We coordinate funding requests for building performance and sustainable transportation projects across Kansas and Missouri. We strive to be inclusive of projects sponsored by small business and frontline communities. Contact us to inquire if your project can access funds through a partnership with MEC.
MEC was founded in 1983 to promote energy efficiency in Kansas City. We continue this work through the Energy Solutions Hub and are a hands-on team committed to helping the entire region save energy. We connect the public and industry stakeholders to incentives and resources, assist owners of commercial and multifamily buildings track their energy and water use, help policymakers understand and adopt the newest building energy codes, and more. Visit the Hub page or contact KT Engle for additional information.
This project is funded through a U.S. Dept. of Energy grant via the City of Kansas City, MO.
Since 1998, MEC has partnered with various stakeholders to advocate for the use of cleaner fuels, fuel efficiency and new transportation technologies. The flagship of our transportation program is Clean Cities, a U.S. Dept. of Energy program that “advances the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation.” The program is comprised of a network of nearly 100 coalitions across the U.S. MEC has the honor of housing both the Kansas City Regional and Greater Kansas Clean Cities Coalitions.
For more information on Kansas City Region Clean Cities, contact Taylor Corn.
For more information on Greater Kansas Clean Cities, contact Djessicka Saintil.
The clean fuel landscape across the Midwest is evolving – and a newly expanded network of Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) coalitions is leading the charge. Clean Cities Midwest Expansion is a growing coalition committed to a cleaner, more sustainable Heartland. Backed by a powerful regional network and decades of clean fuel leadership, we’re working to accelerate the shift to cost-effective, low-emission transportation across Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Contact Taylor Corn to learn more.
In partnership with Children’s Mercy Hospital, MEC is helping make the connection between housing and health. In addition to distributing home energy efficiency kits, MEC staff is sharing with community members and local contractors the importance of weatherization and maintaining a healthy home. Contact Jacob Moore for more information.
MEC manages projects funded by the EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act program. Diesel exhaust is one of the largest contributors to poor air quality and wreaks havoc on the health of people with respiratory issues. The projects support replacement of diesel engines or vehicles and other projects (such as truck stop electrification) to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. Contact Taylor Corn to learn more.
Electric Vehicles in Underserved Markets (EVUM) helps clear the air by reducing diesel pollution. EVUM supports electric vehicle adoption, installs charging stations, and raises community awareness about these resources. The program also helps small businesses and rural cities in Missouri and Kansas accelerate their transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation. Contact Djessicka Saintil for more information.
Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC), in collaboration with Growth Opportunities and local partners, will soon launch a transformative $18 million project aimed at expanding solar access to about 2,000 low-income homes in the Kansas City region.
Metropolitan Energy Center, in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is helping to simplify and accelerate utility service connections for electric vehicle (EV) charging through Charging Infrastructure Interconnection Simplification Resources (CIISR), designed to support small fleets and multi-family housing (MFH) customers by making utility processes clearer, faster and more accessible. Contact Taylor Corn or Djessicka Saintil to learn more.
The foundation of Kansas City Clean Cities, Outreach, Education and Performance Tracking (OEPT) powers MEC’s Sustainable Transportation team by funding outreach, technical assistance and performance reporting. In 2023, the program reduced 46,960 tons of CO₂, saved 6.6 million gallons of fuel and supported 331 vehicle conversions to alternative fuels. Benefiting tens of thousands of stakeholders—including municipalities, schools, businesses, and non-profits—OEPT is central to advancing clean, affordable transportation in Kansas and Missouri. Contact Taylor Corn for more information.
MEC was one of 27 applicants to receive part of $90 million in competitive funding from the U.S. Dept. of Energy to expand the energy code workforce across Kansas and Missouri. MEC is leveraging the expertise of our 30 regional, state, and local partners to work with communities not typically engaged in energy code efforts. Contact Adrien Townsend to learn more.
Biodiesel is an important fuel alternative that supports our economy, provides value to farmers, and improves disaster resilience. With the Kansas Soybean Commission, we work to change attitudes about biodiesel through fleet outreach and education. Fleets can receive up to $2,000 in rebates for biodiesel purchases. For additional information, contact Djessicka Saintil.
Through our Green Fleets program, our goal is to significantly improve the environmental and economic performance of business and government fleets across the region. We provide hands-on support to fleet managers, analyze their data and create a green fleet plan, and utilize our regional rating system to recognize fleets who have made positive progress toward their environmental goals while being more efficient. Contact Taylor Corn to learn more.
MEC is partnering with the Kansas City Public Library to make our community’s libraries healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient, while also bringing interactive exhibits that teach about energy savings. Contact Jacob Moore to learn more.
MEC is partnering with the World Resources Institute on a “train-the-trainer” program to help school districts transition from diesel to electric school buses. Through training in Washington, D.C. and ongoing work with rural and underserved districts in Missouri and Kansas, MEC staff are equipping administrators and fleet managers with the knowledge and tools needed to explore electrification. While the program does not directly deploy buses, it lays the groundwork for healthier air for students, cleaner communities, and long-term cost savings for schools, with the ultimate goal of seeing more electric school buses on the road across Missouri and the Midwest. Contact Taylor Corn to learn more.
Kansas City, MO’s Streetlight Charging in the Right-of-Way pilot project has installed 23 electric vehicle (EV) chargers using the city’s streetlight infrastructure. This innovative project demonstrates how curbside charging can expand access to EVs, especially for renters, multi-family housing residents, and others without off-street parking. Visit the project page or contact KT Engle to learn more.
This project was designed to increase the use of alternative fuels in Kansas and Missouri by: 1) expand fueling infrastructure along key highways; 2) partner with local communities where infrastructure investments take place under the grant to educate, promote alternative fuels, and create a replicable grassroots model to expand clean-fuel markets; 3) assist local communities in first-time alternative fuel adoption and organizations working to expand existing alternative fuel fleets. It is estimated this project saved consumers and fleets more than $400,000 in annual finances.
Kansas and Missouri, along with 17 other states across the country, are building state-wide initiatives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). We are working with consumers, utilities, regulators, and government officials to advance EV infrastructure planning and ownership.
To learn more about the project, visit Electrify Heartland, the national project page, or contact Taylor Corn.
Four all-electric terminal trucks were deployed in Chicago and the Kansas City metro. Orange EV, the truck manufacturer located in Kansas, KS, was the nation’s first manufacturer to offer 100% electric Class 8 vehicles. MEC will create outreach materials based on the experiences of our project partners, and users of the demo truck available through the project, so fleets across the country can access reliable data in support of cleaner, more efficient freight handling. Visit the project page to learn more.
MEC’s projects are something I looked forward to. You guys really had to navigate sometimes but you never shied away from it. You were the grunt work and we were just the pathway to make it all “go”. I do hope MEC continues to “go”, too. I’m sure it will with y’all at the helm.
Danielle Wells patiently held our hands and dealt with our many questions and concerns when entering data for the Benchmarking project. She went above and beyond the call of duty with her Customer Service skills. Ms. Vickie was also very helpful and very joyful to talk to. You have an amazing team and we look forward to working with your team again next year!
In my opinion, your process was way easier…It’s our go-to contract. We get GROOVY prices.
[on MEC’s consulting services, as City of Kansas City Fleet Administrator]
I just wanted to share my appreciation the March 31, 2022, training class. It was well presented and helped us provide the usage information needed for timely submitting the 2021 benchmarking this year.
