WHAT WE DO: TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Initiative works hard to convene individuals with disparate interests to work together to find solutions to our environmental problems. In addition to facilitating conversation, we also manage projects on the ground to achieve measurable environmental outcomes.
Our implementation projects often arise from collaborative efforts and our work centers on executing solutions developed through consensus. Environmental Initiative plays the role of project leader, manager, communicator and connector. Action projects range in size from large, statewide initiatives to smaller, regional or site-specific efforts. Examples of our action projects are highlighted below:
PROJECT GREEN FLEET
Environmental Initiative is reducing harmful emissions from diesel vehicles like school buses, heavy-duty trucks, trains and construction equipment. We recruit fleet partners, coordinate the installation of pollution control equipment and quantify emissions reduced. Over 2,000 vehicles are now running cleaner and greener since the project’s inception.
Environmental Initiative partnered with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to assess their building practices with the goal of increasing the sustainability of all future Habitat construction. A single family green demonstration house was completed in 2009 and Habitat has continued to build green affordable homes in the Twin Cities.
Environmental Initiative partnered with leaders in the autobody refinishing industry to reduced emissions from autobody refinishing shops. Environmental Initiative compiled recommended emission reduction practices and facilitated the implementation of pilot trials in five local body shops resulting in approximately 1000 lbs. of annual emission reductions.
