Fresh Energy, Leading the Transition to Clean Energy

How do you improve the energy efficiency of apartments and other rental units when renters don’t own the property or appliances and landlords don’t see the benefits in their pocketbooks from improvement because they don’t pay the utility bills? It’s a much-debated conundrum that even has a name: the “split incentive” problem.

Shopping for a home that’s energy efficient isn’t always easy. While hardwood floors, two-car garages, and swimming pools are typical searchable attributes, energy efficiency data and green building certifications are not so easily found.

After reading this month’s Powering Progress and discovering how essential building codes are to a modern community’s safety and energy efficiency, you’re undoubtedly wondering, Whence came building codes?

To those of us who live here, it’s not news that Minneapolis is a great place for biking. Strong community support and smart transportation policies have led to a two-wheeled boom all over Minnesota.

The clock is ticking on the 2012 Minnesota Legislative session, and it’s down to the big issues of bonding, Vikings, and business taxes.

The automobile has long been an inextricable aspect of American culture, symbolizing freedom and autonomy. Increasingly, more and more of us are seeking transportation options. As our communities, markets, and priorities change, will the country’s transportation system keep up?