Sustainable Business Development Resources

To help promote environmentally-friendly behaviors and save local businesses money, the City of Richfield has compiled the below list of resources to assist in energy conservation and other green projects. Various organizations around the state provide loans/grants, audits and consulting services, as well as training and implementation - predominantly for free.

Richfield Energy Efficiency Business Grant
For a limited time, the City of Richfield is offering bonus rebates (20% of the costs up to $2,500) to local businesses who make qualifying upgrades. The local nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment will provide your business a free energy assessment, which includes:
• Detailed report with recommended upgrades
• Estimated rebates and savings
• Help with bids or finding a contractor
• Financing options
• Technical expertise
• Completion and submission of all rebate paperwork

MN Waste Wise
Individualized services include project funding assistance, sustainability consulting, site visits, waste sorts, utility bill analysis, energy benchmarking, investment analysis, employee training, toner and inkjet printer cartridge recycling assistance, presentations and events.

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
  • “no-cost technical assistance helps businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs to improve public health and the environment.”
  • Focus areas: Air, Energy, Waste, Water and industry-specific pages
  • Resource page: includes Business Assistance Providers, Financial Assistance, 12 tips to “green” your business

Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP)
“No-cost, non-regulatory energy efficiency and waste reduction assessments include an on-site visit to your facility with emphasis on finding opportunities to increase energy efficiency and water conservation, reduce waste, and reduce operating costs.”

Xcel Energy
CenterPoint Energy

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
  • One-Stop Efficiency Shop is a full-service rebate program available to small businesses in Xcel Energy's Minnesota service territory with a monthly electric demand of 400 kilowatts or less.
  • Energy Savings for Non-Profits offers zero interest financing for cost effective, energy efficiency retrofits in non-residential buildings owned or occupied by nonprofit organizations.
  • Engineering for Energy Efficiency helps building owners and managers better understand and optimize their energy use to improve the operation of equipment and systems, reduce energy waste and manage long-term sustainability planning.

MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

MN Chamber of Commerce
Hennepin County Business Recycling
County requirements, grants, free labels and signage, staff assistance, general tips

St. Paul Port Authority
  • MinnPACE
    • “Energy-saving measures pursued by owners receive project financing and are repaid as a separate item on their property tax assessment for a set period. PACE eliminates the burden of upfront costs by providing low-cost, long-term financing.”
  • TrillionBTU
    • Customer chooses the project and contractor, Xcel Energy provides the rebate, and the Saint Paul Port Authority provides the financing (up to 100% financing).

Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) – A statewide partnership connecting organizations to clean energy financing tools and incentives and energy efficiency implementation.
  • Community Solar Gardens
    • Receive credit on your electricity bill by purchasing a share of the solar power produced.