Our Mission

MRES is a catalyst, equitably advancing a sustainable low-carbon society
and a renewable energy economy through education, leadership and example.

July Speaker Series

Grid Catalyst: Generating a Revolution in Energy Innovation for Minnesota

Grid Catalyst is on a mission to grow and attract energy innovation in Minnesota. The presentation from Nina Axelson (founder and president of Grid Catalyst) will include an overview of this energy accelerator program, the technologies and startups that have participated in the program through Minnesota pilots. Axelson will also share more about the national landscape for energy innovation, through their collaboration with other public and private programs and initiatives.

About the Speaker:

Nina Axelson
Founder & President
Grid Catalyst

Nina Axelson is the founder and president of Grid Catalyst, which was launched in 2021. Axelson is an industry leader with nearly 20 years of experience in energy and sustainability. Prior to developing Grid Catalyst, Nina was the VP of Sustainability for Ever-Green Energy, where she led energy studies, ESG initiatives and reporting, and the installation of the country's largest solar thermal installation at the Saint Paul Rivercenter. She previously served on the board of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and the International District Energy Association.

June Live online presentation

Thursday, July 17th @ 6:00pm

New!
As of March 2025, you will need to register for the monthly Speaker Series.
Simply provide your name and email and you will be emailed a link to join the Zoom presentation.

Questions? Contact eleanor@mnrenewables.org

Green Rock Apartments Transform Multifamily Housing from Old to Sustainable: A Guide for Property Owners

Dale Howey, in six years, has transformed his Green Rock Apartments into a model of carbon-neutral housing. Howey, a Minneapolis owner/renovator, has completed eight multi-unit building retrofits. The physical improvements, coupled with enhanced livability amenities, have dramatically reduced each building’s utility usage/cost of energy, increased owner profits, and improved livability for residents. Most importantly, the retrofits have significantly reduced the use of fossil fuels, and thus contribute toward lowering the world’s extreme carbon emissions.

Howey’s intention is to open-source his unique retrofit approach so that others may gain ideas, inspiration, and guidance. To that end, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, in collaboration with Green Rock Apartments, has produced a detailed guide documenting Howey’s projects, noting the carbon-reducing products used, retrofit project financing, key contacts and sources for further research. The following guide highlights four Green Rock Apartment buildings in Minneapolis, MN that have been retrofitted to near zero carbon by Howey. These retrofits have greatly lowered utility usage, increased owner profits and have improved livability for Residents. Most importantly, these retrofits significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels to further lower the world’s extreme carbon emissions.

Read the full guide