U.S. Energy Department launches “Clean Energy in Our Community” video series featuring Winnehsiek Energy District, Luther College and the city of Decorah. July 18, 2012 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Energy Department launched the “Clean Energy in Our Community” video series, which will feature small communities throughout the country that are striving to become more sustainable, are investing in the green economy, and are bringing the benefits of clean energy
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From an article on DecorahNews.com. Decorah Bank & Trust Company has just put into operation the largest rooftop solar installation to date in Decorah. The 22 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar array sits on the bank roof. It should produce enough energy to power the equivalent of three average-sized homes. Dennis Pottratz of Go Solar in Decorah managed and installed the system with the help of local contractors. “It has been
The Green Business Challenge: Save Energy and Save Money! The Winneshiek Energy District is encouraging businesses to save energy and save money with the Green Business Challenge. Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge will gain recognition for their efforts and qualify to win one of three intensive electrical audits from Smartgreen.com energy consulting valued at over $3,000. Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge enter
The Luther College Board of Regents has endorsed a goal of having the college be carbon neutral by the year 2030. Regents have authorized Luther President Richard Torgerson to plan and pursue sustainable methods of operation and energy conservation initiatives that will reduce the campus carbon footprint by 50 percent by the end of 2015, 70 percent by 2020, and achieve its carbon neutral goal by the year 2030. Luther
The Energy District has partnered with the City of Decorah to offer energy efficiency assistance to low-moderate income households in Decorah. All qualifying households can and are encouraged to participate in our Home Efficiency Program. Who is eligible for this program? All households in the City of Decorah whose total household pre-tax annual income is less than 80% of area median as shown in the chart below qualify for both programs.
The Green Iowa Americorps team in Decorah is partnering with the Third Annual Oneota Film Festival to provide food for thought on civil and environmental engagement. Luther College will host the film festival January 20-22, 2012. Members will view the films and participate in discussions that follow. Diverse topics of the films (some locally made) range from electric cars and school gardens to mountain climbs and eco road trips. For
Help Green the Season with the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team and the Winneshiek Energy District this holiday season! Look for displays in Decorah businesses telling how our local merchants do their part to reduce energy in the community. The following businesses are participating in our Green the Season promotion: Dragonfly Books Magpie Coffeehouse Decorah Bicycles Oneota Cycles The Depot True Value Hardware Oneota Community Food Co-op Decorah Chick Hatchery Blue
“It is really quite impressive! So much work is being done for energy efficiency in Decorah and surrounding areas,” observed visiting energy consultant, Warren Gaskill with EnergyStewards.net. Over 55 businesses in Decorah and Winneshiek County have signed up for the Green Business Challenge since July of this year. Those businesses have tracked their energy and entered their energy data into the Energystar.gov national data base where businesses of similar size
The Winneshiek Energy District was one of four businesses to receive funding from the 2011 Winneshiek County Development, Inc. Biz Booster Challenge. Below is an excerpt from the Winneshiek County Development, Inc May 24th mailing: Biz Booster awards grants to four Winneshiek entities A significant increase in the quality of business plans highlights the annual Winneshiek County Development, Inc. Biz Booster Challenge, with four winners rising to the top of
A sustainability plan was developed with the City of Decorah during the spring, summer, and fall of 2010, with input from dozens of organizations and businesses and hundreds of local citizens. It is meant as a framework, a initial sketching out of the vision (in the Executive Summary) and some specific pieces of the puzzle (in the full plan). It is also meant to be a work in progress, regularly