Our Work

We implement in-community projects to improve environmental, economic, and public health outcomes.

Man in autobody shop paint booth spraying red paint on a car.

Clean Air Assistance Project

Environmental Initiative, government agencies, and nonprofits connect small business owners with financial and technical resources to reduce air pollution.

blue sky and clouds

Clean Air Minnesota

Air quality leaders are working to voluntarily reduce emissions from less regulated sources of air pollution like cars, trucks, small businesses, and residences.

Adult and juvenile common loons on a lake at sunset.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Coalition

Environmental Initiative is working alongside BIPOC environmental justice leaders and mainstream environmental groups to build a more equitable and accessible pool of funding for communities to build capacity and address environmental challenges.

Environmental Initiative Awards

The Environmental Initiative Awards is our annual recognition program that celebrates people and projects working in partnership at the nexus of a healthy environment, a prosperous economy, and an equitable society.

photo of two men repairing a car

Project Clean Air Repair

Environmental Initiative and partner car repair shops are reducing emissions by identifying and fixing vehicle exhaust systems in cars owned by people with lower incomes.

excavator moving earth

Project Green Fleet

Environmental Initiative partners with fleet owners and operators to upgrade older diesel vehicles and equipment with newer models that release fewer emissions.

Man Putting Log Onto Wood Burning Stove

Project Stove Swap

Project Stove Swap connects people with local stores selling wood stoves in order to exchange an inefficient wood stove for a new, cleaner-burning model.

Sustainable Growth Coalition

Nearly 20 businesses and organizations are harnessing their expertise and building the vision and action steps required to achieve a fully realized circular economy.