2022-2023 Empowerment Grant Recipients: Funding deeper involvement across the Midwest
To align the Coalition’s work with Justice40 and the Climate Funder’s Justice Pledge, Midwest BDC has committed 40 percent of its annual budget to re-granting work, either through Participation Stipends for our Coalition Members or through our Empowerment Grants.
Reflection | The Hate that Killed Tyre Nichols
Author: James Trice, Co-Leader of the MWBDC Federal Policy Working Group As we embark on the 53rd celebration of Black History month – first proposed in 1969 and first celebrated in 1970 – passed by the US Congress in 1986, we are met with the harsh reality that anti-blackness still …
Guest Blog | Decolonizing Decarbonization: How do we advance equity for green buildings?
A summary of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Equity Summit, following the theme of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) hosted November 2-4, 2022.
So you want to decarbonize your home?
We’ve heard from a number of Coalition members who are interested in doing their own decarbonization work at home, but don’t know where to start! We feel you. It can be hard to find the products, the contractors, and the necessary information. The good news is, that’s changing. The better …
Our Coalition Mourns with Uvalde, and far too many Communities
The Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition’s hearts and minds go out to the families and loved ones of those who have suffered loss due to Gun Violence. There has been a series of horrific tragedies that continue to plague our nation. Just in the month of May 2022, in Southern California, …
Defining Equity as the Center of our Coalition
During the April Equity Working Group meeting, Coalition members voted to adopt two definitions prepared by the Training and Education subcommittee of the Equity team: Equity and Equitable Building Decarbonization. Equity: Holding ourselves and one another accountable to inclusion in a society in which all can participate, prosper, have value, …
Focus on Wisconsin: Coalition Makes the Case for Decarbonization and Electrification
If your gas boiler goes out in Wisconsin, should the state’s energy efficiency program help cover the cost of an electric heat pump? Or only another gas boiler of higher efficiency? Should the program be seeking to reduce carbon emissions? Should it support building electrification? These are some of the …
Inaugural cycle of Coalition grants program drives equity, justice, and community power
Original post by Fresh Energy, a founding member of Midwest BDC and the fiscal agent. Transitioning Minnesota’s buildings—homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and medical practices, and more—to carbon-free, renewable electricity has the potential to reduce utility costs, increase housing affordability, improve community health and safety, and help state and local governments …
Reflection | As Gas Prices Rise, Pembroke Leaders Rise to the Challenge with Efficiency and Electrification
Pump Heat, Not Gas In the rural farming community of Pembroke, Illinois, it’s not hard to find residents paying over $500 a month, or even $700, to heat their homes with propane, fuel oil, wood, or old-fashioned electric resistance. We know because the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition is involved in …
Reflection | On “Beggar’s Night”, Understanding Local Communities, and Bottom-Up Organizing
Hello Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition, I hope October finds you well. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you over the past month, but if we haven’t met yet my name is Jacob Serfling and I’ll be serving as Co-Director of Building Policy and Technology from here in Des …
Reflection | This Labor Day, Let’s Reimagine the Future of Work as Well as the Future of Buildings and Energy
While most of the world celebrates International Workers’ Day in May, the US recognizes Labor Day in September. On Monday, September 6, we pay tribute to the American labor movement and all workers. The Climate Justice, specifically the Building Decarbonization movement, must align with the notion of creating new jobs. …
Reflection | Four Ways to Show Up for Black Business Month
August is Black Business Month. Let’s put our money into Black businesses, leaders, and communities. Here are 4 ways to do that. The path to racial equity and Black Liberation includes following, trusting, hiring, and paying Black people. But advancing equity doesn’t just benefit some—it benefits all of us (to …
Reflection | Celebrate Milestones. Don’t Settle for Them.
I don’t know about you, but there’s a lot on my mind moving into July. Image Description: Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill. A charcoal grey/almost-black flag crossed diagonally from top left to bottom right by a “lightning bolt” band divided into parallel stripes of five colors: light blue, …
Reflection | This Pride Month, I’m Dreaming of Buildings for Every Body
Buildings are for people and our bodies. And the only way to make carbon-free buildings just and equitable is to make them for every type of body. On June 27, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Police regularly raided gay bars at the time, but that …
Share your Reflection with Us!
The Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition is a diverse group of organizations, individuals, and communities. Every month in our newsletter and blog, we share a reflection about our work, our goals, or our challenges. Our Coalition staff aren't the only ones with something to say! We would love to feature your …