# Prairie Island Indian Community > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aprairie_island%3Af716fbc9f020b910 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Phase 1 Report For Prairie Island Indian Community Net Zero Project July 1, 2021 Prepared For: Minnesota Department of Commerce Minnesota House of Representatives Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 11 1.1 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY ...................................................................... 11 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.2 Community History ...........................................................................................................11 How the Prairie Island Indian Community Came to Be.....................................................11 The Creation of the Prairie Island Reservation .................................................................11 NET ZERO PROJECT ORIGINS ..................................................................................... 12 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 Brief History of Net Zero Project.......................................................................................12 Net Zero Project Overview ...............................................................................................12 Net Zero Importance ........................................................................................................12 Report Outline ..................................................................................................................13 COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ...................................................... 14 2.1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................. 14 2.2 METHODOLOGY AND INPUT PROCESS ...................................................................... 14 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 Review Existing Documents and Plans..............................................................................14 Stakeholder Engagement Process ....................................................................................15 2.2.2.1 Tribal Leadership Group Sessions ...................................................................15 2.2.2.2 Program Staff and Tribal Council Interviews...................................................15 2.2.2.3 Steering Committee Updates..........................................................................16 2.2.2.4 Tribal Council Updates ....................................................................................16 Community Meetings .......................................................................................................16 2.2.3.1 Elder Meetings ................................................................................................16 2.2.3.2 Youth Meetings ...............................................................................................17 Survey ...............................................................................................................................17 2.2.4.1 Quantitative ....................................................................................................17 2.2.4.2 Qualitative.......................................................................................................22 2.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS ..................................... 23 2.4 VISION, VALUES, AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES.............................................................. 25 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 Net Zero Project Vision .....................................................................................................25 Core Values .......................................................................................................................25 Guiding Principles .............................................................................................................26 ENERGY BASELINE AND SYSTEM STUDY .................................................................... 27 3.1 PROFILES OF UTILITY SERVICE AND CONSUMPTION .................................................. 27 3.1.1 3.1.2 3.2 2019 Base Year .................................................................................................................27 3.1.1.1 Buildings and Purchased Utilities ....................................................................27 3.1.1.2 Fleet Vehicles ..................................................................................................30 3.1.1.3 Water ..............................................................................................................32 Base Year Consumption and Emissions Benchmark .........................................................33 3.1.2.1 Buildings and Purchased Utilities ....................................................................34 3.1.2.2 Fleet Vehicles ..................................................................................................35 3.1.2.3 Net Zero Emissions Benchmark ......................................................................35 ENERGY ASSESSMENTS ............................................................................................ 36 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT i NET ZERO TARGET – INVESTIGATED MEASURES ........................................................ 37 4.1 ALIGNMENT WITH COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ......................... 37 4.2 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ................................................................................................. 37 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.3 RENEWABLE GENERATION ....................................................................................... 41 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.4 4.4.1.1 Lithium Ion (Li-ion) ..........................................................................................46 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................46 INTERCONNECTION OPTIONS ................................................................................... 47 4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.5.5 4.5.6 4.5.7 4.5.8 4.6 Solar ..................................................................................................................................42 On-Shore Wind .................................................................................................................42 4.3.2.1 Global Wind Atlas ...........................................................................................43 4.3.2.2 NREL Wind Prospector ....................................................................................44 Hydroelectric Power .........................................................................................................45 ENERGY STORAGE .................................................................................................... 46 4.4.2 4.5 Casino-Hotel Resort ..........................................................................................................37 4.2.1.1 Kitchen Hood Controls ....................................................................................37 4.2.1.2 Monitoring-Based Commissioning or Equivalent ...........................................38 4.2.1.3 Lighting............................................................................................................39 4.2.1.4 Lighting Controls .............................................................................................39 4.2.1.5 Exterior Lighting ..............................................................................................39 4.2.1.6 Ventilation Energy Recovery ...........................................................................39 4.2.1.7 Water Measures .............................................................................................40 Tribal Buildings..................................................................................................................40 4.2.2.1 Lighting............................................................................................................40 4.2.2.2 Water Plant .....................................................................................................40 Residential ........................................................................................................................41 4.2.3.1 Energy Report and Monitoring .......................................................................41 4.2.3.2 Water Measures .............................................................................................41 Net Metering ....................................................................................................................47 Self-Generation .................................................................................................................47 DEA 5% Renewable Program ............................................................................................48 Wholesale Generation ......................................................................................................48 Technical Considerations ..................................................................................................48 4.5.5.1 Great River Energy ..........................................................................................49 4.5.5.2 Dakota Electric Association .............................................................................49 Solar Analysis ....................................................................................................................50 4.5.6.1 Residential ......................................................................................................50 4.5.6.2 Distributed Generation ...................................................................................51 4.5.6.3 Ground-Mount ................................................................................................51 Potential Siting Map .........................................................................................................53 Transpired Solar Thermal..................................................................................................54 ELECTRIFICATION ..................................................................................................... 54 4.6.1 Casino-Hotel Resort ..........................................................................................................55 4.6.1.1 Laundry Washer/Extractor Washwater ..........................................................55 4.6.1.2 Laundry Dryers ................................................................................................55 4.6.1.3 Electric Stovetops and Ovens..........................................................................57 4.6.1.4 Air Source Heat Pumps ...................................................................................57 4.6.1.5 Heat Recovery Ground Source Heating Plant .................................................57 4.6.1.6 Temperature Modification of Heating System ...............................................60 4.6.1.7 Domestic Hot Water .......................................................................................60 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT ii 4.6.2 4.6.3 4.6.4 4.7 Tribal Buildings..................................................................................................................61 4.6.2.1 Heat Pump Water Heaters ..............................................................................61 4.6.2.2 Air Source Heat Pumps ...................................................................................61 4.6.2.3 Ground Source Heat Pumps ............................................................................61 Residential ........................................................................................................................62 4.6.3.1 Heat Pump Water Heater ...............................................................................62 4.6.3.2 Electric Stovetops and Ovens..........................................................................62 4.6.3.3 Electric Dryers .................................................................................................63 4.6.3.4 Air Source Heat Pump .....................................................................................63 Vehicle Fleets ....................................................................................................................63 PERFORMANCE AND EMISSIONS .............................................................................. 66 4.7.1 4.7.2 Potential Reduction of Purchased Utilities and Energy ....................................................66 Potential Reduction of CO2 Emissions ..............................................................................66 4.8 OPINION OF CAPITAL COST....................................................................................... 67 4.9 COMPLEMENTARY ACTIONS FOR CO2 EMISSIONS ..................................................... 68 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.10 LEED and Building Codes...................................................................................................68 Locally Sourcing Food .......................................................................................................69 Sequestration—Forest and Prairie Flora ..........................................................................69 Green Power Options .......................................................................................................69 4.9.4.1 Renewable Energy Certificates .......................................................................69 4.9.4.2 Purchased Power Agreements (PPA) ..............................................................70 4.9.4.3 Shared Renewable Resources .........................................................................70 FUTURE GROWTH .................................................................................................... 70 4.10.1 4.10.2 Residential ........................................................................................................................70 Commercial and Tribal ......................................................................................................70 NET ZERO IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .......................................................................... 71 5.1 PRIORITY AREAS ...................................................................................................... 71 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.2 Energy Efficiency ...............................................................................................................72 Renewable Energy Generation .........................................................................................72 Energy Resiliency and Sovereignty ...................................................................................72 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .......................................................................................... 73 NET ZERO PROJECT PROCUREMENT PLAN ................................................................. 76 6.1.1 SCOPE OF SOLICITATIONS .................................................................................................76 6.2 GUIDING POLICIES ................................................................................................... 76 6.3 PROCUREMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES AND STRUCTURE ................................................. 76 6.3.1 6.4 PIIC Principles ...................................................................................................................77 6.3.1.1 General Outreach ...........................................................................................77 6.3.1.2 PIIC NZ Net Zero Project Procurement Website ............................................77 6.3.1.3 Specific Solicitation Outreach .........................................................................78 SOLICITATION PROCESS............................................................................................ 78 6.4.1 Solicitation Planning .........................................................................................................78 6.4.1.1 Bid Package Categories ...................................................................................78 6.4.1.2 Simplified Procurement Process for Minor Net Zero Projects ........................78 6.4.1.3 Net Zero Project Packages ..............................................................................78 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT iii 6.5 SPECIFIC SOLICITATION PLANNING ........................................................................... 79 6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3 6.5.4 6.5.5 RFP Development .............................................................................................................79 Bidder Conferences ..........................................................................................................79 Scoresheet Development and Evaluation ........................................................................79 Shortlist Interviews ...........................................................................................................79 Selection and Use of Proposal Data ..................................................................................80 6.6 PERMITS AND AUTHORIZATIONS .............................................................................. 80 6.7 CONTRACTING ......................................................................................................... 80 FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................ 81 7.1 GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS ............................................................................. 81 7.1.1 7.1.2 7.1.3 Governance Structures .....................................................................................................81 7.1.1.1 Tribal Business Entities ...................................................................................81 7.1.1.2 Tribal Utility ....................................................................................................82 7.1.1.3 Tribal Department...........................................................................................82 Operations and Maintenance ...........................................................................................82 Oversight...........................................................................................................................82 7.2 LONG TERM STRATEGIES .......................................................................................... 82 7.3 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES..................................................................................... 84 7.3.1 Leveraged Funding ............................................................................................................85 SUMMARY CONCLUSION .......................................................................................... 86 APPENDIX ................................................................................................................ 87 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT iv LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 – Targeted Reduction of CO2 Emissions by Measure ................................................................. 3 Figure 2 – Benchmark and Anticipated Reductions Based on Selected Net Zero Projects ................... 3 Figure 3 – Age Breakdown of Survey Respondents................................................................................ 18 Figure 4 – Energy Priorities for the Community ...................................................................................... 18 Figure 5 -- Environmental Impact Concerns ............................................................................................ 19 Figure 6 – Community Improvement Opportunities ............................................................................... 20 Figure 7 – Loss of Electricity (on Reservation)........................................................................................ 21 Figure 8 – Loss of Electricity (off Reservation) ....................................................................................... 21 Figure 9 – Open Ended Responses ......................................................................................................... 22 Figure 10 – SWOT Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 24 Figure 11 – Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................. 26 Figure 12 – Major Energy User Groups ................................................................................................... 27 Figure 13 – Base Year Utility Consumption by User Group .................................................................... 28 Figure 14 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Electricity ........................................................................ 29 Figure 15 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Natural Gas..................................................................... 29 Figure 16 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Propane .......................................................................... 30 Figure 17 – Base Year Fuel Consumption by Vehicle Fleet ................................................................... 31 Figure 18 – General Comparison of PIIC Tribal Government Vehicle Fleet Fuel Consumption ........... 31 Figure 19 – General Comparison of Treasure Island Vehicle Fleet Fuel Consumption ....................... 32 Figure 20 – Prairie Island Water Production .......................................................................................... 32 Figure 21 – TIRC Water Consumption ..................................................................................................... 33 Figure 22 – CO2 Emissions Factors ......................................................................................................... 33 Figure 23 – Base Year (2019) CO2 Emissions Benchmark by User Group and Utility ......................... 34 Figure 24 – Target Year (2023) CO2 Emissions Benchmark by User Group and Utility ....................... 34 Figure 25 – Base Year (2019) CO2 Emissions by Vehicle Fleet ............................................................. 35 Figure 26 – Total Net Zero CO2 Emissions Benchmark .......................................................................... 36 Figure 27 – NREL Solar Irradiance Map.................................................................................................. 42 Figure 28 – General Electric (GE) 2.5MW, 328’ Wind Turbine Power Profile Curve ............................ 43 Figure 29 – Average Wind Speed Map of the PIIC and Surrounding Area (Global Wind Atlas) ........... 44 Figure 30 – Average Wind Speed Map of the PIIC and Surrounding Area (NREL Wind Prospector) ... 45 Figure 31 – A123 Systems, Inc. Lithium-ion Containerized BESS ......................................................... 46 Figure 32 – Distributed Generation Solar Program Summary ............................................................... 49 Figure 33 – Residential Solar Program Summary .................................................................................. 50 Figure 34 – Distributed Generation Solar Program Summary ............................................................... 51 Figure 35 – Ground-Mount Solar Program Summary ............................................................................. 52 Figure 36 – Aerial View of the Three Potential Array Locations on the PIIC.......................................... 53 Figure 37 – Location of a Potential 2MW Array Adjacent to TIRC ......................................................... 53 Figure 38 – One of Two Potential 2MW Arrays Near the Mato Circle Residences ............................... 54 Figure 39 – The Second of Two Potential Arrays Near the Mato Circle Residences ............................ 54 Figure 40 – PIIC Tribal Government Fleet of Street Vehicles ................................................................. 64 Figure 41 – Treasure Island Fleet of Street Vehicles ............................................................................. 65 Figure 42 – Anticipated Changes in Purchased Utility Energy ............................................................... 66 Figure 43 – Potential CO2 Reduction Based on Selected Net Zero Projects ........................................ 66 Figure 44 – Benchmark and Anticipated Reductions Based on Selected Net Zero Projects .............. 67 Figure 45 – Estimated Capital Costs ....................................................................................................... 68 Figure 46 – Focus Areas........................................................................................................................... 71 Figure 47 – Cycle One Implementation ................................................................................................... 74 Figure 48 – Cycle Two Implementation ................................................................................................... 75 Figure 49 – Cycle Three Implementation ................................................................................................ 75 Figure 50 – Community Input Guiding Long-Term Strategies ................................................................ 84 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Reshaping Our Energy Future The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC or the Tribe), a federally recognized Indian Nation, is located in southeastern Minnesota along the banks of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There are more than 1,050 Tribal members living on and off the Prairie Island Indian Reservation. For decades, the Tribe has been unfairly burdened with the negative impacts of energy production. In addition to flooding part of the Tribe’s land during the construction of Lock & Dam #3 on the Mississippi River, the federal government allowed for a nuclear power plant to be built adjacent to the Reservation. Today, one of the nation’s oldest operating nuclear power plants is located approximately 700 yards from the Tribal community, along with a nuclear waste storage site containing more than 1,000 tons of highly toxic nuclear waste. Compounding the ever-present threats facing the Tribe, the only evacuation route off Prairie Island is blocked several times daily by train traffic, with many of those rail cars carrying highly volatile crude oil. The Prairie Island Net Zero Project (the Net Zero Project) is empowering the Tribe to change the historical narrative and turn energy production into a positive for its current population as well as generations to come. The Net Zero Project is ultimately about clean air quality by eliminating the carbon and other GHG emissions that cause illness and other chronic health issues while reducing the negative impacts on the environment and reversing the effects of climate change. The Tribe will benefit from this project because it will it help people prosper and live healthier lives. Prairie Island Net Zero Project A $46.2 million grant from the Renewable Development Account (RDA) to the PIIC will create a comprehensive energy system for the Tribe that results in net-zero emissions. The Minnesota Legislature approved the appropriation for the Net Zero Project during the 2020 Legislative Session. The State established the RDA as a condition of allowing Xcel Energy to temporarily store nuclear waste in dry casks outside its nuclear power plant. On May 27, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed House File 1842. As provided in the legislation, the “Prairie Island Net Zero Project is established with the goal of the Prairie Island Indian Community developing an energy system that results in net zero emissions.” Further, the law states, “The Prairie Island Indian Community must file a comprehensive Net Zero Project plan with the commissioner of commerce and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over energy policy no later than July 1, 2021, describing the Prairie Island Net Zero Project elements and implementation strategy.” (Laws of Minnesota 2020, chapter 118, section 3). This Comprehensive Net Zero Project Plan (Plan) is being filed with Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold, the Honorable Dave Senjem, Chair of the Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee, and the Honorable Jamie Long, Chair of Minnesota House of Representatives Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee. The Plan describes how the PIIC intends to use the funding to achieve net zero emissions for the community and details all activities undertaken to date during Phase 1. Submission of the Plan represents the conclusion of Phase 1 of the Prairie Island Net Zero Project. Subsequent reports will illustrate activities that the PIIC will undertake in Phases 2 and 3. The Opportunity The PIIC believes this is a special moment and a unique opportunity to develop an innovative approach to creating a net zero community, which is likely a first of its kind in Indian Country. Following a PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 1 competitive bid process, the PIIC selected a Net Zero Team comprised of Indian Energy, LLC, (Native owned and operated), Chief Strategy Group, Inc. (Native owned and operated), and NV5, an international engineering company, as their strategic partners for this Net Zero Project. The Net Zero Team was tasked with assisting the PIIC in establishing clear goals for the Net Zero Project, providing technical analysis of the PIIC’s existing energy portfolio, and developing and executing a Net Zero Project plan that includes conservation, energy efficiency, generation, and sustainability. Getting to Net Zero The Prairie Island Net Zero Project is broken into three phases: Phase 1: Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Analysis, & Net Zero Project Plan Development Phase 2: Net Zero Project Costing and Vendor Selection Phase 3: Construction and Implementation Phase 1: Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Analysis, & Net Zero Project Plan Development The Tribe created a public input protocol by utilizing the PIIC membership as the base. Many of the technical changes that are to take place at Prairie Island will affect Tribal members, thus it was critical to receive feedback from the Tribal membership as to what they believe would be the best path for the Tribe to pursue. The alignment of the community input with the technical solutions was important to create a strategy that is technically accurate while meeting the goals and the vision of the community. The Net Zero Team developed and executed an internal and external stakeholder engagement process that included:     Review of existing document and plans Stakeholder engagement process Community meetings A survey of community members The Net Zero Team conducted four community meetings to engage Tribal membership as part of the overall outreach strategy. The first two meetings were meant to capture the ideas, thoughts, and preferences of the Tribal membership. The community meetings were instrumental in the development of the Net Zero Project’s guiding principles, vision, and confirmation of the Tribal values. Additionally, they provided necessary guidance on technical solutions that were preferred by the community members. Lastly, these first two sessions directly influenced the priority areas for the Net Zero Project, as well as an understanding of the long-term needs and desired governance options. The third and fourth meetings focused on confirming the information and insights gained from the first two meetings. Technical solutions were presented and shared, as was information on why some options may be preferred over others. These meetings and interactions allowed the community to ensure that their thoughts, ideas, and concerns had been appropriately captured and addressed. More importantly, awareness was generated and buy-in was created through the inclusion of the community’s ideas. The Net Zero Team conducted a comprehensive assessment of source energy and end-use emissions to create an emissions baseline. A multi-disciplinary team of Engineers spent three weeks on the Island with the Faculty staff gathering and analyzing data. After analyzing all the data, the Net Zero Team concluded that the Tribe would need to eliminate approximately 20M lbs. of CO2 in 2023. See Figure 1. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 2 Figure 1 – Targeted Reduction of CO2 Emissions by Measure Type of Measure Energy Efficiency Electrification Renewable Generation TOTAL Reduction of CO2 Emissions Pounds % 3,853,717 19.8% 14,700,231 75.7% 872,117 4.5% 19,426,065 100.00% Informed by the baseline assessment, technical analysis, and input from the stakeholder engagement, the PIIC Tribal Council approved a comprehensive plan for the Prairie Island Net Zero Project that maximizes carbon reduction through energy conservation, renewable energy generation, and deployment of innovative technologies.   The PIIC Tribal Council weighed several factors, which included a wide array of technologies, the impact on Tribal Members and Tribal business operations, cultural implications, and the capital costs of each package and its carbon reduction potential. The Selected Net Zero Projects are comprised of 46 individual projects, including LED lighting and controls, a geothermal heating and cooling plant, rooftop and ground-mounted solar, and an energy management system. The Plan will reduce 97% of the PIIC’s carbon footprint. The remaining carbon will be reduced further with future renewable generation or sequestered through planting native vegetation. See Figure 2. Figure 2 – Benchmark and Anticipated Reductions Based on Selected Net Zero Projects Phase 2: Net Zero Project Costing and Vendor Selection Phase 2 involves Net Zero Project costing and vendor selection to create a certified cost report due to the Minnesota Legislature by January 1, 2022. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 3 Phase 3: Construction and Implementation Phase 3 will be construction and implementation of the Plan to achieve net zero emissions. Annual progress reports to the Legislature will begin on July 1, 2022 and continue through completion of the Net Zero Project. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work is the result of a collaboration between the Prairie Island Indian Community and several companies, professions, and across time zones. The study would not have been completed without the input and support of the following individuals: Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council: President Shelley Buck, Vice President Lucy Taylor, Secretary Johnny Johnson, Treasurer Valentina Mgeni, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Michael Childs Jr. Prairie Island Indian Community Net Zero Project Steering Committee: Darrell Breuer, Thomas J. Hanson, Blake Johnson, Brad Johnson, Grant Johnson, Rayanna Lennes, Eric Pehle, John Reich, and Jessie Seim Prairie Island Indian Community Members: Through interviews, a survey, and small group sessions with Tribal elders and youth, dozens of Community members provided their input to the Net Zero Project. Indian Energy: Henry Boulley, Allen Cadreau, Jessica Cadreau and Nicole Cadreau Chief Strategy Group: Michell Hicks, Jason Lambert, and Bryan Small NV5: Jack Gardner, Jennifer Guenther, Ben Juhnke, Dan Kolimar, Billy Parker, Shoshana Pena, Brian Roppe, Tom Schubbe, Isha Shah, Collin Smith, Kyle Thompson, and Brian Wallace Mendota Group: David Sagara and Grey Staples Transform LLC: Carmen Barker Lemay With the additional assistance of Dakota Electric Association, Great River Energy and Xcel Energy. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 5 ACRONYMS AHU Air Handling Unit ASHP Air Source Heat Pump BESS Battery Energy Storage System BTU British Thermal Unit CHW Chilled Water COP Coefficient of Performance DB Dry Bulb DEA Dakota Electric Association DCW Domestic Cold Water (potable) DHW Domestic Hot Water (potable) DX Direct Expansion ECM Energy Conservation Measure EE Energy Efficiency ERU Energy Recovery Unit GHG Greenhouse Gases GRE Great River Energy GSHP Ground Source Heat Pump (also Geothermal Heat Pump) H.F. House File HHW Heating Hot Water HRC Heat Recovery Chiller HRG Heat Recovery/Geothermal HVAC Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning HX Heat Exchanger kV Kilovolts kWh or KWh Kilowatt-hours kW Kilowatt LCC Lifecycle Costs M Million MAU Makeup Air Unit MBCx Monitoring-based Commissioning MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator MN Minnesota M&V Measurement and Verification PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 6 MV&A Measurement, Verification and Analytics MW Megawatt MWh Megawatt-hour NRG NRG Energy O&M Operations and Maintenance OH Overhead PEC People’s Energy Cooperative PF Power Factor PIIC Prairie Island Indian Community PPA Power Purchase Agreement PTAC Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner PV Solar Photovoltaic RDA (Xcel Energy) Renewable Development Account RE Renewable Energy RFP Request for Proposals RTU Rooftop Unit SF Square Foot or Square Feet SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TIRC Treasure Island Resort and Casino V Volt VFD Variable Frequency Drive W Watts WB Wet Bulb WWHP Water to Water Heat Pump WWTF Wastewater Treatment Facility Xcel Xcel Energy PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 7 DEFINITIONS Behind (or Back of) the Meter: Refers to energy that is generated and consumed and or stored by the consumer and is typically NOT metered by the local utility. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): is a device that charges (stores) electrical energy from the grid, later discharging energy to provide electricity or other grid services. British Thermal Unit (BTU): BTU is a measure of the heat content of fuels or energy sources. It is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1°F at the temperature that water has its greatest density (approximately 39°F). The measurement is used to compare energy sources or fuels on an equal basis. Fuels (such as natural gas or electricity) can be converted from physical units of measure (such as weight or volume) to a common unit of measurement of the energy or heat content of each fuel. Dry Bulb (DB): The temperature of air measured by a thermometer freely exposed to the air but shielded from radiation and moisture. Energy Efficiency: Measures or programs, including energy efficiency measures or programs, including energy conservation measures or programs, that target consumer behavior, equipment, processes, or devices designed to produce either an absolute decrease in consumption of electric energy or natural gas or a decrease in consumption of electric energy or natural gas on a per unit or production basis without a reduction in the quality or level of service provided to the energy consumer. (Minn. Stat. § 216B.241, subd. 1 (f)) https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/216B.241. For the PIIC specifically, operate all facilities at the lowest cost with a focus on saving energy by educating Tribal employees and membership on cost saving techniques. Focus on saving a dollar will result in making a dollar. Energy Resiliency: The ability to maintain all critical operations during high and low peak times, utilizing the experience of the Tribe and its ability to survive while protecting the land and resources. Energy Sovereignty: Self-generate all energy on the Reservation to benefit Tribal operations and Tribal membership. Prairie Island becomes an island to itself with an infrastructure that is evolving and sustainable for the benefit of the community. Front of the Meter: Refers to energy that is generated and injected into the regional and or local distribution grid. Examples may include roof top solar, but typically consists of community scale solar and utility scale electric generation. These front of the meter power plants are typically financed through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the local utility. Global Warming: Scientific consensus holds that the rapid rise in human-caused (anthropogenic) GHG emissions is contributing to a general warming of the earth’s atmosphere. In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a special report which concluded that human activities are estimated to have caused an approximately 1.0°C increase in global temperatures above preindustrial levels. The Report further concluded that recent trends in emissions will increase the warming trend and that, “without increased and urgent mitigation ambition in the coming years, leading to a sharp decline in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, global warming will surpass 1.5°C in the following decades, leading to irreversible loss of the most fragile ecosystems, and crisis after crisis for the most vulnerable people and societies.” Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG): The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (frequently referred to as simply “carbon” or CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorocarbons. Carbon dioxide is the primary contributor and methane is the second largest contributor. Methane is ten times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to warming. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 8 Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP): Also referred to as a geothermal heat pump, a GSHP is a type of heat pump used to heat and cool a building by exchanging heat with the ground, often through a vaporcompression refrigeration cycle. It uses the earth, without any intermittency, as a heat source or a heat sink. Heat Pump: A device that can provide heating, cooling and hot water for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Any heat pump installation can provide heating and cooling in parallel. Master Planning: Creating a plan that is expandable and flexible yet aligns with the PIIC expertise and overall vision. Monitoring-Based Commissioning: MBCx is an ongoing commissioning process which monitors and analyzes large amounts of building performance data, such as that from a commercial heating and air units, on a continuous basis. Net Zero Project (or Project): Per H.F. 1842, net zero is defined as net zero emissions. “The Prairie Island Net Zero Project is established with the goal of the Prairie Island Indian Community developing an energy system that results in net zero emissions.” Net Zero Emissions: Refers to buildings or communities where, on a source basis, the Greenhouse Gas emissions produced by the consumed energy (and potentially other products and services) are less than or equal to zero. Given that carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas and activities that reduce carbon also reduce other greenhouse gas emissions (such as methane), the primary focus of the Prairie Island Net Zero Project will be to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions. Net Zero Energy: Net Zero also frequently refers to net zero energy. A net zero energy building is a building where, on a source basis, the actual annual delivered energy is less than or equal to the onsite renewable exported energy. The designated entity can be a building, a campus, a portfolio of buildings, or a community. Other frequently used terms include: zero net energy, zero energy, or zero net source energy use. Net Zero Team: Indian Energy LLC, Chief Strategy Group, Inc., NV5. PIIC NZ Procurement Plan: The plan to obtain bids to develop the Certified Cost Report. The Procurement Plan is elaborated in Section 6 of this report. Plan: Comprehensive Net Zero Project Plan for the Prairie Island Net Zero Project. Prairie Island Indian Community Council: The Tribal Council is the common reference to “The Community Council of the Prairie Island Indian Reservation.” Per the Constitution and Bylaws of the Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota, as amended, it is the governing body of the Prairie Island Indian Community. It is comprised of five, duly elected, members. Its powers, authority, and responsibilities are identified in the amended Constitution and Bylaws. Net Zero Project Steering Committee: The committee that was assigned the responsibility during all phases of the Net Zero Project to assist in advising, guiding, scheduling, and providing general oversight for the Net Zero Project. Procurement Team: The Net Zero Project Procurement Team is a subset of the Net Zero Project Team given the responsibilities of framing and implementing the procurement tasks associated with Phase 2 of the Net Zero Project. They work within the guidance and approval of the Net Zero Project Steering Committee and the Tribal Council. Therm(s): A non-SI (international system of units) unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU). It is approximately the energy equivalent of burning 100 cubic feet (2.83 cubic meters) – often referred to as 1 CCF – of natural gas. According to the EPA burning one therm of natural gas produces on average 5.3 kg (11.7 lb.) of carbon dioxide. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 9 Wet Bulb (WB): The temperature read by a thermometer covered in a water-soaked cloth over which air is passed. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 10 OVERVIEW 1.1 1.1.1 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY Community History The following represents a brief historical description of the Prairie Island Indian Community and its connection to its homeland. The Dakota Oyate (people) lived on the lands around present-day Minnesota and Prairie Island long before European settlers first came to America or moved west. They are the Bdewakantunwan, or “those who were born of the waters.” Prairie Island represents more than land – it is a spiritual place that connects the Dakota to Mother Earth. This sacred land is home to long-gathered foods and medicines that sustained the Dakota through prosperous times and times of need. It represents a place of worship and a final resting place for many Dakota ancestors. The Dakota and Prairie Island are one. Despite the taking of their land and efforts to eradicate them from what is now Minnesota, the Dakota people persevered. Some never left and others returned, proving that the Dakota and Prairie Island are inseparable. 1.1.2 How the Prairie Island Indian Community Came to Be Prairie Island Indian Community Members are descendants of the Mdewakanton (Bdewakantunwan) Band of Eastern Dakota. The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux of 1851, stripped the Dakota of their ancestral lands. The failure of the U.S. government to uphold its treaty obligations led to war with the Dakota people and, ultimately, the largest mass execution in American history – the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Mankato, Minnesota on December 26, 1862. Soon after, Congress invalidated treaties and the Dakota were driven from Minnesota. A small group of Dakota remained and settled near Prairie Island. 1.1.3 The Creation of the Prairie Island Reservation In the late 1880’s, the Secretary of the Interior placed land into trust for Dakota individuals living on Prairie Island. Additional land was purchased under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The Act encouraged tribes to formalize their governments by adopting a Constitution and By-Laws, which the Prairie Island Indian Community did in 1936. A few years later, the U.S. Government allowed the first in a series of events that created ever-present threats to the Prairie Island Indian Community. In 1938, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Lock and Dam Number 3, which flooded much of the Community’s original land base, including burial mounds, and created a larger floodplain. In 1973, Xcel Energy (formerly known as Northern States Power Company) began operating a nuclear power plant and later a nuclear waste storage site adjacent to the Reservation. Resiliency has defined the Prairie Island Indian Community from its earliest history. Despite the many hardships, the Tribe has persevered and survived, overcoming hurdles while focusing on preserving Tribal culture and providing for future generations. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 11 1.2 1.2.1 NET ZERO PROJECT ORIGINS Brief History of Net Zero Project The Minnesota Legislature established the Renewable Development Account (RDA) in 1994 as a condition to allow Xcel Energy to store nuclear waste on site in dry storage casks at the utility’s Prairie Island nuclear power plant. Currently, Xcel Energy pays $500,000 annually into the RDA for each nuclear waste cask stored on Prairie Island; the utility also pays $350,000 for each cask stored at its Monticello plant. House File 1842 (HF 1842) appropriated $46.2 million for the RDA for PIIC to become a net zero energy community, one of the first tribes in the United States to achieve that status and one of only a handful of Minnesota communities aiming to become net zero by reducing energy consumption, installing energy efficient equipment and lighting, and integrating renewable generation to eliminate the production of harmful GHG emissions. Governor Tim Walz signed the bill into law on May 27, 2020. Prior to the Net Zero appropriation, PIIC had not received funds or benefited from the RDA, despite shouldering the risk associated with the storage of the spent nuclear fuel in close proximity to Tribal Member homes. 1.2.2 Net Zero Project Overview HF 1842 authorized the PIIC to receive $46.2 million to fund a Net Zero Project. As provided in the legislation, the “Prairie Island Net Zero Project is established with the goal of the Prairie Island Indian Community developing an energy system that results in net zero emissions.” Further, the law states, “The Prairie Island Indian Community must file a comprehensive project plan with the commissioner of commerce and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over energy policy no later than July 1, 2021, describing the Prairie Island Net Zero Project elements and implementation strategy.” (Laws of Minnesota 2020, chapter 118, section 3). This report fulfills the reporting requirement. This Plan is being filed with Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold, Representative Jamie Long, Chair of the Minnesota House of Representatives Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, and Senator Dave Senjem, Chair of the Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee. The Plan describes how the PIIC plans to use the funding to achieve net zero emissions for the community. 1.2.3 Net Zero Importance International scientific consensus holds that the rapid rise in human-caused (anthropogenic) Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions is contributing to a general warming of the earth’s atmosphere. In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a special report1 which concluded that human activities are estimated to have caused an approximately 1.0°C increase in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels. The Report further concluded that recent trends in emissions will increase the warming trend and that, “without increased and urgent mitigation ambition in the coming years, leading to a sharp decline in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, global warming will surpass 1.5°C in the following decades, leading to irreversible loss of the most fragile ecosystems, and crisis after crisis for the most vulnerable people and societies.” Net zero is achieved by minimizing human caused emissions through energy efficiency, deploying renewable fuels, behavior change, and offsetting what emissions remain using proven approaches to 1 Global warming of 1.5°C: An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 12 remove GHGs from the atmosphere. In the context of this Plan, net zero emissions is defined as GHG emissions, most notably carbon dioxide. The emissions are primarily produced by fossil-fuel generated electricity, petroleum-fueled transportation vehicles, on-site consumed natural gas or propane, and emissions from other residential and commercial activities. Given that carbon dioxide is the primary GHG and activities that reduce carbon also reduce other GHG emissions (such as methane), the primary focus of the Net Zero Project will be to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions. A plan to achieve net zero cannot neglect the human part of the solution as technological fixes are inextricably linked with human comfort and behavioral changes, and because the well-being of the community is critical to achieving successful outcomes. To this end, the Net Zero Project has actively engaged members of the PIIC and other relevant parties to better understand their needs, capture their ideas, and create plans that meet the Net Zero Project’s objectives. Reaching the goal of net zero emissions will be a hollow achievement without also producing significant long-term, sustainable benefits for the community. 1.2.4 Report Outline The plan to achieve net zero is broken into three phases: Phase 1: Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Analysis, & Net Zero Project Plan Development (report due July 1, 2021); Phase 2: Net Zero Project Costing and Vendor Selection (report due January 1, 2022); Phase 3: Construction and Implementation (progress reports beginning on July 1, 2022). This report marks the completion of Phase 1 and activities to support Phases 2 and 3 have already begun. Considerable effort will be expended between July 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022, to put the Net Zero Project on a path to meet the January 1, 2022 deadline to submit the total certified cost of the project to the state of Minnesota. The Phase 1 report is organized as follows: Section 1 – Net Zero Project Overview: Provides a high-level Net Zero Project summary of the report and describes the stakeholder and community engagement that supports the analysis of net zero options and frames the Net Zero Project’s long-term benefits. Section 2 – Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Details the process of stakeholder and community engagement and the results that informed the selection of the Net Zero Projects. Section 3 – Energy Baseline and System Study: Provides details regarding the Energy Baseline and System study used to establish the net zero goal. Section 4 – Net Zero Target: Describes the Net Zero Projects selected to achieve the net zero goal. Section 5 – Net Zero Implementation Plan: Provides the plan for implementing the selected Net Zero Projects. Section 6 – Procurement Plan: Describes the plan, process and procedures the PIIC will use to procure the necessary resources to meet the requirements of HF 1842 and ensure that the funds are prudently spent to maximize benefits to the PIIC and the State. Section 7 – Future Considerations: Discusses future considerations to implement the overall plan and other longer-term considerations. Section 7 also describes next steps after this report is submitted. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 13 COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 2.1 PURPOSE In addition to technical feasibility, projects in Indian Country are subject to the priorities and needs of Tribal communities and other stakeholders. Without significant buy-in from Tribal communities and other Tribal stakeholders, the potential for long-term success of any project is likely minimal. The purpose of the initial community and stakeholder engagement in this Net Zero Project was to understand the priorities of the PIIC membership, staff members, and Tribal Council and generate buyin for the Net Zero Project from all these groups. Once these priorities were understood, it was possible to design a strategy that aligned with Tribal priorities. However, true strategic alignment does not simply include buy-in from the community and staff. It includes alignment from financial and human resources perspectives as well. The financial and human resources piece is especially important in this project since the Net Zero Project is so capital-intensive and requires technical expertise for continued operations. 2.2 METHODOLOGY AND INPUT PROCESS The methodology and input process for community engagement was designed to gather information about the PIIC and determine the priorities, expectations, and needs of the community and stakeholders. These processes included a review of existing documents and plans, stakeholder engagement, community meetings, and a community survey. A review of existing documents and plans was designed to gather data around the current state and operational potential of the Tribal government.    The stakeholder engagement process included group and individual interviews with Tribal Council as well as selected staff members and was designed to collect information about the Tribal government and its current capabilities to support the Net Zero Project. The community meetings were designed to educate, collect feedback, confirm feedback, and present the final Net Zero report to Tribal Members, including elders and the youth. The survey was distributed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data regarding Tribal Member priorities and needs regarding the Net Zero Project. These methodologies and input processes yielded significant data and information regarding community priorities and needs. Further, the processes informed the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis and current capabilities of the Tribal government staff with regards to implementation of the Net Zero Project. 2.2.1 Review Existing Documents and Plans The document review included relevant planning documents that pertain to the PIIC, along with organizational charts, budgets, and other appropriate documents. Organizational documents were reviewed to gain historical context and assess the current operations and current planning efforts as well as organizational intent. The review informed the development of the survey and tools, individual and group interview protocol, and community sessions design. Specific documents reviewed included: prior planning documents, organizational charts, prior annual community update reports, and leadership communication efforts. Tribal leadership and staff have historically engaged in project planning and budgeting activities. As part of this engagement, the goal of the Net Zero Team was to capture essential elements of prior planning initiatives that potentially impact the Net Zero Project and to create the protocol and design the strategic next steps of the Tribe. From the document review phase, our Net Zero Team was able to PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 14 capture prior initiatives, goals, objectives, performance measures, and performance reports. This information was critical to inform the next phases of the Net Zero Project and to create a picture of how the Tribe has grown and evolved over time. 2.2.2 Stakeholder Engagement Process The Net Zero Team collected multiple data points through the stakeholder engagement process. A data point is defined as a key word, phrase, thought, statement or complete sentence around a subject matter that is relevant and provides guidance to this Net Zero Project. These data points were an accumulation of multiple input avenues that have been summarized and divided into the most applicable area, such as SWOT, values, vision, priority areas and strategic pathways. The purpose of the various sessions was twofold. First, the sessions were designed to understand the current state of the PIIC and the strategy for moving forward with key initiatives. The second purpose was to understand the key strategic initiatives the PIIC is interested in pursuing in the future related to the Net Zero Project. The interviews with key stakeholders in group and individual settings provide data from a slightly different perspective than the document review. Although stakeholders are normally upfront with their opinions regarding department interaction, these points of view can vary significantly from one another as well as from the documents reviewed. The interviews taken in their totality provide effective feedback around how well operations are performing as compared to the intent as laid out in formal documents. One facilitation technique used during this process was Ritual Dissent. Ritual Dissent is a rapid prototyping technique designed to posit solutions to problems through quick discussions within a “home” team and listening sessions with various other teams. The technique implements a thought process that requires the participants to find solutions by revisiting ideas multiple times during the sessions. This process is known to truly challenge the brain and each other's ability to criticize each teams' thoughts and solutions until ideas and solutions are fine-tuned to the satisfaction of each group. 2.2.2.1 Tribal Leadership Group Sessions The Net Zero Team facilitated multiple Tribal leadership group sessions throughout this Net Zero Project. These sessions were comprised of the PIIC Tribal Council, and staff were invited to participate in certain sessions. The discussion around the elements of vision, values, guiding principles, and the overall Net Zero Project strategy were critical to the future success of the Net Zero Project. 2.2.2.2 Program Staff and Tribal Council Interviews The Net Zero Team also interviewed all of the current Tribal Council to gain insight on the Tribe’s vision, values, guiding principles, and strategic paths of the Net Zero Project. The interviews centered on the current state of the PIIC and identifying opportunities to grow and expand the impact of the Net Zero Project nationally. The Net Zero Team individually also interviewed multiple program staff and members of the Steering Committee. The interviews with the individual program staff focused on the current state of the programs and the benefit of the Net Zero Project on their operations. Additionally, the Net Zero Team interviewed outside stakeholders that had a current or historical perspective on the Net Zero Project and whose input could help to guide the strategic path of the Net Zero Project. This interview process also allowed the Net Zero Team to capture the responsibilities and expectations of the Tribal Council for the future of the organization, both individually and collectively. The diversity of responses, along with commonalities centered on a shared vision, informed the evaluation and recommendation processes. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 15 2.2.2.3 Steering Committee Updates The Net Zero Team consistently met with the Net Zero Project Steering Committee on a weekly basis at minimum, that focused on Net Zero Project updates and continued guidance on multiple topics, including Net Zero Project scope, scheduling, element progress, and overall direction during the first phase of the Net Zero Project. 2.2.2.4 Tribal Council Updates The Net Zero Team also met with the Tribal Council on a weekly basis. The purpose of the weekly meetings was focused on Net Zero Project updates and scheduling needs. This process allowed the Tribal Council to stay abreast of the major movements within the Project and provided our Net Zero Team the opportunity to gain further guidance. 2.2.3 Community Meetings A key aspect of the stakeholder engagement piece focused on community meetings with the membership of the PIIC. Due to the extended impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic these meetings were primarily held through virtual platforms. A total of four community-wide meetings were held between March and June 2021. Additionally, the Net Zero Team conducted dedicated sessions for both the Tribal elders and the Tribal youth. All of these meetings were facilitated by the Net Zero Team with the assistance of the Steering Committee and the Tribal Council. The first two meetings were a critical input component of capturing the ideas, thoughts, and preferences of the Tribal membership. These were instrumental in the development of the Net Zero Project’s guiding principles, vision, and confirmation of the Tribe’s values. Additionally, they provided necessary guidance on technical solutions that were preferred by the community members. Lastly, these first two sessions directly influenced the priority areas for the Net Zero Project, as well as an understanding of the long-term needs and desired governance options. Through these meetings the community’s knowledge of the Net Zero Project and ideas were gathered and enhanced, thereby positively impacting the future of the PIIC. The second two meetings focused more on confirmation of the information and insights gained from the first two meetings. Again, facilitated by the Net Zero Team, these meetings presented the guidance received from the community on their preferences. Technical solutions were presented and shared, as was information on why some options may be preferred over others. These meetings and interactions allowed the community to ensure that their thoughts, ideas, and concerns had been appropriately captured and addressed. More importantly, awareness was generated and buy-in was created through the inclusion of the community’s ideas. The community meetings directly contributed to SWOT Analysis. Additionally, they provided specific guidance for the technical paths to achieve net zero emissions. 2.2.3.1 Elder Meetings Within Tribal communities the elder population is looked to for guidance, wisdom, and connection to the traditional teachings and culture. Tribes often have very specific criteria for designation as an elder. It was of the highest importance to the PIIC’s leadership that elder input was critical to the understanding, design, and success of the Net Zero Project. Through an existing meeting structure with the Tribal elders, the Net Zero Team was able to have two focused meetings with the elders. Additionally, the Net Zero Team was able to interact with the elders at several other regular meetings. All of these were held virtually. Several of the Tribal elders also participated in the community-wide sessions, as well as the survey. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 16 Specific input from the elders focused on a trust in the responsibility they had placed in their elected officials to make long-term, strategic decisions. The Tribal elders highly valued the positive impact this Net Zero Project could have on younger generations, as well as those generations to come. For many of those that had grown up and live on the Reservation, the reality of living in the shadow of a nuclear power facility was prevalent in their concerns and their hopes. Many personal stories were shared about how the facility and transmission lines and railway service had negatively impacted their lives. Other comments from the Tribal elders focused on environmental impacts and opportunities for younger Tribal members. 2.2.3.2 Youth Meetings The Net Zero Team facilitated one face-to-face input session and one virtual input session with Tribal youth that focused on their knowledge of the Net Zero Project and ideas on the future impact to the PIIC. Gaining input from high school students was important for the Net Zero Project, since they will be adults during the build out of the Net Zero Project, and they will be affected by current decisions that impact their generation. Nearly all of the students indicated that they didn’t know what the Net Zero Project was, however, once the concept of Net Zero was explained, they took a keen interest and drew direct lines between net zero and cultural values, such as protecting Mother Earth. Many of the students stated that their favorite subjects in school were either math or science. From a workforce development perspective, there was sincere interest in jobs that would allow the students to work with their hands – potentially servicing the solar panels or other renewable energy generation systems. Although the students had not been exposed to the Net Zero Project directly, their feedback and perspectives were strongly aligned with the feedback received from other stakeholder groups. 2.2.4 Survey A 30-question survey was developed by the Net Zero Team, reviewed by the Steering Committee and the Tribal Council and communicated to the Tribal community. The purpose of the survey was to gain insight from the community regarding the Net Zero Project. There was a mix of both quantitative and qualitative questions included in the survey. The quantitative questions were designed to measure responses across a common scale. The qualitative questions were designed to allow community members to provide broader feedback that may not have been captured in the quantitative questions. Communication to the community occurred through several communication avenues including a mailing, members-only website, and the members-only Facebook page. A deadline was established for the community members to complete the survey. The survey process began on March 5 and closed on April 6, 2021. The deadline was extended to ensure all Members had a chance to take the survey. A total of 74 responses were received of 570 plus community members over the age of 18. 2.2.4.1 Quantitative The results of the survey were used as a data point in conjunction with community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and document review to identify and confirm overall trends within the community at large. The sample size was not large enough to determine that any findings were statistically significant; however, when compared to other data points collected throughout this process, the survey results are directionally accurate. The age groups with the highest response rates were 25-40 years old and 41-54 years old with over 36% and 32%, respectively. Just over 51% of respondents were female, about 44.5% were male, and 4% preferred not to disclose their gender. Although a significant portion of Prairie Island’s population PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 17 is under the age of 18, there were no respondents that indicated they belonged in that age group. Figure 3 represents the age breakdown of respondents to the community survey. More than two-thirds of respondents were aware of the Net Zero Project. The top three priorities around energy were solar power (94.52%), wind power (58.9%), and power generated from water (57.53%). These priorities are shared in Figure 4. Nearly 71% and over 22% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed, respectively, with the statement, “It is important to me as a member of our Tribe for us to protect the environment with the implementation of any energy solution.” Regarding community improvement, over 55% of respondents ranked casino and hotel operations as most important. Housing and existing land development were the second and third most important priorities, respectively. Figure 3 – Age Breakdown of Survey Respondents Figure 4 – Energy Priorities for the Community Nearly 3% of respondents lost power once a month or more. Over 56% of respondents indicated they lost power a few times a year or once a year. Almost 41% lost power less than once a year. When power is lost, almost 36% of respondents said it lasted less than five minutes, while over 61% indicated power was lost for an hour or two. With respect to home energy, “supplemental solar energy” was the highest ranked priority with a weighted score of 3.81. “Lowering monthly energy bill” and “keeping the lights on” were the next two highest priorities with weighted scores of 3.68 and 2.97. Regarding environmental impact, almost 43% of respondents ranked water quality as the number one priority. Air quality was the second priority with over 38% ranking it first. These concerns around environmental impacts are shared in Figure 5. Over 86% of respondents strongly agree or agree with PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 18 the statement, “It is important to me as a member of our Tribe that we create a PIIC Utility enterprise that reinforces energy sovereignty.” The top three priorities regarding economic development were sustainability of current Tribally owned enterprises (55.41%), sustainability of current Tribal programs and services (54.05%), and development of new Tribally owned enterprises (52.7%). Respondents indicated that clean energy (72.6%) and access to broadband (18.06%) were higher infrastructure priorities than natural gas (10%). Figure 5 -- Environmental Impact Concerns Where Tribal Members live affects both their views and priorities. For on Reservation respondents, 37.5% were 55+ and 34.38% were 41-54 years old, while 50% of off Reservation respondents were 25-40 years old and 30.95% were 41-54 years old. Awareness of the Net Zero Project was nearly identical for respondents regardless of where they lived. The priorities around energy were very similar as well, and they revolved around solar power, wind power, and power generated from water. Regarding community improvement, 60% of respondents living on the Reservation ranked the Casino and Hotel operations as most important. Housing and existing land development were the second and third most important priorities for those living on the Reservation, respectively. For those living off the Reservation, Casino and Hotel operations, housing, and Tinta Wita Tipi were the top three priorities as reflected in Figure 6. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 19 Figure 6 – Community Improvement Opportunities Regarding home energy, “supplemental solar energy” was the highest ranked priority with a weighted score of 3.94 for those living on the Reservation. “Lowering monthly energy bill” and “keeping the lights on” were the next two highest priorities with weighted scores of 3.63 and 2.83. For those living off the Reservation, “lowering monthly energy bill” and “supplemental solar energy” were almost identical as far as highest ranked priority with weighted scores of 3.72 and 3.71, respectively. “Keeping the lights on” was the third priority with a weighted score of 3.08. For respondents living on the Reservation, nearly 47% lost power a few times a year and over 3% lost power once a month or more. When power was lost, over 64% of those living on the Reservation said it lasted an hour or two and over 29% stated that it lasted less than 5 minutes. The on Reservation electricity resiliency is displayed in Figure 7. For those living off the Reservation, less than 13% lost power a few times a year. Less than 3% lost power once a month or more. When power was lost, almost 59% of respondents said it lasted for an hour or two, while over 41% indicated power was lost for less than five minutes. These results are captured in Figure 8. Although the results are not statistically significant due to the small sample size, it is important to acknowledge the differences in energy resiliency between those living on Reservation and those living off. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 20 Figure 7 – Loss of Electricity (on Reservation) Figure 8 – Loss of Electricity (off Reservation) With respect to environmental impact, 60% of respondents living on the Reservation ranked water quality as the number one priority. Air quality was the second priority with 30% ranking it first. For those living off the Reservation, water quality and air quality received the same weighted score of 4.08; however, nearly 45% ranked air quality first, while nearly 29% ranked water quality first. The top three priorities regarding economic development for those living on the Reservation were sustainability of current Tribally owned enterprises (62.5%), sustainability of current Tribal programs and services (59.38%), and development of new Tribally owned enterprises (43.75%). The top three priorities regarding economic development for those living off the Reservation were development of new Tribally owned enterprises (59.52%), sustainability of current Tribally owned enterprises (50%), and sustainability of current Tribal programs and services (50%). PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 21 2.2.4.2 Qualitative Of the 30 questions in the survey, eight provided the opportunity for an expanded narrative response. These questions were important to provide Tribal members an opportunity to answer in their own words, and not choose from a list of pre-selected options. These questions were strategically arranged and placed throughout the survey rather than only at the end. Collectively, the answers and responses from the Tribal membership provide a qualitative element of community input that will substantially influence the Net Zero Project vision, guiding principles, SWOT Analysis, and strategic paths, while also confirming the importance and presence of the core Tribal values. The following questions provided the opportunity for an open-ended response: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. What does Net Zero mean to you? What would you like to see 10 years after this Net Zero Project is successfully completed? Where is the highest impact to the PIIC resulting from the Net Zero Project? If there is another community improvement you would like to see through this Net Zero Project, please specify below. What are the cultural values of the PIIC? What are the most important cultural values that should be considered by this Net Zero Project? Are there other energy improvements that would be beneficial to homes in the long-term not listed above? What impact can and should this Net Zero Project have on youth and elders’ services? All the open-ended questions received an adequate number of responses to influence the direction of the Net Zero Project. Figure 9 summarizes the number of responses per open-ended question. To highlight aspects of the qualitative data gathered from the survey instrument, an analysis of several questions follows. Community members were asked what net zero meant to them. This question was important to gauge understanding and provide a baseline awareness and understanding that can be revisited in future surveys. Approximately 82% of community members taking the survey responded to this question; of those that responded, over 88% provided an applicable response. Several themes and key concepts emerged through the responses, with the following being the most present: savings, self-sufficiency, carbon footprint, environment, and clean energy. More specifically, the responses around clean energy focused on solar and photovoltaic systems. Figure 9 – Open Ended Responses PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 22 When engaging a community for an innovative Net Zero Project community buy-in is critical. The consideration of future impacts of the Net Zero Project are often a means to create that community ownership. The PIIC membership was asked, “What would you like to see 10 years after the Net Zero Project is completed?” and provided answers that influenced the formation of the Net Zero Project’s priority areas. Approximately 77% of those taking the survey completed this question, but over 91% of those responses were considered applicable. Key concepts emerging from the responses aligned with Tribal values, the guiding principles of the Net Zero Project, and are reflected in the strategic paths developed. The answers first focused on savings, particularly at the gaming operation. However, of most importance to the community was becoming self-sufficient as a Tribal nation. This was closely followed by ideas around economic development and sharing the successes with other stakeholder groups. It was important to gauge the prioritization from a community perspective when evaluating results from the Net Zero Project. In essence, what did Tribal membership believe should be the focus of the Net Zero Project for the highest impact to the PIIC. For this question, approximately 59% of respondents provided an answer. Of those, 75% were considered applicable and usable for the purposes of analysis and evaluation. Three primary focal points were present in the responses: savings, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship. The replies being grouped into these categories substantially align with the Net Zero Project vision and priority areas. It was abundantly clear that the Tribal membership was first and foremost focused on financial and carbon savings from the Net Zero Project, closely followed with a desire for the Tribe to control its energy future. These were then grounded with a focus on the environmental impact and protecting Ina Maka (Mother Earth). Alignment with cultural values helps for a Net Zero Project to be accepted within a community, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability even thru leadership changes. Tribal members were asked for their interpretation of what are the cultural values of the PIIC and provided the opportunity to convey this in their own words. Over 62% answered this question, with almost 87% of those responses being considered applicable. Three primary concepts were captured within the responses: a responsibility to Mother Earth, the importance of community, and a focus on future generations. The answers were then evaluated in relation to the core values drafted by the Tribal Council. More than 90% of the responses fit within the seven core values identified for the Tribe, demonstrating substantial alignment, and serving as confirmation of those values. 2.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS SWOT Analysis is a common planning tool used in a variety of analyses and community planning Net Zero Projects. The tool allows an objective evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are present in a community or organization. Once identified, a successful SWOT Analysis realizes value in identifying ways to leverage strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities, and defend against threats. Figure 10 is a summary representation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the PIIC when focusing on a net zero solution. These were identified through the multi-tiered input process of data collection, evaluation, and analysis. More specifically, the individual listings within the SWOT were gathered through the document review, stakeholder engagement, and Tribal member survey. The SWOT focuses on community aspects of the PIIC and does not fully account for the technical considerations. Through the multi-tiered evaluation and analysis, those components that appeared multiple times were prioritized for inclusion in the SWOT. Those components and considerations that were found to occur singularly in one input source may have not been included, as this often indicates an outlier. The identification of these strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will directly contribute to developing strategic paths that best position the community for accomplishment of their Net Zero Project vision. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 23     Strengths are considerations which are internal--within the direct control of the PIIC--and positive in their effect. Weaknesses are those internal influences that are negative in their effect. Opportunities represent positive considerations that are external to the community or organization. Threats are negative influences from externally controlled sources. Figure 10 – SWOT Analysis PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 24 2.4 2.4.1 VISION, VALUES, AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES Net Zero Project Vision A vision statement represents a public acknowledgement of where a community or organization wants to be in the future. More importantly, it states where the organization can be based on its own setting and commitment. It is not a wish list of all the things that could come true under the best of circumstances, nor is it a collection of broad goals. A vision statement focuses attention on the type of strategic choices that will assist the organization in achieving a desired future state and helps measure progress along the way. It is a guide to making informed decisions and strategic choices. The vision statement for this Net Zero Project was developed by the Tribal Council based upon the input from the stakeholder engagement efforts. It represents a Net Zero Project-specific focus, and not an overall vision for the PIIC as a sovereign nation. The Net Zero Project Vision is as follows: To achieve energy sovereignty and sustainability while engaging our members, fostering innovation, honoring the past, and focusing on the next seven generations to create balance with Ina Maka. 2.4.2 Core Values Core Values are foundational principles that stay constant regardless of changes in strategy, vision, or mission. They are not a list of attributes toward which to strive; rather, core values pervade all levels of a Tribal nation and its culture. Core values are foundational. They are not created; however, in some cases they need to be clearly articulated. For Tribal nations the core values are often inseparable from the culture and history. Many times, the values are rooted in the very existence of the tribe and are reinforced through creation stories, history, and oral traditions. They are interwoven through generations and are the fabric that define and hold the culture together. Below is a list of the PIIC’s Core Values: Bdewakantuŋwaŋ Those born of the water Woksape Wisdom Wowaȟbada Peace or Calm Waciŋic’iya Self-dependence Akhidečheča Equality Wowacaŋtohnake Generosity Oahe Foundation PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 25 2.4.3 Guiding Principles In addition to the Net Zero Project Vision and Core Values, a set of Guiding Principles was proposed through work with Tribal leadership. These principles align with the core values and help to provide guidance toward obtaining the Net Zero Project vision. They are more specific and technical in nature than the Tribal values, while embodying those core concepts of the Nation. The solutions and strategic paths moving forward should align with these principles. The Guiding Principles were created through the community engagement and stakeholder processes: the community meetings, membership survey, and stakeholder input sessions facilitated processes and conversations with Tribal leadership furthered these ideas into principles that would guide the development of solutions and the implementation of the Net Zero Project. These are summarized and represented as the Guiding Principles. They seek to provide truths that will be adhered to throughout the Net Zero Project. These Guiding Principles, referenced in Figure 11, are Net Zero Project-specific; however, they may be in alignment with other Tribal initiatives as well. Figure 11 – Guiding Principles PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 26 ENERGY BASELINE AND SYSTEM STUDY 3.1 PROFILES OF UTILITY SERVICE AND CONSUMPTION Formulation of a Net Zero Plan is promulgated on a basic understanding of the consumption profiles of purchased utilities and fuel. Purchased utilities include electricity and natural gas and represent the largest categories of energy consumption within the PIIC. Profiles have been developed from the 2019 usage for three general categories:    Buildings and Purchased Utilities Fleet Vehicles Water Buildings are primarily located in three areas: Prairie Island, Mount Frontenac Golf, and Oyate Place. The highest concentration of buildings and, correspondingly, the highest use of energy is within Prairie Island. Oyate Place is a property being developed at the junction of Highway 61 and 316 and is the location of an existing senior living center, Tinta Wita Tipi. Mount Frontenac Golf is the golf course property southeast of Red Wing. Dakota Electric Association (DEA) provides electric service to Prairie Island. Xcel Energy provides electric service to Mount Frontenac Golf and natural gas service to Prairie Island and Oyate Place. Purchased fuels include propane, gasoline, and diesel. Propane is used at Mount Frontenac Golf and some residences on Prairie Island. The gasoline and diesel fuel consumption of both vehicle fleets used by the TIRC and Tribal Government are also included in the energy baseline. 3.1.1 2019 Base Year The calendar year 2019, representing the last year not affected by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was selected as the base year of the Net Zero Project. The base year consumption includes purchased utilities and fuels used by buildings and vehicle fleets of the Tribal government and TIRC. 3.1.1.1 Buildings and Purchased Utilities Respective consumption is further delineated by major user groups: Casino-Hotel Resort, Tribal/Public Buildings, Residential, and Mount Frontenac Golf. Figure 12 – Major Energy User Groups Casino-Hotel Resort Casinos 1 through 8 Casino Offices Event Center Family Fun Center Water Park Concert Venue Marina RV Park Warehouse and Maintenance Tribal/Public Buildings Community Center/Clinic Elder Center Public Service Administration Buffalo Exhibit Softball Fields Pow Wow Grounds Water and Wastewater Dakota Station and Car Wash Tinta Wita Tipi (at Oyate Place) PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT Mount Frontenac Golf Clubhouse Main Maintenance Buildings Remote Course Maintenance 27 The residential user group is located on the Prairie Island Reservation in three general areas:    Lower Island in proximity to the TIRC and Tribal Government buildings; Mato Circle; and Dakota Circle. Mato Circle and Dakota Circle are located generally northwest of the Lower Island residences along County 18 (Prairie Island Boulevard). Utility and energy consumption of TIRC, Tribal/Public Buildings and Mount Frontenac Golf is based on utility billing data. Residential consumption is based on average consumption patterns for Minnesota households. The average is applied to number of residences on Lower Island (46 residences), Mato Circle (26 residences) and Dakota Circle (24 residences) to yield an annual total estimate of residential utility consumption: electric, natural gas and propane. The propane estimate for residential consumption is based on a count of propane tanks in the respective residential areas: Lower Island, 19; Mato Circle, 3; and Dakota Circle, 8. Figure 13 presents a summary of energy and purchased utilities in support of building operations, specifically electricity, natural gas, and propane. TIRC accounts for nearly 88% of base year electric consumption and 89% of base year natural gas consumption. Approximately 10% of base year electric consumption and 6% of natural gas consumption are by Tribal/Public Buildings. Figure 13 – Base Year Utility Consumption by User Group User Group Casino-Hotel Resort Tribal/Public Buildings Residential Mount Frontenac Golf Total Electricity kWh 28,503,129 3,186,341 712,848 108,440 32,510,758 Natural Gas Therms 1,175,144 80,881 62,800 1,318,825 Propane Gallons 31,368 3,360 34,728 Figures 14 through 16 illustrate the annual consumption patterns of the respective user groups for electricity, natural gas, and propane. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 28 Figure 14 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Electricity Figure 15 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Natural Gas PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 29 Figure 16 – Annual Consumption Patterns – Propane 3.1.1.2 Fleet Vehicles Total Base Year (2019) fuel consumption of the vehicle fleets is 52,296 gallons of gasoline and 9,446 gallons of diesel. Figure 17 provides a breakdown of fuel consumption by application (street and nonroad) and primary user (TIRC and Tribal Government). Virtually all diesel fuel is consumed by non-road vehicles. The vehicle fleet of TIRC accounts for approximately 66% of base year vehicle fuel consumption, gasoline, and diesel fuel. The TIRC fleet consists of 28 street vehicles (sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, dump trucks, vans, and shuttle buses) plus non-road vehicles (golf carts, skid loader, payloader, lawnmowers, street sweeper, and Spirit of the Water yacht). The remaining fuel, approximately 33% of gasoline and diesel fuel, is consumed by the Tribal Government fleet. The Tribal Government vehicle fleet consists of 37 street vehicles (cars, police vehicles, vans, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, fire truck and shuttle bus) plus non-road vehicles (tractor, skid loaders, all-terrain vehicles, mowers, and boats). PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 30 Figure 17 – Base Year Fuel Consumption by Vehicle Fleet Gasoline TIRC Street Non-Road Sub-Total Tribal Government Street Non-Road Sub-Total Total Diesel in gallons TOTAL 29,525.8 2,061.4 31,587.2 203.9 9,170.9 9,374.8 29,729.7 11,232.3 40,962.0 17,365.8 3,343.7 20,709.5 52,296.7 71.7 17,437.50 3,343.70 20,781.20 61,743.2 71.7 9,446.5 The maintenance department is the dominant user of the gasoline and diesel fuel consumed by the TIRC vehicle representing 40% of the total fuel used. Other major fuel users include transportation, marina, valet, and security representing 23%, 15%, 12% and 9% of fuel consumed by TIRC annually. The Tribal Government vehicle fleet shows a similar pattern with consumption dominated by four departments:     Police Roads & Parks Buffalo Exhibit Family Services 42.9% 16.9% 10.9% 8.7% Figures 18 and 19 provide a general comparison of consumption for the fleet of both the PIIC Tribal Government as well as the Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Figure 18 – General Comparison of PIIC Tribal Government Vehicle Fleet Fuel Consumption PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 31 Figure 19 – General Comparison of Treasure Island Vehicle Fleet Fuel Consumption 3.1.1.3 Water Water is complementary to energy and associated emissions. Conservation and management of water consumption preserves a resource but also has implications for CO2 emissions. Energy, primarily electricity, is required for production, treatment, and delivery of water to the end-user for consumption. Additional energy (electricity, natural gas or propane) is consumed to produce domestic hot water and to heat water (natural gas) used in heating systems within buildings. Subsequently, energy is required for wastewater treatment. The water plant has produced an annual average of 106.03 million gallons over the period of calendar year 2018 through 2020. See Figure 20. Figure 20 – Prairie Island Water Production PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 32 The TIRC consumed approximately 92% of water production, or 97.71 million gallons, as shown in Figure 21. The remaining 8% is presumed to be system losses and consumption by lower island residences. Residences at Mato Circle and Dakota Circle have private wells and are not served by the PIIC water plant. Figure 21 – TIRC Water Consumption 3.1.2 Base Year Consumption and Emissions Benchmark For the purpose of this initial analysis, net zero is measured in the context of CO2 emissions. Factors for CO2 emissions are presented in Figure 22. The factors shown for fuels in Figure 22 are default CO2 emission values issued by the EPA. The factors for electric service were provided by the incumbent electric utilities: DEA and Xcel. Figure 22 – CO2 Emissions Factors Type of Fuel Natural Gas LBS CO2/Therm CO2 Emissions Factor 11.71 Propane LBS CO2/gallon 12.38 Gasoline LBS CO2/gallon Diesel LBS CO2/gallon Electric Service LB CO2/MWh Dakota Electric Association Xcel Energy 19.42 22.58 PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 91.26 576 33 These factors are applied to the corresponding consumption of natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel, and electric service to yield Base Year (2019) emissions benchmark of CO2. These factors are also subsequently applied to changes in consumption associated with Net Zero measures for a quantifiable change in CO2 emissions relative to the base year emissions benchmark. 3.1.2.1 Buildings and Purchased Utilities Figure 23 shows the Base Year (2019) CO2 emissions benchmark associated with the energy consumption of the PIIC buildings. Total CO2 emissions are approximately 64.82 million pounds when considered on the basis of fuel and electric service. Electricity is the predominant component of CO2 emissions, about 75%, followed by natural gas and propane: 24% and 1%, respectively. Figure 23 – Base Year (2019) CO2 Emissions Benchmark by User Group and Utility User Group Casino-Hotel Resort Tribal/Public Buildings Residential Mount Frontenac Golf Total Electricity 42,982,718 4,805,002 1,074,974 84,583 48,947,277 Natural Gas 13,760,936 947,117 735,388 15,443,441 Propane 388,336 41,599 429,935 TOTAL 54,743,654 5,752,119 2,198,698 126,182 64,820,653 Figure 24 also shows the Target Year (2023) CO2 emissions benchmark associated with the energy consumption of the PIIC buildings. Total CO2 emissions are approximately 18.89 million pounds when considered on the basis of fuel and electric service, natural gas is the predominant component of CO2 emissions, about 81.7%, followed by electricity and propane: 16% and 2.3%, respectively. The difference between Base Year (2019) and Target Year (2023) electricity emissions is due to the aggressive carbon reduction procurement and/or generation strategies of the PIIC’s serving electric utilities, which are reducing their portfolio’s CO2 emissions by 94%. Target Year (2023) emissions benchmark attributable to the user groups follow the same general pattern as consumption, since CO2 emissions is the simple product of consumption multiplied by a constant for the fuel or utility service. The Casino-Hotel Resort contributes about 86.6% of total CO2 emissions. Similarly, Tribal/Public buildings account for 6.6% of total CO2 benchmark emissions. The Residential user group and Mount Frontenac Golf represent 6.3% and 0.6% of CO2 benchmark emissions, respectively. Figure 24 – Target Year (2023) CO2 Emissions Benchmark by User Group and Utility User Group Casino-Hotel Resort Tribal/Public Buildings Residential Mount Frontenac Golf Total Electricity 2,601,196 290,786 65,055 62,461 3,019,498 Natural Gas 13,760,936 947,117 735,388 15,443,441 Propane 388,336 41,599 429,935 TOTAL 16,362,132 1,237,903 1,188,779 104,060 18,892,874 For the purposes of this report, the Target Year (2023) CO2 emissions benchmark by user group and utility total (18,892,874 lbs) is utilized moving forward as a key metric for the Net Zero Project emission reduction strategies highlighted in Sections 4 and 5. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 34 3.1.2.2 Fleet Vehicles Total Base Year (2019) CO2 benchmark emissions attributable to the operation of fleet vehicles are about 1.2 million pounds. The tabulated emissions, shown in Figure 25, are the product of reported consumption by the fleet vehicles and the respective emission factor for gasoline and diesel provided by the EPA. Figure 25 – Base Year (2019) CO2 Emissions by Vehicle Fleet Gasoline TIRC Street Non-Road Sub-Total Tribal Government Street Non-Road Sub-Total Total 3.1.2.3 Diesel (Lbs. of CO2) TOTAL 573,519 40,041 613,560 4,605 207,102 211,707 578,124 247,143 825,267 337,319 64,949 402,268 1,015,828 1,619 338,938 64,949 403,887 1,229,154 1,619 213,326 Net Zero Emissions Benchmark Total Net Zero CO2 emissions inclusive of electricity, natural gas, and propane to support residences and buildings, and gasoline and diesel used by vehicle fleets are 20,122,028 lbs (18,892,874 lbs buildings emissions + 1,229,154 lbs vehicle fleet emissions). See Figure 26.  Electricity 3,019,498 lbs  Natural Gas 15,443,441 lbs  Propane  Vehicle Fleet 429,935 lbs 1,229,154 lbs As stated previously, electricity emissions (3,019,498 lbs) reflect the Target Year (2023) when the aggressive utility decarbonization efforts are realized. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 35 Figure 26 – Total Net Zero CO2 Emissions Benchmark Electricity emissions reflect the target year CO2 benchmark (2023) when utility decarbonization efforts are realized as referenced in Figure 24. 3.2 ENERGY ASSESSMENTS The baseline energy profiles, and consumption data provide the foundation for evaluating potential energy management and emission reduction measures. This energy assessment process also included a review of the condition and operation of energy-intensive equipment found in heating and cooling systems, domestic hot water systems, laundry equipment, lighting and building controls. The Casino-Hotel Resort was a primary focus of the assessment process, reflecting its predominant contribution to the Net Zero emissions benchmark. Other buildings included in the assessment process are:         Community Center/Clinic Prairie Island Administration Dakota Station Elder Center Mount Frontenac Clubhouse Public Safety Building Residences Tinta Wita Tipi Senior Living Facility Note that some facilities such as Tinta Wita Tipi and private residences were not accessible given health considerations during COVID-19. In these instances, the assessment process was a desk review of potential measures based on consumption data and energy performance standards for type, function, and location of buildings. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 36 NET ZERO TARGET – INVESTIGATED MEASURES 4.1 ALIGNMENT WITH COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Net Zero Team identified 46 measures for incorporation into the Net Zero Project. The measures are grouped within the three topical areas: energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable generation. Based on the results of community outreach conducted throughout the initial months of the Project, these measures are consistent with the ideals and culture of the PIIC as it relates to energy conservation and use. 4.2 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy efficiency has a twofold effect for the Net Zero Target. Energy efficiency measures reduce Community consumption and provide a direct corresponding reduction of CO2 emissions. Correspondingly, this reduction of energy use translates to a potential reduction in required local renewable generation and/or electrification measures and equipment. Thus, by deploying energy savings strategies first, the capital required for development of renewable generation assets is reduced. For simplicity in reporting, energy efficiency measures have been aggregated and organized by three major user groups: 1. Casino-Hotel Resort 2. Tribal Buildings 3. Residences 4.2.1 Casino-Hotel Resort 4.2.1.1 Kitchen Hood Controls Kitchen makeup-air units (MAU) support fresh air ventilation by providing conditioned, constant volume air in the kitchen areas to make up for the air lost due to exhaust fans. The exhaust fans also provide a constant volume exhaust of air from the kitchens to maintain required ventilation. The site has a total of six MAUs located on the casino roof with the following assumptions on fan motor horsepower (HP) size:     MAU-1: 5 HP MAU-2: 7.5 HP MAU-3: 5 HP MAU-4, MAU-5, & MAU-6: 3 HP each The site also has a total of 24 kitchen exhaust hoods located on the casino roof serving different dining areas within the building. The MAUs and exhaust fans have a CAV (Constant Air Volume) fan, which supplies conditioned air to the space in fixed quantity, regardless of the air or cooling demand of the space. Also, the cooling demand of the space fluctuates due to the external heat gain (i.e., solar heat gain and conduction from surrounding walls) which vary throughout the day. The CAV fan operates at a constant speed to provide static air pressure to the system. The CAV fan is typically chosen as a design requirement to deliver static pressure for the air ventilation rate(s) in the room and cooling on the hottest day. Fan speed and associated energy consumption can be reduced because the ventilation rate depends on the occupancy or cooking schedule, and because the cooling demand will be lower relative to the hottest day for the remainder of the year, there is an opportunity to reduce the fan speed to further save energy. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 37 The recommendation is to optimize the operating hours of exhaust fans serving kitchen hood based on operations and planned occupancy in the room. The type of cooking operations can be identified using flow proving switches on the gas supply, occupancy sensors, space temperature sensors, and smoke/CO2 sensors. This will reduce fan running hours and increase energy savings as a result. Correspondingly, this extends to all MAUs serving the same space since reducing exhaust will allow a reduction in required make-up air introduced into the space. The Net Zero Team also recommends retrofitting the CAV fans in both the Kitchen MAUs and exhaust fans inside the kitchen hoods with sensors and variable frequency drives (VFDs). The sensors will modulate fan speed according to cooking activity and occupancy to achieve both space temperature set point and proper volumes of outside air ventilation. With this change, the MAUs and exhaust fans will run at 100% speed when extensive cooking is taking place and at reduced capacity with medium cooking activity. Since fan energy use is proportional to how much pressure a fan creates to maintain flow, energy savings is realized when the fan’s set point is lowered as a result of reduced need. Better control of the kitchen hoods, as recommended, will decrease electric consumption by approximately 48,000 kWh annually. Key factors and assumptions driving energy savings are:     Load factor of all units supply fan motor was assumed to be 80% and efficiency at 80% for baseline condition. Efficiency was assumed at 85% after addition of VFDs to the existing motors. An addition of VFDs would improve motor performance, and thereby increase efficiency. Each individual exhaust fan motor HP was assumed to be 1 HP. Baseline (current) condition: units are operating an average of 15 hours daily and on all 365 days at full (or 100%) fan motor speed. EE measure condition: units are operating an average of 10 hours daily and on all 365 days at variable fan motor speed, which depends on type of cooking activity being performed. This measure will result in an estimated savings of $3,517 annually. The capital cost of this measure is estimated at $20,000. 4.2.1.2 Monitoring-Based Commissioning or Equivalent The site audit presented various energy conservation opportunities to improve the existing equipment performance and help the site conserve and save energy. Monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) is the integration of three components: permanent energy monitoring systems, real-time energy analysis, and ongoing commissioning. Since, MBCx is an ongoing performance analysis of an operational building that provides real-time equipment performance information to the building operators, it will allow the site to track its energy consumption, detect faulty equipment operations, and identify unusual energy or power consumption patterns as they occur. An MBCx platform automatically analyzes data from automation systems, metering systems and other smart devices to identify issues, patterns, deviations, faults and opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction. MBCx will help operators find important information in the data produced by their equipment systems, discovering the invisible issues, quantify the opportunities and form a management feedback loop. Many common issues such as negative pressurization, incorrect sensor readings, valves not stroking properly can be identified through MBCx. Implementation of occupancy schedules and controls improvement can also be done through MBCx. MBCx could be extended to the other facilities to provide additional insights. Through discussions with the facilities Net Zero Teams, it has been identified that a controls upgrade is planned for various facilities outside of TIRC. By incorporating adjacent facilities into an MBCx platform, the selected vendor could provide additional insights to optimize energy spend and to ensure the controls systems PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 38 continue to operate as intended during the warranty period and beyond. MBCx could also be utilized to provide a community facing dashboard to allow members of the public to see real time energy savings to track the success of the Net Zero Project if desired. MBCx is expected to reduce electric consumption by approximately 1,248,000 kWh with a corresponding reduction in operating expense of $90,000 annually. MBCx is a subscriptionbased service carrying an estimated annual fee of $28,320 on a 60-month contract. 4.2.1.3 Lighting The Net Zero Team recommends replacing all linear fluorescent lamps with high-efficiency linear LED tube lamps and replacing CFL lamps with LED screw-in lamps. These lamps offer longer life and better color rendering and will result in an approximate 60% reduction in average fixture wattage. This reduction in wattage will save approximately 1.36 million kWh saved annually and reduce operating expense of the Casino-Hotel Resort by $131,000. The estimated cost of these lighting improvements is approximately $325,000, yielding a simple payback of less than 2.5 years. 4.2.1.4 Lighting Controls In addition to the LED lamp conversion recommended above, the Net Zero Team also recommends installing occupancy sensors and in all common area spaces and hallways of the Casino-Hotel Resort. The sensors and controls should be configured based on type of space, area (square feet), number of fixtures and required minimum light levels. This type of control will allow LEDs to reduce their output by 25-50% on average, with low-traffic spaces able to shut-off entirely. The Net Zero Team estimates the approximate annual energy savings achieved by lighting controls to be approximately 226,000 kWh and with an associated expense savings of $21,700. The estimated cost of the lighting controls is approximately $178,000. 4.2.1.5 Exterior Lighting The Net Zero Team recommends replacing all parking lot and street lighting fixtures with highefficiency LED pole-mounted fixtures. These LED fixtures can provide much higher brightness levels and cutoff designs for reduced environmental impact, while operating at 50% less wattage. A full lighting design survey should be performed using light level analysis software. This tool will provide the correct cutoff requirements and lighting levels needed to efficiently light the intended areas. The Net Zero Team expects the exterior lighting measures to save approximately 51,000 kWh and nearly $5,000 in annual electric expense. The estimated cost of the exterior lighting measure is $47,000. 4.2.1.6 Ventilation Energy Recovery The requirement to ventilate and exhaust air from occupied spaces imparts an energy load on the HVAC systems serving the TIRC complex. This demand can be significant given the extremes of the local climate. The casino has currently installed three (3) rooftop Energy Recovery Units (ERU) that provide ventilation and exhaust air service to the Bingo Hall, Casino Floor #1 and Casino Floor #2. The Units handle approximately 54,000 cfm of air and include Energy Recovery Wheels (ERW) to transfer heat from the warm exhaust air to the cold ventilation air during the winter season. This process is reversed during the summer season, where heat is transferred from hot ventilation air to the cool exhaust air. The process in the hotel rooms is much simpler. Fans exhaust approximately 41,800 cfm of air from occupied spaces and specialized air handling units to heat or cool the make-up ventilation air. In these systems, no heat is recovered and therefore, there is no transfer of air between the ventilation and exhaust air streams. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 39 Ventilation energy recovery is often the first strategy implemented in mechanical systems when energy and emissions are of concern. The equipment is commonly 50% to 65% effective in recovering and transferring air between air streams. This is a direct reduction in the energy required to heat and cool ventilation air. This equipment also has the secondary benefit, when the ventilation system is sufficiently distributed throughout the facility, the resulting outcome is a reduced overall size of the central heating and cooling plant. The proposed solution takes advantage of ventilation energy recovery in two key areas of the facility. First, the three (3) existing rooftop ERUs serving the Bingo and Casino areas are refurbished for improved performance. The wheel media used to transfer energy between air streams is replaced with new media with low odor carryover properties. All bearings, belts and drive motors are replaced, and the equipment’s controls are updated and integrated into the Building Automation System (BAS). Second, new ERUs are installed on all three hotel towers to recovery heat from hotel room bathroom exhaust air. The existing exhaust fans are removed, and new rooftop ductwork is routed to the ERUs. The pre-heated air from the ERUs is then ducted to the existing hotel make-up air handling units. Modern controls are provided for these systems and are integrated into the BAS. The estimated cost of these measures is $787,000. These measures are expected to reduced annual operating expense by approximately $95,000. 4.2.1.7 Water Measures Measures for reducing water consumption will provide associated savings in reduced energy consumption for production of domestic hot water and reduced electric consumption for delivery of water to point of use. Water-energy measures identified for the Casino-Hotel Resort include low flow showerheads, faucet aerators, pre-rinse spray valves, and EnergyStar ice machines. The aggregate effect of these measures is the reduction of natural gas and electric consumption by 44,800 therms, and 12,800 kWh, respectively; and 8.3 million gallons of water consumption. The estimated capital cost of these water measures is $59,000. 4.2.2 Tribal Buildings 4.2.2.1 Lighting Lighting in Tribal and community public buildings was assumed to comply with ASHRAE 90.1 standards of Lighting Power Density. Considering the size and function of the respective buildings (office, clinic, sports, etc.) the lighting power density varies from 0.9 watts/sq ft to 1.2 watts/sq ft. The Net Zero Team assumed that approximately 10% of fixtures and lamps had already been converted to LED during routine burnout maintenance. From this basis the Net Zero Team estimated the annual energy consumption for lighting of the various Tribal and community public buildings (Community Center/Clinic, Elder Center, Public Safety, Tinta Wita Tipi, Dakota Station, Administration and Mount Frontenac Clubhouse) at approximately 603,000 kWh. The Net Zero Team recommends replacing all linear fluorescent lamps with high-efficiency linear LED tube lamps, and CFL lamps with LED screw-in lamps, which will result in an approximate 30-40% reduction in average fixture wattage. The reduction in wattage is calculated using current ASHRAE 90.1 LPD standards. This reduction in wattage will result in nearly 35,400 kWh saved or $3,400 in annual operating expenses. Overall, the Tribal and community building lighting retrofits will result in a 4.4-year measure payback with an estimated cost of $15,000. 4.2.2.2 Water Plant Potable water is used for irrigation of TIRC grounds and the ballfields. The water is pumped from aquifers and treated to potable standards at the water treatment plant. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 40 A recommended water saving measure is to use treated water from the wastewater treatment plant as a source for irrigation. Use of treated wastewater has multiple benefits including reduced freshwater use, reduced freshwater pumping and treatment costs, reduced energy use, and reduced treated wastewater discharges into the Mississippi River. This measure may save approximately 58,000 kWh and 38 million gallons of potable water each year. The Net Zero Project will entail installing new piping and reconfiguring the wastewater treatment plant water distribution system to convey treated wastewater to irrigation locations. The estimated cost of this measure is $350,000. 4.2.3 Residential 4.2.3.1 Energy Report and Monitoring A key element of the Net Zero Project is encouraging changes in behavior at both the Tribal and individual member level in a manner that reduces and sustains lower carbon emissions. The Net Zero Team recommends implementation of a Home Energy Report (HER) program. Such programs provide utility customers with reports that compare their usage against others as a means to track individual consumption patterns but also to allow identification of additional opportunities to reduce energy use. A HER program simply reporting Tribal members energy consumption is not likely to be practical, but one that includes decarbonization messaging with custom usage information and various energy savings tips may be possible. This type of program could have an implementation cost $100,000 but has the potential of reducing CO2 emissions by 22,000 lbs. of CO2 directly and could be used to encourage adoption of other energy savings and/or carbon reducing technologies for additional future savings. 4.2.3.2 Water Measures Reducing water consumption often results in a corresponding reduction of energy consumption. Faucet aerators for kitchen and bathrooms and low flow showerheads are low-cost measures to reduce water consumption. Each residence is expected to reduce energy expense by about $50 per year saving over 17,000 gallons of water over the 10-year life of the measures. The total cost of the Net Zero Project is estimated to be $11,000. 4.3 RENEWABLE GENERATION The Net Zero Team evaluated potential generation from various renewable technologies, considering known Tribal cultural and historical sites, resource availability, environmental, land-use, and electrical distribution system constraints. By reviewing the renewable technologies based off historical data in the region, the Net Zero Team was able to filter out non-cost-effective technologies and focus on only the most beneficial renewable Net Zero Projects. A summary of the resource assessment is included below. PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY NET ZERO PROJECT 41 4.3.1 Solar Figure 27 – NREL Solar Irradiance Map The amount of solar energy produced in a specific geographical area depends on the average daily solar irradiance. Solar irradiance is defined as the power per unit area (typically in Watts per square meter) received from the sun. More generally, it is a factor of how much solar energy is received over a pre-defined area. PV Net Zero Projects that receive a higher amount of annual irradiance produce a higher amount of energy. The PIIC Reservation receives a moderate solar i [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aprairie_island%3Af716fbc9f020b910. Public record. Not legal advice.