We look back at our top accomplishments for the year and announce an exciting opportunity to kick off 2025.

A Groundbreaking and an Energy First for Minnesota

In October, we marked the groundbreaking of The Heights Community Energy, joined by honored guests Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Councilmembers Nelsie Yang and Cheniqua Johnson, the Saint Paul Port Authority, Unidos Saint Paul, project partners, and community members. Located on Saint Paul’s East Side, The Heights is a 112-acre mixed-use redevelopment that will bring 1000 new housing units and 1,000 living wages jobs to the community.

Once completed, a portion of The Heights will be heated and cooled by one of the largest networked geothermal energy systems in the state. It will also be the first site in Minnesota to use aquifer thermal energy storage.

The Heights development is a step towards decreasing the energy burden on the East Side, coupling energy efficient buildings with local and sustainable energy, providing stable rates, and lowering the cost of energy. At the event, Luke Gaalswyk, CEO, summarized this innovative first by saying, “This project is a testament to our shared values as a community, and how committed we are to making progress toward our city and state climate goals.”

Welcoming New Team Members through the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Integration

Ever-Green welcomed 46 new team members in November by assuming responsibilities for the operation of the district energy systems at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. The campus’s energy infrastructure consists of three plant locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and serves 24 million square feet across 250 buildings. We are proud to have been selected by the University and welcome this opportunity to learn from and alongside our new colleagues. Go Gophers!

Growing and Supporting a Strong Team

Ever-Green welcomed 63 new hires. We also recognized the exceptional work of longstanding team members by awarding 22 promotions.

The continued learning and development of our team is a priority, and in 2024, this was accomplished through 5 leadership training sessions and a total of 17 Lunch-and-Learn sessions for employees, focusing on organizational learning, information technology, and health and wellness topics.

Our team members across operations work hard to uphold Ever-Green’s strong safety culture. Since tracking began in June 2024, over 200 safety trainings and 2,500 safety inspections were conducted.

Luke Gaalswyk assumes role of President and CEO of District Energy St. Paul

In October, Luke Gaalswyk officially assumed the role of President and CEO of our parent company, District Energy St. Paul, completing the final step in the succession plan for outgoing President and CEO, Ken Smith. Since Luke joined Ever-Green as president in 2022, he and Ken have worked together to provide a smooth transition, and we are excited about what Luke’s forward-thinking leadership will add to Ever-Green.

Of the new role, Luke commented, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead these innovative and resilient organizations that are making a difference for our clients and for our communities with the important work that we do. It is an honor.”

Looking Forward to 2025 with Complimentary Consulting

The end of the year is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time to set goals and intentions for the year ahead. As we look towards 2025, Ever-Green is proud to partner with Second Nature to offer pro bono consulting services to develop a carbon neutrality plan for a college or university. If your campus seeks to jumpstart its climate goals in the new year, joining the Round V cohort with Second Nature is a great opportunity. We invite you to apply now through Second Nature by January 17.

This pro bono partnership is just one way that Ever-Green hopes to collaborate and exchange knowledge with new communities in the year to come. If you would like to see what else we accomplish in the next 12 months, please follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our Dispatch newsletter to receive updates as they happen.

Now is the time to gather, reflect, and celebrate with your community. Ever-Green Energy wishes you a safe and happy holiday season and New Year.