Resources

The Morris Model focuses its work on energy conservation, clean energy, community resilience, cultural exchange, and celebration with specific goal areas within clean and efficient energy, transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and education.

Clean Energy

Solar Energy Guide for Morris and Stevens County Residents

Are you a resident of Stevens County interested in solar? This guide covers important terminology and definitions to know, types of solar systems commonly installed on residential properties, solar installers in MN who have worked on projects in Morris before, an outline of the general process with link to important documents and permits needed to install solar, contact information for the City of Morris, Stevens County, and utilities that serve Stevens County, and photos from residential solar projects that are already producing energy in Morris.

Solar Energy Guide for Morris and Stevens County Residents (PDF)

City of Morris Solar PV Performance Report

Over the summer of 2023, the City of Morris and UMN Morris campus worked together to host a German intern from FH Munster school of engineering. Felix spent 5 months living and working in Morris analyzing the performance of the solar PV arrays installed across 4 city buildings. The report reviews the types of solar systems installed on city buildings, makes comparisons between solar in Morris and Germany, and analyzes some residential solar systems in Morris too.

City of Morris Solar PV Performance Report (PDF)

City of Morris EV Permitting Checklist

This guide serves as a checklist for residents and business owners of Morris and Stevens county who want to install an EV charger on their property. We are providing this information to ensure that charging stations can be installed with minimal effort. It has general information for EV charging, opportunities for savings, and contact information for electrical permitting.

City of Morris EV Permitting Checklist (PDF)

Exploring the potential of (air-source) heat
pumps in West-Central Minnesota

This first guide explores the potential of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in rural Minnesota. This report highlights the experience of local residents and HVAC companies already using ASHPs. It also includes a spreadsheet providing estimates on the most economical times to run an ASHP.

Exploring the potential of (air-source) heat pumps in West Central MN (PDF) – 2024

This second guide builds on the work of the first, exploring residential and contractor engagement, documenting a heat pump installation, and looking at utility rate structures. It also follows up on the residents interviewed in the 2024 guide.

ASHP performance assessment, contractor engagement, and utility rate structure

Community Resilience

City of Morris Water Treatment Plant Report

In the Summer of 2022, a German intern from the University of Applied Science in Munster, Michael Abbing, stayed in Morris and conducted an in depth study of the new water treatment plant. His report summarizes the mechanisms and performance of the newly installed Morris freshwater treatment plant and explores potential opportunities for clean energy.

City of Morris Water Treatment Plant Report (PDF)

Education

Energy and Environmental Roadmap for Minnesota Communities

This guide aims to introduce the reader to the City of Morris and the Morris Model Partnership. This guide offers a look into how Morris Model sustainability work began, where it is now, where it is going in the future, and how this process can be replicated across the state of Minnesota in municipalities of all sizes.
This guide consists of many parts: The Morris Model Partnership history and projects, the importance and usage of energy benchmarking in Morris Model projects, the City of Morris Strategic Plan and the importance of these plans to achieving long-term sustainable and equitable outcomes.

Energy and Environmental Roadmap for Minnesota Communities (PDF)

Sustainability Interpretative Pathways

These interpretive pathways were inspired by our sister city, Saerbeck Germany, where signage was put on city buildings highlighting different aspects of sustainability in the community. For these pathways the Morris Model team wanted to broaden the scope to focus on general sustainability education. The City of Morris pathway highlights the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. The West Central Research and Outreach Center pathway highlights their work to piloting an electrified farm in West Central MN.

View the City of Morris Interpretive Pathway Signage