Not only are renewable energy sources such as wind and solar environmentally friendly, but they’re also a low-cost way to diversify energy grids and make them more resilient.

That’s why government agencies and companies alike are working to integrate more renewable energy sources into their power supply. M-RETS (Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System) helps them realize those goals from their HQ in Minneapolis’ Industrious Downtown.

“M-RETS is a mission-driven 501(c)(4) environmental attribute tracking platform that provides the data that is leading the drive towards economy wide decarbonization,” says Tanya Gajewska, M-RETS’ Chief Administrative Officer. “As a recognized thought leader and innovator, the M-RETS Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) and Renewable Thermal Certificate (RTC) platforms provide key data that help stimulate new and existing voluntary and compliance markets.”

Read on to learn more about the work M-RETS is doing to create a more sustainable tomorrow. Plus, how taking a risk paid off for their team and the Voltaire quote they turn to when the going gets tough.

Tell us about your business.

In plain English we help companies, governments, people, and others track their progress towards achieving mandated and voluntary [environmental] goals. But we are policy and tech wonks so we have to indulge that side!

M-RETS was the first system globally to complete an hourly REC retirement and the first thermal certificate tracking system to execute a voluntary RTC transaction. M-RETS seeks to provide leadership in renewable energy markets worldwide by providing scalable and replicable solutions that help solve environmental problems, with reliable data as a foundation. M-RETS does this through a diverse stakeholder driven board, innovative thinking, outstanding staff, and a culture focused on leadership, excellence, and accountability.

Why do you love what you do?

Supporting companies that are doing the work of building strong renewable energy generation options is exciting. There are new developments and progress every day — and a ton of cutting edge approaches to reducing our environmental footprint.

Some of the new things to keep an eye on are renewable hydrogen, renewable ammonia for fertilizer and power (including fueling container ships), and sustainable aviation fuel.

What makes you excited to come to work?

My colleagues are awesome, my commute is short, and most of the year I can bike to work. The Community Managers are awesome and have made the COVID-19 crisis easier to manage with their support and energy

What are you bragging about these days?

We built and released our own tracking system after leaving our former software provider. It was a hair-raising experience — we have the scars to prove it — and we experienced a lot of ups and downs until we hit our stride.

However, we survived and are the better for it. We have subsequently done things we could have only dreamed about previously. We continue to partner with innovative data providers and customers to figure out ways to help drive decarbonization strategies and policies.

What is some of the best business advice you have ever received?

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” said Voltaire … and frequently quoted by Ben Gerber, M-RETS’ President and CEO.