News & Ideas
Incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles into business investments
Sustainable Growth Coalition member Allianz Life hosted a panel discussion between current and former CEOs on the past, present, and future of sustainability in the financial services industry.
New research reinforces need for emissions reductions, Clean Air Minnesota
Over the past several weeks, new research has added to growing bodies of evidence demonstrating the catastrophic consequences of air pollution and inequitable distribution of impacts along racial and socioeconomic lines. Each time studies like these are published,…
Second Chance Community Solar Garden gets ready to shine
The Second Chance Community Solar Garden was recognized in May 2020 as an environmental innovator for its local energy development, solar model, and impact for low-income communities.
Winding down 2021 with our five most-read posts
As Environmental Initiative’s communications team winds down 2021, we’ve taken some time to reflect on the past twelve months as well as revisit our measures of success (including our data and analytics). Happily, the content you found most interesting and…
A local leadership climate change conversation
Climate change policy in 2021 has been punctuated by the United Nation’s International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report raising alarm bells and the newly reached global climate agreement at COP26. While the deal reached in Glasgow includes several important developments, many say leaders have failed to meet the urgency…
Leadership in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership
A different kind of farming is growing in Central Minnesota, thanks to the work of leaders from agriculture, conservation, finance, engineering, and research involved in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership (HASP). Formed, in 2018 as a way to incubate…
Catalyzing a shift in sourcing food for hunger relief organizations
Catching up with Nikki Warner from The Good Acre was a lot of fun and filled me with hope. I am inspired by creative community leaders who are able to pivot quickly when funding and needs shift while keeping true…
Talking climate action and district energy with the City of Duluth and Ever-Green Energy
Three years ago, Ever-Green Energy and the City of Duluth began transforming a major portion of the city’s energy system, replacing 16 blocks of aged steam pipe in its district energy system with new hot water infrastructure. The project, which won a 2021 Environmental Initiative Award, has achieved significant emission reductions, with a nearly…