Energy Efficiency and Solar for Tribal Buildings at Standing Rock

Solution Summary

There are eight districts in the Lakota community. Each one has two to five government-owned buildings that consume large amounts of electricity. North Dakota currently receives 70 percent of its electricity from coal, one of the most carbon-intensive and hence climate-warming fuels. Meanwhile, the cost of power to Standing Rock citizens is 33 percent higher than it is in Bismarck, just one hour away.

This project proposes a massive overhaul of energy infrastructure in government-controlled buildings at Standing Rock. By leveraging energy efficient technology and photovoltaics, these eight districts stand to save millions of dollars over the coming decades—and make a powerful statement about the need to shift towards renewable energy.

Market Opportunity

• North Dakota has almost no solar energy; it is dead last among the 50 states in solar development. Standing Rock can help lead the transformation to renewable energy.

• The funds saved from efficient energy infrastructure would be used for other reservation programs, exponentially improving the lives of community members across districts.

Highlights

• Completed energy assessments for half of the districts

• Produced an informational video garnering 250,000 views

• Collected 7,000 petitions signatures in a bid to encourage North and South Dakota to pass a renewable portfolio standard (RPS)

• Finalist for the MIT Media Lab Disobedience Award

Organization Goals

• Retrofit as many of the main municipal buildings in the eights districts as possible over the next 12 months

• Create ongoing public education, organizing, and economic opportunity for the 10,000 people of the Standing Rock community

Existing Partnerships

• Super Green Solutions

• Lakota People’s Law Project

Partnership Goals

• Grant funding and investment

• Media exposure

• Technology mentorship

• Networking connections