Metropolitan Energy Center

UMKC School of Architecture
2019-07-11 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Glynite Construction
2019-07-12, 2019-09-27, 2019-10-18, 2019-11-16, 2019-12-13 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Green Drinks: Battery Chat at Project Living Proof
2019-07-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
For July’s Green Drinks, we’ll be meeting at Metropolitan Energy Center’s sustainable demo home, Project Living Proof, to talk about battery technology. Most of us are familiar with the uses of batteries for motor vehicles and energy storage, but what about how these batteries are sourced on the front end and recycled or re-used on the back end?
Frank Jakob from Black and Veatch will talk with us about the geography of materials that go into battery technology, where they are assembled, and the scalability of this for an expanded future use. Then how are these batteries are recycle or re-used. We’ll be skipping over the use of batteries, focusing entirely on their sustainability as the technology grows and expands.
In addition, we’ll be taking a tour of Project Living Proof, a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly home to see and experience all of its green updates. We’ll also take a special look at the solar battery storage system that helps power the home.
Hope you can join us for this fascinating topic that will impact us all!

Green CAT
2019-07-26 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT testing energy efficiency in the home.

Missouri VW Settlement Presentation
2019-08-16 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Presentation on VW Settlement for bus, and municipal fleet support held by Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

KCAI- Visual Advocacy Class
2019-09-04 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Green CAT
2019-09-30 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT Training Program to help educate individuals in the community to promote energy efficiency.

Project Living Proof Tour
2019-09-30 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Tour of Project Living Proof for out of town visitors, and locals who are interested in the house.

Green CAT
2019-10-01, 2019-10-02 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT Training Program to help educate individuals and homeowners in the community to promote energy efficiency.

Green CAT
2019-10-04 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT energy efficiency testing in the home.

PLP Board & Staff Workday
2019-11-16 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

MEC Board Meeting
2019-11-20 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Green Drinks
2019-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Evening presentation on utility-scale solar and wind.

Native Plant Sale and EV Display
2021-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Join us rain or shine on Sept 25 for a native plant sale.

Native Plants
Butterfly Station
Garden Tour
Photo Booth
Electric Vehicle Display

Learn about native flowers of Missouri from a Master Gardener, visit our butterfly station, and capture a selfie at our custom photo booth!

There is also a display of electric vehicles. We may be able to accommodate small parties with tours of the interior of the demonstration house. If so, masks will be required for house tours.

Your patronage supports the work at Project Living Proof, a partnership of Metropolitan Energy Center and Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Here, we demonstrate a green living landscape with the use of native plants and the production of fruits and vegetables, which go to a local food pantry.

This event is also supported by the Pilgrim Center and the Prairie and Wetland Center.

Join MEC to Celebrate Energy Awareness Month
2021-10-25 00:00 - 2021-10-31 23:59 | MO
October is annually designated as National Energy Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) participates annually with the intent to draw attention to our nation’s electrical grid system and “to highlight the importance of energy to our national prosperity and security.” As the US DOE states, “Energy, our most critical infrastructure, is all but invisible to most, but our focus on continued innovation protects American lives today and ensures better lives tomorrow.”
This year, Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) will use this truth to draw attention to energy efficiency and how it relates to our infrastructure, including our transportation systems and the built environment. There is indeed innovation happening on a national scale, and it’s occurring quickly. MEC is either hosting, co-hosting, or cross-promoting a number of in-person and virtual events this October to highlight all the ways our nation can modernize the way it uses energy to create a prosperous future for our youth and future generations. Click the links below to learn more about each event and how to participate (more links to come as the suite of events is finalized).
Whether an industry professional or policy maker or technician or a member of the general public, we have at least one event for you. Join us and our members, volunteers and friends during Energy Awareness Month. We’ll celebrate recent achievements and foster accelerated adoptions of energy conservation, renewables and cleaner fuels.
Energy Awareness 2021 Event List:

Native Plant Sale & Drive Electric Week Event at Project Living Proof with Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City
Sept. 25

National Drive Electric Week: South Park in Lawrence
Sept 25

Lion Electric School Bus Ride and Drive: Lee’s Summit Schools
Sept 28

National Drive Electric Week: Driving Electric: Black & Veatch EV Drivers Tell All (Virtual)
Sept 29

National Drive Electric Week: Prairie Village Presbyterian Church
Sept 29

National Drive Electric Week: Independence Chamber of Commerce CANCELED
Oct. 2

National Drive Electric Week: ICT (Wichita Towne East Square)
Oct. 2

National Energy Efficiency Day (Ask Emily for a model Proclamation for your city, business or organization)
Oct. 6

Marquee Event: Our Best Buildings Yet: A Forum on Energy Efficiency in the Kansas City Region and Beyond
Oct. 7

Virtual Workshop on Diesel Emissions Reduction Funding Opportunities: Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
Oct. 12-14

Webinar: EV Fleet Trends: Advice from the Experts (hosted by Louisiana Clean Fuels Coalition)
Oct. 13

Marquee Event Day of EVs (In-Person): Exploring EVs in Municipal Fleets with City of Olathe, Indian Creek Library in Olathe, KS
Oct. 19

Marquee Event Day of EVs (Virtual): Electrifying Terminal Trucks: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Deployments in the Kansas City Region and Beyond
Oct. 19

Our Energy Horizon: A Solar, Storage, Electric Vehicle & Transmission Event, Thompson Barn in Lenexa, KS (hosted by Clean Energy Business Council)
Oct. 25

Weatherization Day 2021
Oct. 30

Earth Day 2022
2022-04-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Celebrate nature, energy efficiency & clean transportation all in one place: Metropolitan Energy Center’s Project Living Proof
We’re marking Earth Day 2022 with a special celebration! Visit Project Living Proof, our 108-year-old home retrofitted with multiple comprehensive energy-saving systems. Check out the latest in electric cars and talk with their owners. Tour natural wildflower and vegetable gardens with the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Or learn how you can save money for years to come on home energy expenses with cost-effective rebates, incentives, and upgrades. There’s something Earthy for everyone, and it’s all in one place on April 30.
With energy prices spiking, there’s never been a better time to consider home energy upgrades. These can be as simple as a weekend DIY project or as ambitious as large-scale whole-house renovations. And if you’re dealing with sticker shock at the gas pump, you’ll want to check the advantages of leaving petroleum wholly (or at least partially) behind. Whether your interests are fixed or mobile, MEC staff and event volunteers will be happy to answer your questions, suggest additional information and show you around the property. Project Living Proof is a unique regional resource and we hope you’ll be able celebrate Earth Day with us.
Project Living Proof is located at 917 East Cleaver II Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64110, just east of the Nelson-Atkins Gallery and west of Troost on the south side of the street. Parking is available just south of the house at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center at 4750 Troost (which is also the location of the electric car showcase).

Energy Action Day - Healthy Homes and Sustainable Rides
2022-10-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Join MEC for a fun-filled day where you can learn how to save money at home and on the road!
Join MEC at our Project Living Proof (PLP) demo home on Saturday, October 1, 10am – 2pm where we will be celebrating Energy Efficiency Month and National Drive Electric Week. See below for the list of activities that will be taking place at the event. We hope to see you there!

• Electric vehicle showcase in the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center parking lot (behind PLP)
• Tours of PLP, a historic home that has been retrofitted with energy efficient systems to prove that energy efficient updates to older homes are possible and affordable
• Koosharina, a local Egyptian food truck, will be present with meat and vegetarian fare
• Lastly, but certainly not least, Ajia Morris with The Greenline Initiative will speak about Environmental Justice, what is happening in Kansas City, and how you can get involved at 11am in the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

WHAT: Energy Action Day with MEC: Healthy Homes and Sustainable RidesWHEN: Saturday, October 1, 10am-2pm with speakers beginning at 11amWHERE: Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110
Additional activities and actions you can take at Energy Action Day:

• Interact with electric vehicle (EV) experts about what’s available in Kansas City to drive electric. Take home a list of EV and plug-in hybrids that are available today.
• Take away tax credit information from the Inflation Reduction Act to upgrade your home’s efficiency and health, or to purchase or lease an electric vehicle.
• Sign up for an energy walk through of your home with Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City.*
• Speak to Kansas City MO’s Health Department about their Healthy Homes Rental Inspection Program and sign up for an assessment.*
• Have fun with a dynamic insulation display and learn more about how air sealing adds comfort to your home with insulation expert Mike O’Connell.
• Get help finding a contractor to improve your home or building’s efficiency attributes.
• Tour our native plantings and water conservation measures. You can even take home a plant straight from the garden!

*Residents must qualify under respective requirements to participate in the program.

A warm thank you to our event sponsors, Bukaty Companies, RE-AMP Network, Plug In America, and Electrify America!

Meet Our Guest Speaker
Ajia Morris, Founder & CEO of The Greenline Initiative (she/her)
– Architect of urban economies– Aggregator of social investment funds– Focused on uplifting historically excluded communities– Game-changer– 20 to Know in Commercial Real Estate

Tour MEC’s historic, energy-efficient demonstration home, Project Living Proof
2023-04-01 08:00 - 2023-04-30 17:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Are you or your small group looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day?

Schedule a tour during April at MEC’s historic demonstration home, Project Living Proof (PLP), that has been retrofitted with energy efficient systems to prove that sustainability and efficiency are possible and affordable, even in older homes.

When: Complete the form to request a time that works for your schedule.
Where: 917 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. KCMO 64110
Who: Neighborhood groups, businesses, nonprofit organizations, youth, government staff, and anyone looking to create a brighter future for all!

Volunteering for Earth Month at Project Living Proof
2024-04-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Join Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) staff and board for a hands-on Volunteer Day at Project Living Proof (PLP), a real-life example for sustainable urban living nestled in the heart of Kansas City. Want to make a difference during Earth Month? This is your perfect outlet. Let’s roll up our sleeves and build a better future together.
Reserve Your Spot Now
We encourage early registration as volunteer spots are limited.

RSVP for the Morning Session

8AM Session Signup

RSVP for the Afternoon Session

Noon Session Signup

See you at Project Living Proof!
Why Volunteer?
You can drive impactful environmental change. This volunteer event is a unique opportunity to apply your skills towards PLP’s demonstration of energy efficiency and green urban living. It’s a chance to be part of a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to leveraging their expertise for the greater good. Create a tangible impact on our environment by helping this project build awareness of sustainable practices in urban settings.
Volunteer Activities Include:

Enhancing PLP’s landscape and accessibility with gravel and sand adjustments around paver walkways.
Preserving wooden walkways and a backyard gravel terrace through water sealing and board replacements.
General maintenance and cleaning to ensure PLP continues to shine as a model of green urban living.
Power-washing steppingstones and walkways to restore their luster.

Project Background
Between 1904 and 1914, the William Rockhill Nelson estate developed the homes along today’s Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. A century later, MEC transformed one of those homes into Project Living Proof, demonstrating the practicality and beauty of sustainable living. With modern energy-generating equipment and energy-saving features, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, and native flora, PLP is more than a house—it’s a statement on achievable green living in urban environments.
Join Us
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiast in sustainable building and design, your contribution is invaluable. This is more than a volunteer day—it’s a collaborative effort between caring people that paves the way for a greener, more sustainable Kansas City.
Please Note: Clicking “Add to calendar” below will not reserve your volunteer spot. RSVP using the gray buttons above.
