Advice, Connections/Network, Materials, Equipment, or Products, In-Kind Time (various), Funding/Grants

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free

Best Practices Ares for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

3. Widespread Communication: District/School communicate activities and accomplishements to families, students, staff, and stakeholders., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

1. Energy Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted energy., 2. Renewable Energy: District/School uses renewable energy such as solar panels.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

3. Indoor Environmental Comfort: School provides comfortable learning spaces in terms of natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, acoustics (sound quality), window views to nature, furniture and equipment.

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional Detail:

The CERTs mission is to connect individuals and communities in Minnesota to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects. We have a long history of working with schools to help make them more energy efficient and utilize renewable energy. Our organization has expertise in state energy efficiency initiatives, including affordable financing programs to help get projects completed. Additionally, we have tools and resources to assist schools in completing solar projects including tools to help with site selection, financing, issuing an RFP, integrating curriculum into the project, and more. We also love to share school success stories!