Hennepin County’s comprehensive energy management practices are reflected in lower than average energy costs per square foot for governmental buildings. We strive to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings. Some of our efforts include:

  • Continue to identify and implement a variety of energy savings measures including re-lamping, lighting retrofit and equipment replacement.
  • Joined the Audubon Minnesota's Lights Out program for three downtown buildings (Government Center, Central Library and Health Services Building). All unnecessary lights are turned off at night to save energy and help migratory birds stay on course.
  • Established temperature guidelines that have resulted in significant reductions in electric and natural gas consumption. These guidelines will now be extended to the libraries.
  • Recommissioning studies, intended to optimize operating efficiencies of building systems, have been implemented or will be implemented in many county buildings. Recommissioning is a major means of saving energy and will produce significant results.
  • Completed several energy conservation studies through Xcel Energy’s Conservation Improvement Program to replace lights, pumps, motors, compressors and fans at Hennepin Energy Recovery Center with more energy efficient ones.
  • A solar array has been installed on the roof of the Public Works Facility in Medina. The system includes about 528 solar modules and is one of the largest solar panel installations in the upper Midwest. 
  • Promote energy initiatives in the design and construction of new and remodeled facilities. Both the new Plymouth and Maple Grove Libraries have sustainable building features. 
  • Completing a new bicycle facilities plan that includes recommendations for promoting bicycle use and adding bicycle storage at county facilities.
  • Rewarding employees for being energy conscious. The "Hennergy Awards" were initiated to recognize individual efforts in saving energy.