Sustainability Resources for Businesses

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energy Smart 

Get free assistance to identify cost-effective energy-saving opportunities for your business. Support includes utility rebate navigation and contractor connections. 

Learn more on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website. 

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) 

Offers commercial energy audits, project support, and financing to improve building energy performance. 

Learn more on the CEE website. 

Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund

The City of Hopkins is offering incentives to residents and businesses to accelerate our transition to cleaner and more efficient energy. Leveraging electric utility rebates and federal incentives, this program will help to reduce upfront costs associated with replacing energy equipment and installing renewable energy systems. 

Learn more on the Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund webpage. 

Utility Rebates

Residents and businesses can learn more about efficiency programs and rebates opportunities through Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy programs.

MinnPACE

The City of Hopkins is a proud participant of MinnPACE. PACE financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is making energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy investments more attainable to commercial building owners. MinnPACE is a fit for most industries including farms, commercial office buildings, nonprofit organizations (including places of worship), and multi-tenant buildings. Common investments include solar panels, HVAC systems, lighting, motors, and more. 

Learn more about the MinnPACE program in Hopkins.

Waste Reduction, Recycling and Organics

Hennepin County Business Recycling Grants 

Businesses can apply for grants up to $50,000 for recycling, organics collection, and waste prevention. Funding is available for bins, compostables, staff training, and consulting. 

Learn more and apply for a grant on the Hennepin County website. 

Waste Wise Program 

Provides free technical assistance to businesses on recycling, organics, and waste reduction. 

Learn more about Waste Wise on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website. 

Transportation and Mobility

Bike Friendly Business Certification

Encourage active commuting and get nationally recognized for supporting bicycling in the workplace. 

Learn more on the League of American Bicyclists website. 

Bike Rack Cost Share Program

The Program offers eligible businesses and organizations 50 percent in City matching funds for bike racks supplied by the City. The City will also participate in the installation of the rack within the public right of way. Applicants can add branding and additional styling at their own expense to City supplied racks. Interested businesses, community centers and organizations in Hopkins are encouraged to participate in the program to promote bicycling.

For more information, contact Associate Planner Sam Gallagher or view a program flyer. 

Electric Bicycle Incentive Program

With partnership from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the City of Hopkins is offering incentives for electric bicycles. By incentivizing e-bikes, this program will foster a culture of sustainable mobility, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. Residents, including homeowners and renters, and commercial entities may apply for this program. 

Learn more about the Electric Bicycle Incentive Program. 

Local Collaboration and Business Support

ACEEE BEAR Hub

Support for businesses engaging in energy efficiency and resilience initiatives across Minnesota. 

Learn more on the ACEEE website. 

Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan

The Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan includes actions residents and businesses can take to meet our climate action goals. A take-home worksheet is included at the end of the Plan.

Learn more about the Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan.