Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe Tribal Justice Center Reaps Energy Savings

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO) received a rebate from Otter Tail Power Company for incorporating energy efficiencies into its new Tribal Justice Center. Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representatives Ken Johnson and Roger Garton visited Cass Lake, Minnesota, to present the $27,207 rebate check to LLBO officials.

Johnson explained that the energy savings built into the center, combined with our company's rebate incentive, results in a payback period of approximately four years. “It’s an additional cost up front, but it does pay for itself,” said Johnson to the Cass Lake Times. LLBO Construction Manager Frank Schaaf was pleased with the results. “It worked out better than expected,” he said. “We’d like to use this model on all future projects.”

Our company's Commercial Design Assistance (CDA) program determined potential energy savings by using mechanical and architectural structure along with combined lighting and HVAC. To qualify for the CDA program, a building must be at least 5 percent better than the state minimum; the actual rating on the LLBO project is approximately 25 percent above state standards. “We take everything into consideration, including heating and cooling per square foot,” said Johnson.

“We have 22 building renovation projects planned to bring LLBO up to the next level in energy efficiency,” said Environmental Deputy Director/Green Team Member Brandy Toft. “This could result in an overall energy savings of approximately $860,000 for LLBO.” The Tribal Justice Center will be the new home for Leech Lake Tribal Police and LLBO Courts and Legal Department, set to open in early December.

Photo caption: Otter Tail Power Company representatives presented a check for $27,207 to LLBO officials at the new Tribal Justice Center in Cass Lake. Pictured (left to right): LLBO Chief Judge Paul Day, Leech Lake Division of Resource Management GreenCorps Member Matt Rogotzke, LLBO Construction Manager Frank Schaaf, Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representative Roger Garton, Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Ken Washington, Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representative Ken Johnson, and Leech Lake Division of Resource Management Environmental Deputy Director Brandy Toft. Photo courtesy of Cass Lake Times.