Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Community Award
More and more communities, organizations, and individuals are trying to figure out how they can get energy efficiency and renewable energy projects done. Wolf Ridge’s local community of Finland, which is officially called the “Town of Crystal Bay” recently won the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Community Award!
“Our state is a national leader in clean energy initiatives. We want to continue that momentum, and these communities are helping to lead the way,” said Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman.
Together, the Department of Commerce and the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) present the CECA Achievement Awards to up to five Minnesota communities each spring. Designed to showcase and support the efforts of Minnesota’s communities, the Achievement Awards also foster a network of communications for sharing best practices among communities from around the state.
To quantify Crystal Bay’s efforts, the town identified the total solar photovoltaic installations within the township as 128.866 kW. Wolf Ridge provides a large portion of that capacity, 83.5 kW. With an estimated population of 456, the total calculates out to 282.6 watts per capita – enough for Crystal Bay to claim itself the solar capital of the continental United States!
The award also recognizes several renewable and conservation building and lifestyle designs taking root around town. Wolf Ridge’s innovative Living Building Challenge design and construction techniques were held up as examples of what can be done, along with Finland’s Claire Nelson Community Center.
Peter Harris, David Abazs, and MAC Lodge architect Patrick Thibaudeau of HGA represented Wolf Ridge.
We are proud to be part of the Finland community, and to be working together for a clean energy future!
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