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Energy City Toolkit <br /> Education Demonstration Sites Programs <br /> Energy City: <br /> In 1996,the Minnesota Environmental Initiative(MEI)chose Elk River to be the"Energy City" a geographical focal point for the <br /> demonstration of efficient and renewable energy products,services,and technologies. <br /> Energy City is made up of concerned residents,businesses,energy related industries,and governmental entities united in the belief <br /> that the production and consumption of energy can be sustainable while keeping in mind future demands. <br /> Energy City works with businesses and residents interested in demonstrating energy efficient and economically feasible projects in <br /> the Elk River area.Energy City is governed by the City of Elk River's Energy City Commission,which is made up of various local <br /> government representatives,energy and waste-related business representatives,and education representatives.The Commission's <br /> mission is to be a resource to promote and educate the public about energy efficiency and renewable technologies. <br /> Education: <br /> The Energy City Commission acknowledges the importance for community education.Energy City staff offer tours of demonstration <br /> sites,speaking engagements,and conduct informational campaigns for residents,students,businesses,and organizations.Energy <br /> City has welcomed guests from all around the world and continues to offer numerous events throughout the year. <br /> Energy City welcomes all groups and individuals that are interested in learning more about energy efficiency and sustainable <br /> lifestyles that make economic sense for homeowners and business owners! <br /> Demonstration Sites: <br /> Energy City's demonstration sites bring innovation,excitement and coast saving to the community.Tours of every site are available <br /> by calling 763-635-1000.Demonstration sites include: <br /> RDF-to-Electric Power Plant <br /> Great River Energy's Energy Recovery Station went online in 1951 and is still providing electricity power to Minnesota homes.It has <br /> a diverse history having been powered by coal,nuclear,oil,tires,and now by refuse derived fuel(RDF),which is processed municipal <br /> waste! It burns 1200 tons of RDF daily to provide electricity for 25,000 homes. <br /> Twin Lakes Elementary School <br /> Completed in 2007,Twin Lakes Elementary school was the first school in Minnesota to achieve Gold Leadership in Energy and <br /> Environmental Design(LEED)certification.LEED is a national standard for developing high-performance,sustainable buildings. <br /> Annual energy costs at the school are 50%less than the average for a school of comparable size. <br /> Landfill Gas-to-Electric Power Plant <br /> Using methane created by decomposing waste at the Elk River Landfill,enough energy is generated to supply the energy needs for <br /> about 2,400 homes in the City of Elk River.The plant contains four 800-kilowatt engine-generators which generate approximately <br /> 26.7 million kilowatt-hours per year. <br /> More: <br /> Elk River Library—LEED Certified <br /> Environmental Learning Center <br />