Resource: Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government: Update

Title:	Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government: Update
Resource type:	Article
Topics:	Buildings, Energy, Transportation
Keywords:	energy use, energy conservation, local government
Audience:	All, Government
Region:	Minnesota Statewide
Summary:	Informational resources and case studies are available for Minnesota local governments interested in reducing their energy use and costs.
Content:	In 2008, the Office of the Minnesota State Auditor published a useful "Best Practices Review: Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government" (available online at http://www.auditor.state.mn.us/default.aspx?page=20080702.001 ) This 126-page report includes recommended steps to guide local governments in reducing energy costs, and cost/benefit analyses of different types of energy-reducing technologies and services. Designed to be easy to use, the online version has live links to financial resources and cost calculators. The review also features nine case studies. A March 2010 follow-up report to this document is now available at http://www.auditor.state.mn.us/default.aspx?page=20100322.000 The follow-up report contains updated information on the case studies that were featured in the original Review, and details the actual reduction in energy use and energy costs. The 2010 report also includes new financial resources that have become available since July of 2008. A conference held in January 2009 with the title "Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government" (as sponsored by the MPCA, League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security, Association of Minnesota Counties, Minnesota Association of Townships, and Minnesota School Boards Association) drew over 300 local government represenatives and others to hear a wide range of practical presentations on how to reduce their energy costs. Presentations from this conference are still available online at http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/energyconference.cfm and are worth checking out!
Suggested by:	Paul Moss
Added:	08/2/10
Updated:	08/30/12