MPCA Home > Publications > Minnesota Environment Magazine > Winter 2004 Issue > Minneapolis Bright Ideas

Minneapolis Bright Ideas

EPA, power companies, environmental groups promote conservation lighting

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak recently gave his South Minneapolis home a makeover, but not by appearing on "Trading Spaces." Instead, he changed his light bulbs from standard incandescent to compact fluorescent, thereby keeping $45-70 more of his hard-earned income every year.

"Megan [Mrs. Rybak] has been interested in energy conservation lighting for a long time," says Rybak. "I was surprised at how comfortable and natural the light is using the compact fluorescent bulbs."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Xcel Energy kicked off the "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign in Minnesota at the Rybak home in October. "The simple act of replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures in the home. with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting will help Minneapolis residents save more than $60 a year in energy costs," says Dan Pfeiffer, Xcel's community affairs representative.

EPA is working with 57 Minnesota and Wisconsin utilities on the campaign. Other partners include General Electric, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Ace Hardware and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Events in Rochester , Austin , Owatonna , Duluth , North Branch and Brainerd brought the message home to other areas of the state. For more information about energy conservation lighting, dial 1-800-STAR YES or visit the Energy Star Web site.

. and Incentives for Energy Improvement

Minneapolis is the first city in the nation to offer a floor-area ratio (FAR) premium for private investments in buildings with energy efficiency features or on-site renewable energy sources. The premium allows developers to build taller buildings if they exceed the Minnesota Energy Code requirements by 35 percent. If a building beats the requirements by 45 percent, the developer can receive a second FAR premium.

The city modeled the program on Xcel Energy's "Energy Assets," and involving building operators, developers, state agency representatives, downtown businesses, elected officials, engineers, local utilities and energy efficiency advocates, among others. For more details about how cities can reduce energy, see the American Planning Association Web site.