Question:

I need some direction for a project idea, I am a professor at MSU Billings. I also have 90 acres with well water and pretty good wind and sun. I was thinking it would be a good place to build something green as a project...a recycled building, an organic garden, technology to utilize sun and wind and conserve water, etc. The building could be some kind of livable bunk house for students or skilled people looking to develop technology during the summers. Where would I go to get started on a project like this, for funding of materials and the people who actually want to build something like this. There are currently two houses and a barn on my property and I have dogs and horses.
Dr. A.J. Otjen College of Business MSU Billings.

Answer:

Belinda A. Morrow, LEED AP and Leonard Morrow, MPA: Find out if programs like this already exist by researching regional and national organizations that support efforts to safeguard environmental health by incorporating renewable technologies into the built environment, improving air and water quality, practicing organic farming, and protecting wildlife habitat, for example www.riverkeeper.org, www.livingcities.org, www.doe.gov, www.epa.gov, and www.benjerry.com/foundation.

Next, compose a business plan that includes an executive summary, an environmental mission statement, a vision statement, a brief history of the stakeholders detailing their desire to be sustainable, a strategic plan, evidence of financing, and a 24 month cash flow statement. Then partner with an organization that has received grant funding. Be prepared to show that you can leverage resources by getting manufacturers to donate or provide deep discounts on materials for your pilot project since it will enjoy widespread industry attention. In addition, apply for a portion of Congress’ $6.2B weatherization plan that is part of the President’s economic recovery package.

Finally, use natural synergies and incentives to put motivated people in the field. For example with renewable wind, to generate electricity for sale to the grid it must average more than 15 mph. The National Renewable Energy Lab map shows windpower resources as Marginal (12.5-14.3 mph) for 30 miles in every direction from Billings. If your land is near Billings then your response might be to trade wind turbine installation training and labor with the Crow Nation in exchange for a low cost lease to build a wind turbine on their land 50 miles southeast of Billings. It has excellent windpower resources (16.8-17.9 mph), and the Crow Nation will have a portable skill set that grows in value.

Through a collaborative partnership with 2M Design Consultants, Inc. (2M) you can incorporate sustainable education to provide green tech job training for community residents. Your state has been hit hard by unemployment. Using this workforce training program to empower residents who have lost their jobs will offer a living wage, and an innovative way to help them revitalize a sense of commitment to their community and the planet. Investing in renewable technology and infrastructure that will put people to work, while transitioning our country to a clean-energy economy must be the future of our nation. 2M is expert in the development and implementation of ”green” program strategies that work from conception to completion. If you would like more information please contact us at www.2mdesignconsultants.com.

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