Monte Hilleman

Responsibilities
Monte Hilleman serves as the leader of the Climate Investment Solutions department at Sustainable Investment Group (SIG), where he oversees market-based strategies to finance decarbonization efforts. Within SIG, he directs a range of offerings, including Net Zero Proformas and Portfolio analysis, Green Financing tools, and transactions involving Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Offsets. These initiatives are supported by his extensive knowledge of financial incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act, Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE), and various other federal, state, and local green finance incentives.

Education
Monte’s educational background includes studies and a senior thesis at the University of Minnesota with a focus on Urban Infrastructure and Ecology. His research centered specifically on sustainable redevelopment of contaminated brownfield properties in urban cores. Monte’s expertise has led him to become a recurring lecturer for numerous educational and industry associations. Additionally, he holds a license as a MN Commercial Real Estate Broker.

Experience
Prior to joining SIG, Hilleman spent almost two decades leading the sustainable development mission of the Saint Paul Port Authority. His exceptional work in this role earned him industry accolades, such as being recognized as the Person of the Year by Brownfield Renewal Magazine and inclusion in the Twin Cities Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list. During his tenure, he was responsible for managing a portfolio of 21 business centers with over 550 companies and more than 25,000 employees. Simultaneously, he spearheaded the development of new large-scale projects.

Monte has been a prominent figure within the US Green Building Council MN, where he has served as the Chair and currently holds a position on the Market Leader Advisory Board. His extensive sustainability expertise contributes significantly to commercial real estate investment. Notably, his unique skill set led to invitations to advise the USGBC’s LEED for Cities & Communities International Work Groups on topics such as Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Equity.

As the leader of ‘The Heights’ development, Hilleman orchestrated the transformation of a contaminated 112-acre golf course into a Net Zero Energy community. This ambitious project involved comprehensive carbon emissions inventories, circular economy strategies, and social equity initiatives. The development encompassed over 1 million square feet of light industrial space, creating 1,000+ jobs and over 1,000 housing units across various types.

Monte managed multiple redevelopment sites concurrently, coordinating multiple consultant teams (design, engineering, legal, construction, etc.). The projects he oversaw encompassed over 200 acres of land and received over $125 million in public sector investment and over $1.5 billion in private investment. Notable achievements included the successful implementation of PACE financing for the largest rooftop solar PV array in MN, as well as the development of the first Net Zero Energy Plaza in the United States. His expertise also covered areas such as energy benchmarking, carbon emissions inventories, historic preservation, mixed-use development, New Markets Tax Credit financing, Next Generation Stormwater Management, public art and placemaking, land development and sales, and various types of bond financing.

Interests
Monte has been a leader and active member of the house music community In Minneapolis since the early 1990’s. He is an accomplished DJ, producer, remixer, record label and music publishing company owner and event promoter. He is a partner and resident DJ at the legendary House Proud monthly events in Minneapolis, held the first Friday of the month for over twelve years.

Fun Fact
Monte also ranked Top 10 in the nation as an amateur “vert” skateboarder in the early 1990’s, competing alongside riders that would go on to star in the X Games. After retiring due to injuries, Hilleman turned to music as his new creative expression.