Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.

Energy Projects

• The Minnesota Multifamily Affordable Housing Energy Network (MMAHEN) works to increase energy efficiency and conservation in multifamily buildings of five units or more in Minnesota by improving and expanding the use and equitable access of available resources. MMAHEN promotes greater access to building data related to energy efficacy and promotes energy benchmarking.
• The Energy Smart program from the MN Chamber of Commerce, the Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (ReTAP) of the MN Pollution Control Agency and the MN Technical Assistance Program all provide energy efficiency assistance for businesses at no cost.
• See Home Energy Guides from CERTs for renters, landlords, and owners of single-family and manufactured homes that provide ways to be comfortable, safe, and efficient. 
• Use the International Dark-Sky Association Education and Outreach guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more. 
• The Smarter Small Buildings campaign with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory helps small and medium commercial building owners improve occupant comfort and save on energy costs. 
• Local utility programs include building energy reports, rebate programs for purchasing/upgrading to more efficient appliances, bonus rebates for using qualified installers, and commercial design assistance. 

Water Projects

• Low or Zero Water (U.S. DOE) is an analogous concept to net zero energy for buildings. Through a combination of rainfall harvesting, aggressive conservation, and water recycling, buildings can achieve self-sufficiency from the water "grid."
• The MN Technical Assistance Program can provide very detailed assistance to businesses for water conservation and efficiency projects. 
• Again, check with your local utility for programs to conserve water. 

Green Building Frameworks

• Use the Green Building Information Gateway (click on the ‘city profiles’ on the right bottom of the main page) to see a list of public and private buildings using green building platforms such as LEED, Energy Star, EPA GHG Reporting Program, Energy Benchmarking, NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat, and more.
• See the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance standard.
• List of green building frameworks, which include codes, standards, rating systems with certification and guidelines with verification.

Energy & Water Benchmarking

• Energy ScoreCards and WEGOWise are online energy and water benchmarking and management tools recommended by the Minnesota Community Action Partnership for use on multi-family rental buildings, as they are the easiest for owners and managers without energy manager training to use.