Thank you to all who attended the 2011 Green Business Workshop.  We hope you were able to gain the information and resources you need for starting sustainability initiatives at your business or organization.  A special thanks to the following:

 Our presenters:

• John Polanski, Minnesota Technical Assistance Program [download presentation]
• Jennifer Mercil, Sam’s Club
• Tom Trutna, BigInk Display Graphics [download info sheet]
• JD Greenwalt, Pepsi Bottling Company [download presentation]
• Leigh Behrens, Dakota Valley Recycling [download presentation]

 Our business resources from:

• Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association and CenterPoint Energy
• Dakota County Environmental Management
• Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
• Metro Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT)
• Minnesota Waste Wise & Energy Smart
• Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)

For a list of links to programs and documents from these resources, scroll down to our resources section.

If you are interested in becoming an ARROW member, please see the sidebar to your left for information about the program, current and past ARROW newsletters, and a downloadable application form.

Resources

In the Twin Cities metropolitan area, we are lucky to have a wide variety of resources for businesses interested in reducing their environmental impact.  The information below corresponds with the presentations and topics discussed on September 13 at the 2011 Green Business Workshop.

 Resources from Xcel Energy:

• Do an online energy assessment [link]
• Have an on-site energy assessment [info sheet][application]
• Request a copy of the Small Business Guide to Energy Savings [link]
• Learn about equipment efficiency rebates [link]
• Do an energy conservation study [info sheet][application]
• Learn about reduced electricity rates for off-peak programs [link]
• Learn top energy-saving tips [info sheet]

 Resources from Dakota Electric Association:

• Learn about energy audit and analysis programs [link]
• Learn about rebates, grants and loans for businesses [link], including lighting rebates [info][application] and VendingMiser rebates [info][application]

• Learn about reduced electricity rates for off-peak programs [link]

 Resources from CenterPoint Energy:

• Learn about rebates for equipment upgrades [link], including
• Boiler rebates [info][application]
• Heating system rebates [info][application]
• Foodservice equipment rebates [info][application]
• Water heater rebates [info][application]
• Custom rebates [info]

 Resources from the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP):

• Start a green team with MnTAP facilitation [link]
• Reuse materials with Minnesota Materials Exchange [info][link]
• Read tips to “go green” [link]
• Read about water conservation [info]

 Resources from Center for Energy and Environment:

• Get a low-interest loan or grant for an energy upgrade [info][application]
• Get lighting rebates if your business is in Xcel service areas [info][link]

 Resources from Minnesota Waste Wise:

• Conduct a waste stream analysis (waste sort) [link]
• Read Ten Easy Steps to Reducing Waste [info sheet]

 Resources from Metro Clean Energy Resource Team:

• Buy pre-rinse spray valves and faucet aerators at bulk prices [link]
• Read the food service and sales industry energy reduction guide [info sheet]

 Resources from Dakota County Environmental Management:

• Dispose of small amounts of hazardous waste [link][application]
• Get pricing for electronics and fluorescent bulb disposal [info]