Energy efficiency is the implementation of technological upgrades or personal conservation practices that reduce the energy use of a given process without reducing the quality of the process itself. Increases in energy efficiency are often seen as a great first step in the transition from our traditional energy use practices into a more sustainable future. Much attention has been given to improving energy efficiency in homes and large commercial and industrial operations. However, while many farms are capable of using large amounts of energy on a monthly basis, less attention has been afforded this industry that is so prevalent in Minnesota. The Minnesota Project’s Farm Energy Efficiency Program seeks to improve energy efficiency on farms through a combination of outreach, education, policy and program development, and collaboration.
The Minnesota Project has created the two following documents to help farmers gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding farm energy efficiency implementation:
 Improving Farm Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Navigating the Process
This guide will help farmers navigate the steps implementing an energy efficiency project would likely take. The guide provides advice on how to become most knowledgeable about the energy use and potential for savings on your farm and how to use this knowledge to cut costs and save energy. The guide also includes a compilation of the best tools and resources for evaluating energy efficiency opportunities.
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Energy Efficient Farms:
Identifying the Proper Improvements