Center for Energy and Environment

Filing Period

Apr 1, 2012 to Mar 31, 2013

Signed

Jul 15, 2013

Return Version

2012v2.0

Gross Receipts

$14,667,266

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Education and Research: CEE's workforce is comprised of engineers and efficiency experts considered to be the top in their fields. Through this expertise the organization is able to develop innovative technologies, specialized engineering services and public policy initiatives. During the filing year research was conducted on second hand smoke transfer in multifamily units, the use of energy feedback systems, sustainable building design and commercial building leakage. CEE worked on a pilot project in partnership with the Department of Energy to assess the performance of three asset-based energy rating systems on MN homes. The findings from this project will help refine the tool for its national launch. In addition CEE developed a home energy efficiency index for use with its residential energy program. The index provides homeowners with a simple indication of their current status and potential for major energy upgrades. CEE also offers the Innovation Exchange, a resource for practitioners and experts to share best practices, evaluate novel ideas and discover the next generation of energy solutions. The Innovation Exchange is a hub for CEE's research and pioneering energy efficiency solutions. Research and findings are disseminated to the public through technical reports, trainings, webinars and conference presentations. CEE also continues to enhance the MN Energy Challenge, a program and website that empowers Minnesotans to take simple steps to reduce their energy use and Minnesota's CO2 emissions. As of the end of the filing year the program had 29,000 participants. CEE continues to support Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM) education in elementary schools through its support of Girl's Excel in Math (GEM) and by funding the development of an energy efficiency curriculum to complement the climate change curriculum developed by the Will Steger Foundation. CEE also promotes TOLBY(R) - Turn Off Lights Behind You, an elementary school campaign to generate interest in energy efficiency by promoting a cartoon character that interacts with students and promotes responsible energy use habits.

Activity 3

Community Rehabilitation Services: CEE provides community revitalization services through its Lending Center for both owner occupied and rental property in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Homeowners are provided loans and grants, often income targeted, to make improvements to their properties. Low-interest as well as no-interest loan programs are also available to nonprofits and small businesses for energy efficiency improvements. Projects are funded through various state and city programs as well as designated corporate funds. Revolving loan accounts track loan payments to be used for subsequent lending. In the filing year over 142 nonprofits received $214,252 in grant funds to make energy efficiency improvements. CEE's Lending Center also offers remodeling advisory services to assist homeowners in reviewing bids and prioritizing improvements. Within the filing year 785 loans and grants were originated totaling $8.1 million.

Filer

EIN

41-1647799