The Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs, advance the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in communities acrossMinnesota by helping people learn, connect, and act.

Our teams are diverse—individuals, small business owners, farmers, utility representatives, members of environmental groups, government staff, elected leaders, academics—and all share common goals: they want strong communities,local jobs, and secure, clean, reliable energy.

The CERTs approach is one of pragmatism and cooperation. It’s a model for how tangible economic, social and environmental benefits can be achieved by reachingacross traditional interest groups and taking a true, community-based approach.

CERTs: Minnesotans Building a Clean Energy Future

Major Accomplishments Goals for 2012

n Helped Minnesotans save over 78 billionBTUs of energy and avoid $1.2 million inenergy costs since 2010.

n Awarded over $720,000 in seed grants to morethan 165 energy projects from 2006–2012.

n Impacted 20,500 people through grants,events, and programs from 2009–2012.

n Had over 150,000 unique visitors to CERTswebsite from 2008–2012.

n Fostered robust networks in each regionand across industry sectors.

n Work with Minnesota communities to savethe equivalent of 10 million kWh throughthe installation of renewable energy andenergy efficiency projects.

n Build and stengthen partnerships acrossthe state—particularly with Minnesota utilities—while inspiring moreMinnesotans to take action.

n Provide high quality resources toMinnesota communities, including 365 stories in2012 on the CERTs blog.

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CERTs members across Minnesotawork to improve their communitiesby saving energy and money, becoming more self-sufficient, andadvancing entrepreneurship and economic development.

CERTs has staff in seven Minnesotaregions. This allows us to tailor ourapproach to each region’s uniqueresources and needs.

Ready to Get Started?Who’s Behind CERTs?

Connect, get organized, and startplanning a project.

Visit the CERTs website at MnCERTs.org to:

n Find upcoming events in your area

n Learn about projects you can do

n Take action with simple campaigns

n Join conversations & get updates

WEST CENTRAL

NORTHWEST

CENTRAL

NORTHEAST

SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST

METRO

Clean Energy Action in Every Region of Minnesota

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CERTs helps by sharing successful project models (and lessons learned) tosupport and advance projects in moreschools, businesses, homes, and cities.We do this via our blog, events, casestudies, interviews, and media work.

CERTs plugs people in with the individuals and resources they need toget projects done. If a group needs assistance, CERTs is here to help.

Partners:n U of M Extension & Regional Sustainable Dev. Partnerships

n Eureka Recycling

n Southwest Regional Development Commission

n The Minnesota Project

n MN Dept. of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources

Funders:n Conservation Improvement Program Research andDevelopment Fund, via Division of Energy Resources

n American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, via U.S. Dept. of Energy and Minnesota Dept. of Commerce

n USDA Rural Energy for America Program

n Carolyn, McKnight, Bush & Southwest Initiative Foundations

n University of Minnesota Extension