HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.e. 2022 ESC Goal Setting
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment & Sustainability Commission Meeting: November 9, 2021
AGENDA ITEM: 2022 ESC Goal Setting Discussion AGENDA SECTION:
(continued) Old Business
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 5.e.
ATTACHMENTS: 2021 Green Step Cities Assessment
APPROVED BY: BLE
2021 Green Step Cities Best Practices Action Table
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion
DISCUSSION
Every fall, the Environment & Sustainability Commission (ESC) embarks on a goal setting exercise for the
following year. The objective is to review existing goals, feedback from the Council, and commissioner
input to better map out the direction of the ESC in 2022.
2021 goals for the ESC encompass the following topics:
Collaboration Procedures Promotion of the Energy Action Plan
Green Development Regulations Native Plants and Pollinator Habitat
Sustainable Purchasing Air Permitting Research & Education
Composting Access and Education
At the October 5, 2021, Council Work Session, the Council provided the following input/suggestions on
what to pursue in 2022:
City website improvement to provide more information for residents on environmental topics
Pursuit of activities within the Green Step Cities recognition program. See the attachment for
actions needed to achieve Step 3 recognition. https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/
Better engagement with business & industry on environmental issues: tours of facilities, interaction
with citizen advisory boards, recognition & promotion of environmental leaders, etc.
Environmental improvements on City owned buildings
At the October 12, 2021, ESC meeting, the Commissioners did goals setting brainstorming. Out of the
that session the Commission discussed how its three core functions are to educate the public on
environment and sustainability topics, learn about/keep current on environment and sustainability issues,
and to advise the City Council.
SUMMARY
No action required.
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Best action one any Growth City 7. 2 & 1 Actions Plan 6. action one any Redevelopment Building 5. 8-5 from one with actions 2 Lighting/Signals 4. 5-3 from one 2; or 1
action Buildings New 3. actions two any Buildings Private 2. 7-3 actions from action one & 2; & 1 Actions Buildings Public 1. achieved level star and # by summary Action
implemented? BP )bold in actions eq.(r rules Action )bold in required( practices
2022 Category A City: ROSEMOUNT
a Step Two GreenStep City as of June 2012
- joined 12/20/11 -
st
Which assessment? Preliminary; for city review Final: April 1 recommendation to LMC
Assessor and date: Kristin Mroz, 10/11/21
NO
NO
Total BPs done: All required BPs done? Distribution BPs done?
13
OO
OO
Recommend new recognition at: Step 3
Recognition at a Step 3 level involves, at a minimum:
CITY BUILDINGS -- BPA 1.2 & one additional action from BPAs 1.3-1.7
COMPLETE STREETS – BPA 11.1 & two additional actions from BPAs 11.2-11.6
PURCHASING – BPA 15.1 & one additional action from BPAs 15.2-15.8
METRICS – BPA 24.2
PREPAREDNESS -- BPA 29.1 (at a 2- or 3-star rating)
BUILDINGS: distribution requirement is 2 BPs ; are 2 BPs done? NO
1.1 @ 2 STARS – 100+ months of data
NO
2.1 @ 3 STARS -- Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Taskforce along with
NO
Partners in Energy have ongoing campaigns:12% increase (2018-2019) in residential
electricity savings (371 new participants in utility energy programs), estimated
1.6M kWhs/yr. saved by 37 businesses signed up for energy assessments
LAND USE: 2 BPs required; are 2 BPs done? YES
6.1 @ 1 STAR – 2030 Comp Plan completed 2009
6.2 @ 1 STAR – Section 11.2
YES
6.3 @ 1 STAR – Comp Plan addresses land use and watershed impacts; coordinated
6.4 @ 1 STAR – Comp Plan aims to minimize open space fragmentation and
establish growth area Chapter 6 & 7
6.5 @ 3 STARS -- Energy Action Plan adopted 2018 with residential/commercial
strategies: 5% community-wide energy reduction goal by 2020 with $1M savings
over 3 years
7.1 @ 1 STAR – R3 medium density and R4 high density residential zones allow
single family 6 unit/acre; DT district mixed use and allows 40 units/acre & MVTA
YES
park and ride
7.2 @ 1 STAR – PUD allows flexible frontage, lot sizes, and density bonuses
7.3 @ 1 STAR – higher intensity commercial land use encouraged DT; reduced lot
sizes and zero lot line setbacks
7.4 @ 1 STAR – member of MC Livable Communities and PUD encourages infill
8. Septics 21. additional one and 2; & 1 Wastewater / Water 20. action one any water: state no if action additional one and 4; water: public state if Water Surface 19. actions
three any Trails & Parks 18. action Stormwater actions Trees action additional 1; Purchasing actions two any TDM / TOD 14. actions two any
Fleets 13. actions Options Mobility actions additional & 1; Streets Green Complete action one any Conservation 10. action one any Development Highway
9. actions two any Mixed
8.1 @ 1 STAR – 2004 Development Framework for Downtown Rosemount
guidelines for redevelopment projects
YES
8.2 @ 1 STAR – community center adjacent to residential center and provides
access for ped/bike and transit
8.3 @ 3 STARS -- energy conservation in PUD ord.
8.5 @ 1 STAR - DT zoning intended to promote compatibility
8.7 @ 1 STAR - incentive for vertical mixed use and 45 height.
10.1 @ 2 STARS -- cluster development allows at least 50% of the developable land
to be permanently protected
YES
10.5 @ 2 STARS -- conservation easements required on all wetlands/wetland
buffers during entitlement; city recommends that land developers deed wetlands
to city
TRANSPORTATION: 2 BPs required; are 2 BPs done? NO
NO
12.1 @ 2 STAR – 2010 Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan; mapped city; Honorable
mention Bike Friendly Community
YES
12.2 @ 2 STAR – 2006 Dakota County Active Living Partnership – assess active living
conditions and suggest policy changes; Active Living section in 2030 Comp Plan
ENVIRON MGT: 4 BPs required; are 4 done? YES
NO
16.1 @ 1 STAR – Tree City USA since 1992
YES
16.5 @ 3 STARS -- tree preservation plan submitted with the grading permit or
building permit application
16.6 @ 2 STARS -- parks department conducts tree inspections for residents &
businesses; grant money used to increase tree diversity in response to EAB
17.3 @ 1 STAR -- standards related on-site rainwater infiltration design and
stormwater runoff volume limits
YES
17.5 @ 1 STAR -- education to residents regarding the protection of surface water
17.6 @ 3 STARS -- salt reduction from 77 to 51 tons/event, 2018-2019; weekly salt
use reports to city council
18.1 @ 1 STAR – Parks, Trails, and Open Space System Plan; trail & sidewalk
YES
improvement map and multi-year plan to maintain and enhance
18.2 @ 1 STAR – budget included in Parks, Trails, and Open Space System Plan and
included in 2030 Comp Plan
18.8 @ 2 STARS -- Adopt a Park program; forest restoration with volunteers
19.2 @ 2 STARS -- ranked 17th in the nation among cities its size for the number of
YES
Mayors Water Pledges made to reduce water usage
19.3 @ 2 STARS – City works with the Wetland Health Evaluation Program to
engage citizen volunteers
19.4 @ 1 STAR – Shoreland regs in Section 11-7-2 of city code
21.1 @ 2 STAR -- point-of-sale non-compliance check
21.4 @ 1 STAR – Section 9-6 of city code
star-3 or 2 a at 1 Adaptation Climate 29. action one any Synergies Business 28. action one any Food Local 27. two any Energy Renewable 26. actions two
any Businesses Green 25. 2 & 1 Actions Involvement & Benchmarks 24. two any Air Local 23. 8-4 from one & 2; or 1 Waste Solid 22. action one any
21.6 @ 1 STAR – city building official works with property owners and system
YES
designers to promote innovative WW systems in sensitive areas
22.4 @ 1 STAR -- Fix-It Clinic promoted on the City's website
NO
ECON & COMM DVLP: 3 BPs required; are 3 done? YES
24.1 @ 2 STARS -- Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Taskforce - REST -
NO
focused on innovation and citizen engagement
24.4 @ 2 STARS -- Taskforce is conducting an ongoing educational campaign by
visiting different groups throughout the community including schools, churches,
and all residents at different community events
24.5 @ 1 STAR -- City's energy action plan was developed to identify baseline data
regarding energy usage
24.6 @ 2 STARS -- Youth Commission
25.2 @ 2 STARS – continuing business outreach through the business blitz, targeted
YES
emails, and door to door outreach, led by REST
25.7 @ 1 STAR -- City utilized social media, electronic signage at City buildings to
emphasize buying local over the holiday season
26.2 @ 2 STARS – info on a thorough City webpage about purchasing clean energy;
YES
insert sent with the City water bill regarding energy reduction opportunities/efforts
26.3 @ 1 STAR
27.2 @ 2 STARS -- ordinance allows 3 chickens; no restriction on bees
27.3 @ 2 STARS –community gardens at 4 parks
YES
NO
ROSEMOUNT HIGHLIGHTS
5% reduction in community energy use from 2018-2020 in Partners in Energy Action Plan resulting in $1M
savings over 3 years
12% increase (2018-2019) in residential electricity savings (371 new participants in utility energy programs),
estimated 1.6M kWhs/yr. saved by 37 businesses signed up for energy assessments
70% of city operations' electricity comes from community solar gardens
Conservation easements required on all wetlands/wetland buffers during entitlement; city recommends that
land developers deed wetlands to city
Salt reduction from 77 to 51 tons/event, 2018-2019; weekly salt use reports to city council
Ranked 17th in the nation among cities its size for the number of Mayors Water Pledges made to reduce water
usage
Wetland Health Evaluation Program used by City to engage citizen volunteers
Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Taskforce is conducting an ongoing educational campaign by
visiting different groups throughout the community including schools, churches, and all residents at different
community events. A Youth Commission also is active.
Oct. 2020>> to receive recognition from the GreenStep Cities program, you will need to report actions by logging into your GreenStep website account << Category A Complete any 8 Best Practices BP #1 plus ONE other Building BP needed for Step 3 recognitionneeded BP1. Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city‐owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.Completedneeded action12. Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city‐owned/school buildings toreduce energy costs. needed action3. Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro‐commissioning/retrofit projects in city‐owned/school buildings.4. Implement information technology efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency. 5. Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met the SB 2030 energy standard or has met or qualified under a green building or energy framework. 6. Improve the operations & maintenance of city‐owned/school buildings and leased buildings by using a customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool, green building framework or green lease.7. Install for one or more city‐owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures: a. A ground‐source, closed loop geothermal system. b. A district energy/microgrid system. c. A rainwater harvesting system for building water use. Optional BP1. Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency. Completed2. Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.3. Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial buildings. 4. Describe energy/water efficiency actions and other green building practices at businesses and not‐for‐profit organizations located within/nearby the city. 5. Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water‐wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.6. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework.7. Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy that includes the SB 2030 energy standard and adopt the language to govern commercial renovation projects that: a. Receive city financial support, and/or b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permits, rezonings, variances, PUD status).determine your category; delete 2 extraneous columns before printingBest Practice #1: Efficient Existing Public Buildings2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings1Step 2 Recognition Minimums by CategoryBest Practice Actions Initial inventory column: select which actions are completed, in‐process, planned, not relevant.>>What category is my city in? See your city page for GreenStep City Category. Buildings & Lighting Best Practices Category: BPs 1 ‐ 5 needed: choose one additional BP action from actions (3) ‐ (7)If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.Step 3 Recognition Minimums by Category>> For each best practice, see the hyperlink listed to view detailed guidance, implementation tools and which cities are completing the actions.
Optional BP1. Require by city policy that new city‐owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. 2. Work with the local school district to ensure that future new schools are built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. 3. Adopt a sustainable building policy for private buildings; include the SB 2030 energy standard; adopt language governing new development projects that:a. Receive city financial support, and/or b. Require city regulatory approval (planned unit development, conditional use permit, rezoning, variance).4. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who build new buildings that utilize the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. 5. Adopt environmentally preferable covenant guidelines for new common interest communities addressing issues such as stormwater, greywater, native vegetation, growing food, clothes lines, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy.Optional BP1. Require energy efficient, Dark‐Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city‐owned/private buildings and facilities. 2. Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals. 3. Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky‐compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes. 4. Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing so as minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds. 5. Use LED/solar‐powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project. 6. Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city‐owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark‐Sky compliant lighting. 7. Replace city‐owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark‐Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies. 8. Replace the city's existing traffic signals with LEDs.Optional BP1. Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations to encourage adaptive reuse. 2. Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization. 3. Plan for reuse of large‐format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add‐on space or repurpose space into new uses.4. Create/modify a green residential remodeling assistance/financing program to assist homeowners in adding space or features such as EV charging, renewables to their existing homes.5. Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings. 3. New Green Buildings4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and SignalsIf implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.5. Building RedevelopmentIf implementing this BP, complete at least action (1) or (2) and … ... complete at least ONE additional action (3) through (5).If implementing this best practice, complete at least TWO actions, including one of actions (5) through (8).
BP #6 plus ONE other Land Use BP neededneeded BP1. Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity. Completedneeded action2. Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.Completedneeded action3. Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed/wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.Completed4. Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria. Completed5. Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and include transportation recommendations such as becoming an EV‐ready city.CompletedOptional BP1. Limit barriers to higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map: a. Neighborhood single‐family density at 7 units/acre or greater. b. Multi‐family housing at a gross density of at least 15 units/acre adjacent to a commercial zoning district or transit node. 2. Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies: a. Incorporate a flexible lot size/frontage requirement for infill development. b. Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning districts. c. Cluster residential development; tie a regulatory standard to comprehensive plan language defining compact city expansion zones that limit low‐density development.d. Allowing accessory dwelling units, single‐room occupancy housing, senior housing, co‐housing or tiny houses/apartments by right in selected zoning districts. 3. Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies: a. Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with reduced lot sizes and zero‐lot‐line setbacks, or a FAR minimum of 1. b. Set targets for the minimum number of employees/acre in different commercial zones. 4. Provide incentives for infill projects, or for life‐cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre.Completed5. Use design to create social trust and interaction among neighbors: modify the city zoning ordinance and zoning map to allow, without variance or rezoning in at least one district, developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.CompletedIf implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.Land Use Category: BPs 6 ‐ 106. Comprehensive Plans7. Efficient City GrowthCompletedCompleted
Optional BP1. Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design processfor the city/a mixed use district. Completed2. Locate or lease a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes: a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center. b. Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking and biking. c. Accessible by regular transit service. 3. Modify a planned unit development ordinance to emphasize mixed use development, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.Completed4. Report that a (re)development meets a city/community‐determined minimum point threshold under the Equitable Development Scorecard or LEED‐ND (Neighborhood Development).5. Have a downtown zoning district that allows residential and compatible commercial development. Completed6. Incorporate form‐based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a diverse mix of uses is desired. 7. Create incentives for vertical mixed‐use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts).CompletedOptional BP1. Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto‐oriented corridor/cluster. 2. Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to: a. Estimate commercial/industrial needs among all jurisdictions. b. Jointly implement recommendations to stage highway/auto‐oriented commercial development in order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low‐density development. 3. Adopt infrastructure design standards that protect the economic and ecologic functions of the highway corridor through clustering of development, plantings and incorporating access management standards.4. Adopt development policies for large‐format developments, zoning for auto‐oriented commercial districts at the sub‐urban edge and/or in tightly defined and smaller urban development corridors/nodes that have some bike/walk/transit access.Optional BP1. Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process. Completed2. For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas, conduct a build‐out analysis, fiscal impact study, or adopt an urban growth boundary and a consistent capital improvement plan that provides long‐term protection of natural resources and natural systems, and agricultural practices outside the boundary.3. For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.4. Adopt a conservation design policy; use a conservation design tool for pre‐design meetings with developers and for negotiating development agreements in cities with undeveloped natural resource areas.5. Preserve environmentally sensitive, community‐valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.Completed6. Conserve natural, cultural, historic resources by adopting or amending city codes and ordinances to support sustainable sites, including roadsides, and environmentally protective land use development.7. Be recognized under the Bird City Minnesota or Community Wildlife Habitat program.9. Efficient Highway‐ and Auto‐Oriented Development10. Design for Natural Resource ConservationIf implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.8. Mixed UsesCompleted
BP #11 and BP #12 neededneeded BP11. Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.Complete action (1), and …2. Adopt zoning language or approve a skinny street/development project that follows green street and/or walkable streets principles.3. Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy. 4. Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid‐block alley.5. Identify and remedy street‐trail gaps between city streets and off‐road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking. 6. Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.12. Mobility Optionsneeded BP1. Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means: a. Produce/distribute route maps, signage or a web site. b. Document increased bike facilities, such as racks, bike stations or showers. c. Add bus infrastructure, such as signage, benches, shelters, park and ride lots, and real‐time arrival data‐streaming. d. Increase the number of employers promoting multiple commuting options, including offering qualified transportation fringe benefits instead of only a tax‐free parking fringe benefit.e. Be recognized as a Walk Friendly or Bicycle Friendly Community. 2. Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School program. Completed3. Prominently identify mobility options: transit; paratransit/Dial‐A‐Ride; ridesharing/cab services; rental cars; bikes; airports. 4. Promote carpooling or ridesharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education. 5. Implement workplace multi‐modal transportation best management practices ‐ including telework/flexwork ‐ in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider. 6. Add/expand transit service, or promote car/bike sharing. Optional BP1. Efficiently use your existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology. 2. Right‐size/down‐size the city fleet with the most fuel‐efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions. 3. Phase‐in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no‐idling practices for city or local transit fleets.4. Phase in bike, e‐bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff. 5. Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicle efficiency and fuels, driver actions to cut costs including idling reduction, and shifting students from the bus to walking, biking and city transit.6. Retrofit city diesel engines or install auxiliary power units and/or electrified parking spaces, utilizing Project GreenFleet or the like. 13. Efficient City FleetsTransportation Category: BPs 11 ‐ 14… complete TWO additional actions.Complete at least TWO actions.11. Living StreetsCompletedIf implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.Problem: Hwy 3 congestion, accident rates?, more development=more people with parking needs2
Optional BP1. Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking.2. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit/density nodes. 3. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of higher density housing at transit/density nodes. 4. Incorporate into development regulations a travel demand management plan or transit‐oriented development standards or LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.14. Demand‐Side Travel PlanningIf implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.
BP #15, BP #16, BP #17 and ONE other BP neededneeded BP1. Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least: a. EnergyStar and EPEAT certified equipment and appliances.b. Paper containing post‐consumer recycled content.2. Purchase energy used by city government ‐ via the municipal utility, green tags, community solar garden, 3rd party ‐ with a higher renewable percentage than required by Minnesota law.3. Establish a local purchasing preference and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally‐produced products and suppliers for common purchases. 4. Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense‐certified products. 5. Set minimum sustainability standards to reduce the impact of your concrete use, asphalt, roadbed aggregate, or other construction materials, and to encourage compost use.6. Require printing services to be purchased from companies participating in Printing Industry Midwest’s Great Green Printer initiative, or certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership..7. Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city. 8. Use national green standards/guidelines for purchasing/investments such as cleaning products, furniture, flooring/coatings.needed BP1. Certify as a Tree City USA. Completed2. Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; require them in private developments and/or use them in at least one development project.3. Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals. 4. Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city. 5. Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance. Completed6. Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of: a. Having trained tree specialists. b. Supporting volunteer forestry efforts. c. Adopting an EAB management plan/climate adaptation plan for the urban forest15. Sustainable PurchasingCompleted16. Urban ForestsEnvironmental Management Category: BPs 15 ‐ 23Complete at least TWO actions.… complete at least ONE additional action.Complete action (1), and …11
needed BP1. Adopt and use Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS). 2. Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.3. Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies: a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 24‐foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 400 average daily trips).b. For sites less than one acre, retain the water quality volume of 1.1 inches of runoff from all impervious surfaces for new and fully‐redeveloped construction sites.c. For non‐MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance and an erosion and sediment control ordinance. Sponsor a robust Adopt‐a‐Drain program.4. Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners. 5. Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices: a. Rain gardens/infiltration practices. b. Rainwater harvesting practices. c. Green alleys or green parking lots. d. Pervious/permeable pavement or pavers. e. Green roofs / green walls. f. Tree trenches / tree boxes.g. Incorporate compost and/or native plants into landscape design.6. Reduce de‐icing and dust suppressant salt use to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.CompletedCompletedCompleted17. Stormwater ManagementComplete at least ONE action.
Optional BP1. Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces. Completed2. Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned. Completed3. Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten‐minute walk of community members. 4. Adopt low‐impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24‐hour stormwater events on site. 5. Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following: a. Low maintenance turf management; native landscaping; organic or integrated pest management; pollinator/monarch‐safe policies. b. Recycling/compostables collection; use of compost as a soil amendment.c. Sources of nonpotable water, or surface/rain water, for irrigation. 6. Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. 7. Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction/remodeling, of at least one park building used an asset management tool, the SB 2030 energy standard, and/or a green building framework.8. Develop a program to involve community members in hands‐on land restoration, invasive species managmenet, and stewardship projects. CompletedOptional BP1. Consistently monitor surface water quality/clarity and report findings to community members.2. Conduct or support multi‐party community conversations around improving local water quality and quantity. Completed3. Adopt and report on measurable, publicly announced surface water improvement targets for water bodies, including the percent of lake, river, wetland and ditch shoreline with at least a50‐foot vegetation buffer.Completed4. Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas; reduce flooding and costs through The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. Completed5. Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help property owners with revegetation. 6. Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan. 7. Create/assist a Lake Improvement District. Optional BP1. Compare the energy use and financial performance of your facilities with other peer plants using standardized, free tools.2. Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or break downs occur.3. Establish an on‐going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems. 4. Assess energy and chemicals use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and report and decrease chloride in wastewater discharges. 6. Implement a wastewater plant efficiency project (co‐generation, water reuse) or a program for local private business operations (water conservation, water reuse, business co‐location).7. Create a demand‐side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems. 20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities… at least ONE additional action.18. Parks and Trails19. Surface WaterIf a city has at least one state‐ designated public water body within its boundaries and chooses to implement this best practice, complete action (4) and at least ONE additional action. *** If a city has no state‐designated public water body and chooses to implement this best practice, complete any ONE or more actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least THREE actions.If implementing this best practice, complete actions (1) and (2) and ...
Optional BP1. Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems.Completed2. Use a community process to address failing septic systems. 3. Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems. 4. Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance. Completed5. Create a program to finance septic system upgrades. 6. Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where standard septic systems are not the least‐cost option to promote innovative waste water systems, including central sewer extensions.Completed7. Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septicsOptional BP1. Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.2. Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:a. Education on needless consumption, waste prevention and alternatives, including product stewardship / producer responsibility.b. Reuse options.c. Recycling / composting options.d. Credits, fees.e. Mandates, bans.3. Improve profitability, legal compliance and conserve resources through adoption of ordinance language, licensing and resource management contracts.4. Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county. Completed5. Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source separated organics collection/management program. 6. Improve recycling services and expand to multi‐unit housing and commercial businesses.7. Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume‐based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.8. Adopt a construction and demolition ordinance governing demolition permits that requiresa level of recycling and reuse for building materials and soil/land‐clearing debris.21. Septic Systems22. Solid Waste ReductionIf implementing this BP, complete at least action (1) or (2), and …If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.... at least ONE of actions (4) through (8).
Optional BP1. Conduct an education/financial assistance campaign around one of the following residential wood burning/auto exhaust issues: a. Indoor and outdoor wood burning behavior, to ensure that wood burning is only done with seasoned wood and in a manner that lessens the impact on neighbors. b. Indoor wood burning technology, to result in community members upgrading from inefficient/more polluting fireplaces and wood stoves to pellet/gas/biogas devices, air source heat pumps, or the most efficient certified wood stoves.c. Smoker cars ‐ older model/high polluting vehicles, to result in repairs spurred by repair vouchers. 2. Regulate outdoor wood burning, using ordinance language, performance standards and bans as appropriate, for at least one of the following: a. Recreational burning. b. Outdoor residential wood boilers. c. Burning of Emerald Ash Borer wood.3. Conduct one or more policy or education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document: a. Decreased vehicle idling, business trucking emissions, pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back‐up generators.b. Participation in the Air Aware Employers program. c. Adoption of a smoking‐free policy at one or more multi‐unit housing buildings, private or public. d. Replacement of gasoline‐powered small equipment with lower polluting equipment. e. Increased sales by retail stores of low and no‐VOC household products. 5. Install, assist with and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles. 23. Local Air QualityIf implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.
BP #24, BP #25, and BP# 29 neededneeded BP1. Use a city commission, or a committee to lead, coordinate, and report to and engage community members on implementation of sustainability best practices. Completedneeded action12. Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals. needed action3. Measure and report progress on sustainability indicators including energy use/greenhouse gas emissions, social vitality/social inclusion outcome measures.4. Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving: a. The entire community. b. Homeowners. c. Front yards/sidewalks, block clubs, neighborhood associations.d. Congregations. e. Schools, colleges. 5. Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a sustainability framework such as: a. Strong Towns, resiliency, transition.b. Eco‐municipalities, Smart Cities.c. Healthy communities, environmental justice, race equity.6. Engage community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government.Completedneeded BP1. Grow new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance and new workforce development. 2. Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance.Completed3. Promote sustainable tourism in your city, and green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around the city. 4. Strengthen value‐added businesses utilizing local "waste" material. 5. Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects. 6. Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program. 7. Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.CompletedEconomic & Community Development Category: BPs 24 ‐ 2925. Green Business Development24. Benchmarks & Community EngagementComplete at least TWO actions.CompletedCompleted
Optional BP1. Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations. 2. Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by: a. A local/municipal utility's green power purchasing program that allows residents/businesses to order/buy new renewable energy. c. Creating and sharing a map of the community's solar resource and/or linking to the MN Solar Suitability App.d. Connecting residents/businesses with the Clean Energy Project Builder for potential installers.3. Promote financing and incentives programs such as PACE for clean energy: a. PACE for commercial property owners to install renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures and EV charging infrastructure. b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems. c. Local/municipal utility renewable energy production incentives and rebates. 4. Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community renewable energy project by: a. Serving as a host site for a community solar garden.b. Facilitating development, by the municipal utility or other entity, of a community solar garden that ensures accessibility and availability to low‐income residents.c. Report city government community solar garden subscriptions, green tag purchases and 3rd party solar purchases under action 15.2.5. Install a public sector/municipally‐owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, micro‐hydro.6. Report installed private sector‐owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes: a. Fueled by flowing water, sun, wind, or biogas. b. Fueled in part or whole by manure or woody (EAB) biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation. c. Distributing heating/cooling services in a district energy system. d. Producing combined heat and power; using a microgrid. e. Energy storage integrated into a renewable energy installation.7. Become a solar‐ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. CompletedCompleted26. Renewable EnergyIf implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions.
Optional BP1. Incorporate working landscapes ‐ agriculture and forestry ‐ into the city by adopting an ordinance for one or more of the following: a. An agriculture and forest protection district. b. A local food production district. c. Performance standards for minor and major agricultural retail. 2. Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily residential developments.Completed3. Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city: a. A farmer's market or co‐op buying club. b. An urban agriculture business or a community‐supported agriculture (CSA) arrangement between farmers and community members/employees. c. A community or school garden, orchard or forest. 4. Measurably increase institutional buying, and sales through groceries and restaurants. a. Purchasing of local/organic/humane/equitable foods by schools, hospitals, nursing homes and event centers. b. Sales of local/organic/humane/equitable food in markets, retail food co‐ops, rural grocery stores, urban convenience stores, food carts/trucks, hotels and restaurants. Optional BP2. Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.3. Require, build or facilitate at least four attributes in a business/industrial park project: a. Shared parking/access, electric vehicle charging for 3% of parking and/or synchronized with solar generation.b. Green product development, manufacturing or sales OR a green job training program.. c. Buildings located within walking distance of transit and/or residential zoning. d. Renovated buildings, buildings designed for reuse, shared recreation/childcare facilities.e. Green buildings built to Minnesota's SB2030 energy standard OR renewable energy generated on‐site.f. Combined heat and power (CHP) generation capacity, shared geothermal heating/cooling, microgrid OR energy storage.g. Low‐impact site development. 4. Use 21st century ecodistrict tools to structure, guide and link multiple green and sustainable projects together in a mixed‐use neighborhood/development, aiming to deliver superior social, environmental and economic outcomes.27. Local FoodCompleted28. Business Synergies and EcoDistrictsIf implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.
needed BP11. Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate‐change‐related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.needed action at a 2‐ or 3‐star rating2. Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy, operations, and budgeting processes. 3. Increase social connectedness through engagement, capacity building, public investment, and opportunities for economically vulnerable residents to improve their economic prosperity.4. Encourage private sector action and incentivize investment in preventive approaches that reduce risk and minimize impacts of extreme weather and the changing climate for human health and the built environment.5. Protect public buildings and natural/constructed infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.6. Reduce the urban heat impacts of public buildings, sites, and infrastructure and provide resiliency co‐benefits.7. Protect water supply and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.8. Improve local energy resilience by minimizing fuel poverty, installing distributed renewable energy systems, and developing microgrids that can improve energy system resiliency.29. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience