EC Agenda 9-18-2023
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-
415-655-0001 and entering access code 2453 165 1685.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or
any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman,
Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of August 28, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
6. Old Business
A. Land Acknowledgement - Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ/Bassett Creek and BAEGV Forum (10 min)
i. Special/joint commission meeting with DEIC
ii. Upcoming regular meetings
7. New Business
A. Energy Action Plan progress (40 min)
B. Home Energy Squad renewal (15 min)
Action Requested
C. Program/Project Updates (5 min)
D. Council Updates (5 min)
E. Other Business
8. Adjournment
September 18, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Conference Room
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-415-655-
0001 and entering access code 1773 93 4642.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any
items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman, Environmental
Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Hill at 6:30 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Wendy Weirich, Tonia Galonska, Sarah Drawz, Paul
Klaas, Ellen Brenna, Kenna Brandt
Commissioners absent: Rachel Zuraff
Council Members present: None
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of August 28, 2023, Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Weirich, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the agenda for
August 28, 2023, and the motion carried.
5. Approval of July 24, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brandt to approve the minutes of July
24, 2023, as submitted and the motion carried.
6. Old Business
A. Cooling Centers
i. GV Library and Brookview are listed on the Hennepin County website as cooling centers
in Golden Valley.
1. Are there any others that aren’t listed? Maybe non-profits?
ii. Staff are exploring different options for sharing alerts and information with community.
iii. This will be back on the agenda in a couple of months when staff has more information.
B. Land Acknowledgement – Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ / Bassett Creek
August 28, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 28, 2023 – 6:30 pm
2
i. DEIC is thinking of doing the joint meeting for a presentation in October. The
Commission members prefer to cancel their October meeting if this happens on a day
other than their regular meeting day.
ii. Also looking to Co-Host the Building an Equitable Golden Valley Forum Honoring
Indigenous People and Culture in November.
7. New Business
A. Outdoor Lighting Code
i. Commissioner Klaas reviewed a PowerPoint presentation with the Commission he
prepared on light pollution and Golden Valley’s outdoor lighting ordinance.
ii. We can’t become sustainable without updating the Lighting Ordinance.
iii. If the lighting is done correctly, you don’t need a ton of it.
1. Lights should point down and be fully shielded.
2. Police studies have shown that bigger, brighter lighting isn’t effective in providing
enhanced security. Studies show motion detecting lights are extremely effective.
iv. Many cities have been actively engaged in updating their ordinances.
1. Duluth, New Prague, Royalton, Richfield, Plymouth, Bloomington, Sauk Rapids,
and Scandia. Some were listed in a Star Tribune article from December 22, 2022.
v. Light Pollution is global and local
1. Light Trespass – Unwanted light intruding onto a person’s property or area of
concern.
2. Glare – Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort. There’s no value to
this light.
vi. There is currently no model ordinance for cities to refer to when creating their own.
1. Minn. Stat. 16B.328 gives an outline of items that should be addressed in a
lighting ordinance.
2. Staff can check with League of Mn Cities.
vii. Organizations to look potentially consult:
1. IESNA – Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
1. Professional society of lighting engineers.
2. International Dark-Sky Association – Dark sky advocates who have a list of
principals for guidance.
1. The City could become Dark Sky Certified.
3. Dark Sky Consulting, Inc – They advise municipalities creating new ordinances.
There is a fee involved.
1. Possibly have them look at the code once updated?
4. Starry Skies North – The local Chapter of International Dark-Sky Association.
viii. The Lighting Ordinance is in the Zoning Code.
1. The EC can recommend changes based on environmental factors.
2. 1st reading of a new ordinance would go to the Planning Commission. The 2nd
reading would go to council.
ix. The updated code should be less complicated and more enforceable. Simplify!
1. Measurement of 0.5 footcandle vs. Can your neighbor see the bulb? Might need
both for various circumstances.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 28, 2023 – 6:30 pm
3
2. Switch from watts to lumens.
x. Five principals for outdoor lighting:
1. Useful – All light should have a clear purpose.
2. Targeted – Light should be directed only where needed.
3. Low Light Levels – Light should be no brighter than necessary.
4. Controlled – Light should be used only when it is useful.
5. Color - Use warmer color lights where possible.
1. Blue light is more harmful – the warmer the light the more pleasant it is.
2. Use 3000K or less. This is missing in our current ordinance. Golden Valley
worked hard to get 3000K LEDs in street lighting rather than 4000K
proposed by Xcel Energy. This delayed implementation but was important
to the commission and community.
xi. Q & A brainstorm session.
1. Color temperature matters
2. Don’t want to be the ‘light police’
3. Reflect values of community; have enjoyable public spaces and quality of life
4. Easy fixes can be done internally
5. Balance between simple and enforceable
6. What about decorative lights, sign lights, etc?
7. Is there an accepted calculator to estimate the community’s potential reduction
in energy/costs/CO2 emissions if we update the code? Like the rooftop solar
capacity tool and others. Check with Partners in Energy staff.
B. Program/Project Updates
i. There have been no new reports of rejected organics loads.
ii. Republic Services will be conducting an annual participation study in October for both
traditional recycling and organics recycling.
C. Council Updates
i. Council approved the ballot language for the sales tax initiative. Check out the website
for more information.
ii. Council voted to revoke the Conditional Use Permit at Shapco Printing, Inc. – 1109 Zane
Ave N due to a landscape buffer not being installed.
iii. Elections – Find a link to a list of candidates running for Golden Valley Mayor and
Council.
1. League of Women Voters holding a Golden Valley Mayor and City Council
Candidate Forum on September 28, 7:00-8:45, at City Hall.
iv. Council has started the process of approving the City Budget.
D. Other Business
i. Next meeting is September 18, 2023 – was moved to avoid Yom Kippur.
ii. Tonight is Youth Member Kenna Brandt’s last meeting.
iii. Beekeeping
1. No council date yet.
2. The Star Tribune had an article on beekeeping in the 8-27 edition.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 28, 2023 – 6:30 pm
4
iv. PIE has a webinar on “Equity in Energy, Engagement, and Planning” on 9-21, 12:30-1:30.
Commissioner Galonska shared a sign-up link.
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm
and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Dawn Hill, Chair
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: September 15, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: Energy Action Progress Update
As identified in its work plan, the Environmental Commission works with staff to monitor and report on
the community’s progress on the Energy Action Plan (EAP). The EAP has three main goals: eliminate
65,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, add an estimated $8.7 million in first year energy savings, and
support 24 energy burdened households per year. We track other data points as well, some of which will
be shared later in this memo.
Staff recently received updated reports from CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy with consumption data,
program participation data, cost savings data, and other important metrics for our EAP. We are exceeding
some goals, on pace with others, and falling behind in a few other areas.
Updates For Three Main Goals
Now that we have fully complete data from CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy for all of 2022, along with
a couple of corrections for 2021, we have a few updates to report.
In the charts that follow, the gray bars on the right are the goals set by the community in the Energy
Action Plan. The colored bars on the left indicate the progress we have made so far. Green means we are
meeting or exceeding our goals and yellow means we are falling behind.
First, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction for 2021 is 2,793 tons, not 5,139 as stated in the previous
report. We received full, corrected data for 2021 and 2022 from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy that
gives us a more accurate and complete picture. In 2022, we cut 6,270 tons (9,063-2,793) of greenhouse
gas emissions, reaching a total cumulative reduction of 9,063 tons since the start of the Energy Action
Plan. This puts us at 93% of our goal for 2022. These emissions reductions are calculated through
electricity and natural gas savings achieved through program participation and consumption reduction,
without factoring in the electricity generation portfolio of Xcel Energy, which is becoming cleaner each
year.
*2021 data is only July-December
*2021 data is only July-December
Next, the community achieved $655,809 in first year energy savings through 2022. The incomplete energy
savings for 2022 were reported as $386,146 in the previous memo to the Environmental Commission.
Now the total has increased by $269,663 since we received the complete set of data. This puts us at 50%
of our cumulative goal for 2022, which is a slight improvement from our 41% mark in 2021.
*2021 data is only July-December
*2021 data is only July-December
Finally, we supported 38 energy-burdened households in 2022, according to Xcel Energy’s data. This puts
us at 106% of our goal for 2022. As in 2021, we remain on pace with our goal. However, this data does not
include participation in programs offered by CenterPoint Energy that might reach more energy-burdened
households, and it does not capture the outreach that staff has done through mailings, posts on the
website and social media, tabling at events, presentations to property managers for renters, and various
other forms of outreach and support. We are waiting for updated Department of Energy data showing the
increase in energy-burdened households over the last couple years, and we are aware that the pandemic,
increasing costs of electricity and natural gas, and a variety of other factors have contributed to the
increasing number of energy-burdened households across the city, county, and state.
*2021 data is only July-December
*2021 data is only July-December
Residential Sector Metrics
There are several residential metrics worth noting. First, Golden Valley is mostly on track with our goals
for Home Efficiency Rebates from CenterPoint Energy. We reached 94% of our goal in 2021 and 95% of
our goal in 2022, with 357 participants. However, we are falling slightly behind on our goals for
Refrigerator Recycling participation, albeit a minor program. We reached 79% of our goal in 2021 and 86%
of our goal in 2022 with 55 participants, so we are improving but are still slightly behind. Golden Valley is
greatly exceeding its goals for participation in CenterPoint Energy’s Residential Heating and Cooling
programs, with 245 participants in 2022, compared to a goal of 73. We also saw a drastic increase in the
number of Smart Thermostat participants, with 5 reported in 2020, 165 in 2021, and 185 in 2022. We did
not set specific goals for this program in the EAP, but it is encouraging to see so much interest in one of
the simplest and most effective energy saving measures. Home Energy Squad (HES) also reported strong
participation numbers as we continue to exceed our goals. 68 residents signed up for HES in 2021, 63 in
2022, and already 51 through only the first 6 months of this year, which exceeds our goal of 43
participants in 2023. HES is discussed in more detail in a separate memo for this meeting.
Commercial & Industrial Sector Metrics
There are also several commercial and industrial metrics to call out. First, we are on track with
CenterPoint Energy’s rebates for these sectors. Golden Valley had 168 participants in 2022, exceeding our
goal of 101 participants. We also reported 708 participants in 2021, which was mostly due to the large
number of thermostats put in at multifamily buildings. In addition, we achieved 21 participants in the
Multi-Family Building Efficiency program in 2022 and 13 participants in 2021, both of which far exceeded
our goals of reaching 1 per year both years. However, Golden Valley is below its 2022 goal to reach 72
participants per year in the Lighting Efficiency program, with 47 participants in 2021 and 42 participants in
2022. Lighting upgrades are among the cheapest and easiest switches to make to save energy, so there
may be more work we can do to promote this solution. However, because it is frequently the first step
that businesses take to become more efficient and save money, many businesses may have already
upgraded their lighting. This could be one reason why the participation numbers are lower in recent years.
Comparing Residential and Commercial/Industrial Sector Metrics
As outlined in our Energy Action Plan, the commercial and industrial sectors account for 76% of the
electricity consumption and 58% of the natural gas consumption in Golden Valley, based on the 2019
benchmark (see charts on next page).
In 2022, CenterPoint Energy reported 78,683 therms of savings for residential customers, compared to
131,961 therms of savings for commercial and industrial customers. Savings for both sectors continue to
grow compared to 2020 and 2021. The total savings in 2022 for commercial and industrial premises were
59.9% of the overall reduction across all sectors, which closely parallels the commercial and industrial
consumption percentage (58%).
Across all sectors, Xcel Energy’s data shows a consistent participation rate in demand side management
programs. In 2022, there were 896 participants compared to 985 in 2021 and 897 in 2020. In addition,
there is a slight increasing trend in renewable energy participation. In 2020, there were 944 participants,
1,019 participants in 2021, and 1,027 participants in 2022. Unfortunately, Xcel Energy does not report
energy consumption and savings broken down by sector. Staff are looking into the ability to acquire that
data so we can closely look at the energy savings in each sector based on participation in the various
programs Xcel Energy offers. Commercial and industrial premises make up a much larger portion of the
electricity consumption in Golden Valley, so understanding the best ways to reduce energy use and
increase cost savings in that area will make the largest impact.
As seen in the charts above, commercial and industrial sites make up a large proportion of the energy
consumption in Golden Valley, even though they only comprise about 10% of the premises in the city. The
charts below show the overall electricity and natural gas consumption across Golden Valley since the 2019
baseline year. CenterPoint Energy reports consumption by sector so the final chart shows residential
versus commercial and industrial natural gas usage over the past four years.
Total Consumption
(millions of kWh)
Percent Change
from 2019 Baseline
2019 314 0%
2020 298 -5%
2021 304 -3%
2022 300 -4%
Electricity Consumption Across All Sectors
Residential
Consumption
(millions of therms)
Commercial
Consumption
(millions of therms)
Total Consumption
(millions of therms)
Percent Change
from 2019 Baseline
2019 8.8 12.5 21.5 0%
2020 7.9 11.0 19.1 -11%
2021 7.3 10.6 18.0 -16%
2022 8.5 12.0 20.7 -4%
Natural Gas Consumption Across All Sectors
As shown in the charts on the previous page, both electricity and natural gas consumption have decreased
since the 2019 baseline. Electricity consumption is more consistent than natural gas consumption because
it does not fluctuate as much with weather variation, but the community has decreased usage over the
past few years. Natural gas consumption increased last year, likely due to the abnormally long, cold winter
which required more natural gas for heating, but overall consumption is still lower than the baseline.
Business Programs and Resources
Home Energy Squad has been a big success among residents in Golden Valley, because it is a low-cost or
free service that helps people identify cost-saving changes that can be made. Businesses have similar
programs available to them, most of which are free. However, staff have not seen data showing that
businesses are signing up for those free audits and assessments. The “Energy Hero” Recognition Program
has not received any acceptable applications and the data we receive from Xcel Energy does not include
business energy assessments in their metrics. CenterPoint Energy does include audit participation data in
their report, but only one business signed up for their Audit Services in 2022. The data shows that
businesses are taking advantage of the various rebate programs offered by the utility companies, but staff
does not have evidence of much participation in audits and assessments. Some businesses may be signing
up for programs not offered by the utility companies, which is why we are not seeing that participation in
the data reports they provide to us.
Staff have presented at multiple business meetings to talk about the Energy Action Plan, free audit and
assessment opportunities, and various energy resources available to businesses. Outreach through
mailings, social media posts, emails, flyers, and individual meetings has not been fruitful either. Staff will
continue to promote the numerous free audits and assessments available for businesses, as they are a
great way to guide energy efficiency decisions and improvements.
Below is the current list of programs that we have linked on our website for businesses:
“Save money Save money and energy with a visit from Energy Smart. Energy experts will conduct
a free whole-building energy audit and help businesses identify opportunities for savings.
The One-Stop Efficiency Shop helps small business customers identify opportunities to improve
lighting and HVAC systems with a free assessment.
If you have a refrigeration system, you’ll also benefit from signing up for Xcel Energy’s Commercial
Refrigeration Efficiency program, which offers free refrigeration assessments to help determine
how to reduce energy use and costs.
If you are a large business customer, take Xcel Energy’s Energy Assessment Match questionnaire
to find the assessment best for you. Visit xcelenergy.com/Business to get started.
If you have a small business, sign up for a free Minnesota RETAP assessment. The on-site visits
from their skilled, retired professionals can find you ways to increase energy efficiency and water
conservation and reduce waste and operating costs.
If you are an Xcel Energy Minnesota commercial customer, MN CEE Business Energy Assessment
offers affordable whole-building energy assessments. Though not required, facilities with building
automation systems (BAS) and centralized HVAC systems will benefit most from an MN CEE
Business Energy Assessment.”
Partners in Energy Community Collaboration Program
Golden Valley is a “graduate” community of the Partners in Energy program since we have completed the
initial implementation phase. However, we continue to regularly meet with their staff to provide updates
on our work and receive resources and connections to support the ongoing implementation of our Energy
Action Plan.
Staff requests that commissioners review this information and come to the meeting prepared to discuss
their thoughts on overall progress, areas in which to focus within the residential and business sectors, and
specific actions to help improve those areas/metrics.
Staff is also looking for input and guidance from commissioners on how to reach businesses and whether
additional City resources are needed to help encourage or incentivize businesses to sign up for energy
assessments and audits and make improvements.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: September 15, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: Home Energy Squad
For the past three years, Golden Valley has provided free or reduced cost Home Energy Squad visits to its
residents through an agreement with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Many residents have
taken advantage of this incentive to have energy efficiency specialists come to their homes to complete an
audit.
During the visit, the auditors assess and adjust water heater temperature, perform blower door tests to
measure the home for air leaks, inspect insulation in the attic and walls using an infrared camera, perform
a safety test on the home’s heating system and water heater, and do free installation of a variety of
energy-saving materials, including LED lightbulbs, door and attic hatch weather-stripping, high-efficiency
water fixtures, and even programmable or smart thermostats.
*2023 progress data is only January – June (6 months)
The city aimed to have at least 41 residents sign up for the program in the first year, with a gradually
increasing goal to increase participation each year as outlined in the Energy Action Plan. So far, through six
months of 2023 data, the city has already exceeded its goal of 43 participants. 51 households took
advantage of the Home Energy Squad program this year.
For a brief period in 2022, Partners in Energy offered free visits for any Golden Valley resident that signed
up, which the City promoted through various methods of communication, and many residents signed up.
Those numbers do not show up in the invoice table because the City did not need to reimburse CEE for
those visits, but those sign-ups do appear in the previous chart.
Below is a table breaking down the participation in Home Energy Squad by visit type each quarter. There
are some discrepancies between the invoice numbers from CEE versus the number that Xcel Energy
reports. Some visits might occur without the resident taking advantage of the subsidized rate that Golden
Valley offers, which is why the Xcel Energy numbers are occasionally higher. Xcel Energy’s numbers also
include visits that occurred in the first half of 2021 that are not reflected in the invoices, since we did not
incentivize visits prior to then. The chart on the previous page shows the higher total from either report.
The table below shows the invoiced totals from CEE.
Q3 ‘21 Q4 ‘21 Q1 ‘22 Q2 ‘22 Q3 ‘22 Q4 ‘22 Q1 ‘23 Q2 ‘23 Total
HES Saver
($35/$70)
1 1 2 1 5
HES Planner
($50/$100)
9 39 16 22 6 11 27 17 147
HES Low Income
($0/$100)
4 2 4 1 2 2 15
Cost $450 $2,385 $1,035 $1,500 $400 $550 $1,620 $1,085 $9,025
The agreement between the City of Golden Valley and CEE, who organizes the Home Energy Squad visits,
is currently active but set to expire December 31, 2023.
Staff previously presented a memo to the Environmental Commission in April 2022 about the Home
Energy Squad agreement. That discussion led to a recommendation and eventual approval to renew the
agreement with CEE from June 2022 through the end of 2023, with a budget amount of $10,000 for the
contract term. Since that renewal, only $3,655 of the budget has been spent, thanks in large part to the
free visits Partners in Energy (PiE) offered that the city does not need to financially support.
After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to recommend renewal of
the agreement with the Center for Energy and Environment for another two years, with a total
reimbursement budget of $10,000 for the contract term.
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – September 2023
GREENCORPS PROGRAM
The City will have another Minnesota GreenCorps member join them in late September to work on projects
like energy action, recycling education, Emerald Ash Borer planning and outreach, GreenStep Cities reporting,
and other sustainability initiatives. They will be introduced to the Environmental Commission at a future
meeting.
MN GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM
The City achieved Step 5 once again in 2022 and continues to work on advancing its measures and metrics
ahead of its year-end report in 2023. To see how the City fits into the larger statewide program, please see the
attached annual report from the GreenStep program managers.
WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Project
The SEA School-Wildwood Park flood storage phase of the project will be wrapping up in September.
Restoration and planting will take place immediate after the flood storage is created. The DeCola Ponds D and
E storm sewer outlet pipe replacement phase of the project is set to begin in the next month. All of this work
with help lower flood levels, reduce flood risk and damage, and increase community resilience to a changing
climate.
WASTE & RECYCLING
Organics recycling videos – Staff was working with the MN GreenCorps member and city communications
team to develop a series of educational videos about organics recycling. They will continue on this project with
the new MN GreenCorps member to develop more recycling education.
Organics recycling reminder – Staff recently sent out an educational letter about organics recycling,
encouraging residents to participate in the City’s organics recycling collection service.
The April 2022 - April 2023 reporting year
brought us back together in-person as the
COVID-19 pandemic eased up. There were
145 city and tribal nation participants in the
program, covering 52% of the state's total
population (see Page 2).
The City of Paynesville joined the program at
Step 1 and 42 other cities advanced to Steps
2 or 3 or maintained their Step 4/5 status
(see Page 3). Across all participants, 207 new
best practice actions were reported on the
website among all 29 Best Practices -
reaching a milestone of over 5,000 action
reports (see Page 4)! This year, 6 participants
reached Step 5 by demonstrating improved
metrics for the first time (see Page 5).
We were able to host 12 virtual workshops
that covered multiple topics, delivered 10
GreenStep road signs, and 18 volunteers
visited with over 200,000 state fair goers
(see Page 8). We also launched a 9-month
long pilot for the new Gold Leaf local climate
action program (see Page 9).
Finally, as we prepared for both state and
federal opportunities through funding and
new resources, we developed a GreenStep
Into the Future report that looked at what
the program could be with additional
resources (see Page 11).
Thank you for another great year!
Congratulations to Leech
Lake Band of Ojibwe for
moving up THREE steps in
one year! LLBO achieved
Steps 3, 4, and 5 between
April 2022-April 2023.
A N N U A L R E P O R T
20 2 3
S UM M A R Y
www.MNGreenStep.org
Mayor Patrick Hanlon (center) and Council members Brian
Hunke (left) and Heidi Garrido (right) celebrate the City of
Hopkins Step 4 & 5 awards at the League of Minnesota Cities
conference in Duluth. (Photo Credit: City of Hopkins)
Under 10001001-50005001-25000More than 25000500
400
300
200
100
0
are large (St. Paul, pop. 311,527)
and small (Hewitt, pop. 251)
are located in 57 of the state's 87
counties (66%)
include areas of environmental
justice concern: 75 participants
include at least one census tract
with populations of:
at least 40% of people
reported income less than
185% of the federal poverty
level (74 communities)
50% or more people of color
(22 communities)
federally recognized tribal
areas (5 communities)
Program Participants:
52%of the state's
population live in a
GreenStep City or
Tribal Nation
of Minnesota's
855 cities are a
GreenStep City
27%of GreenStep
Cities are at the
highest Step -
Step 5
17%
146 Cities and Tribal
Nations participate
in the program
68 GSCs
located
in 7-
county
Metro
78 GSCs
located
in
Greater
MN
Of all Minnesota cities, 80% of the largest (25,000+ pop.), 56% of the medium
(5,001-25,000 pop.) and 7% of small (under 5,000 pop.) cities participate.
All Minnesota
Cities
GreenStep
partcipants
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTSPROGRAM PARTICIPANTSPROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
65 GSCs are
Category A
71 GSCs are
Category B
10 GSCs are
Category C
2 0 2 320232023
S t e p A d v a n c e s !S t e p A d v a n c e s !S t e p A d v a n c e s !Total unique communities
advancing a step in 2023:
43
Mahtomedi
Maplewood
Marshall
Minnetonka
Moorhead
Morris*
New Brighton
Northfield
North Saint Paul
Oakdale
Roseville
Saint Anthony
Village
Saint Louis Park
Savage
Shoreview
Woodbury
Apple Valley
Bloomington
Burnsville
Coon Rapids
Cottage
Grove*
Duluth
Eagan
Eden Prairie
Falcon Heights
Fridley*
Golden Valley
Hopkins*
Hutchinson
Inver Grove
Heights
Jordan
La Crescent*
Leech Lake
Band of
Ojibwe*
Step 4 & 5:
Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa
Mendota Heights
Mora
New Prague
New Ulm
Saint James
Step 2:
Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe
Robbinsdale
Wyoming
Step 3:
bold - indicates a city that progressed
more than one step this year
* - indicates a city that has reached Step 4
or 5 for the first time
That's 29% of total
GreenStep participants!
Paynesville
Step 1:
GreenStep Cities participants and partners at the 2023 League of Minnesota Cities annual conference.
Everyone who
achieved Step 4
this year, also
achieved Step 5!
5138
T o t a l c u m u l a t i v e
a c t i o n s f o r a l l
c i t i e s
207
N e w a c t i o n s
r e p o r t e d t h i s y e a r
A c t i o n s a r e
r e p o r t ed a t
th e 1 -, 2 -, o r 3 -
s t a r l e v e l
T o t a l a c t i ons
r ep ort e d at t he
3-s tar l ev el
956
Arden Hills Project Circulation Plan is required for
larger redevelopment projects to consider all modes of
transportation and integration with current plans.
Burnsville organics dropsite located at a city park was
estimated to divert 202,748 pounds of organics in 2022.
Edina adopted a Green Fleet Purchasing Policy in
2022 that requires all new light-duty fleet vehicles and
off-road or lawn equipment vehicles be phased-out and
replaced with electric and low-carbon fuel alternative
options, eliminating 122 metric tons of GHG for every 1%
of the fleet transitioned to EV.
Notable Actions reported this year:
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa's Gitigaan program offers gardening
and food-related workshops throughout spring and
summer, providing 140 Fond du Lac households
with over 40 varieties of seeds and vegetable
plants, tilling services, and a fall fest celebration.
Grand Rapids installed the state's FIRST
solar-storage project in 2021 - a 15 acre,
pollinator-friendly, 2 MW and 1MW/2.5-hour
energy storage battery site and the largest
solar installation operated by a municipal
utility in Minnesota.
Lake Crystal completed a public/private
tree inventory in 2022 that informed the
city that 31% of trees are ash and lead to
the completion of an Emerald Ash Borer
Management Plan.
New Prague city parks ordinance
requires all parks be able to retain water
for a minimum of a 2.5-inch rain event.
New Ulm completed 20 lighting upgrades
between 2018-21 that resulted in first 5-year
savings of 49.1 kW, 152,819 kWh, and $18,211
- an average payback of 3.4 years.
Richfield's organized solid waste
program launched in 2021, offering bi-weekly
trash collection with “pay as you throw” prices.
Cost savings include 90+% of residents saved
on recycling price and 60-80+% of residents
saved on their trash price.
Saint Peter requires all electric utility
customers to participate in an "electric
load management" program when central
air conditioning is newly installed or replaced.
Wyoming is home to the FIRST
Minnesota-made fully electric fire truck,
built by Rosenbauer.
Mendota Heights offers a rain
garden installation program for
residents whose property is part of a
street improvement project.
New Hope completed the
deconstruction of a home in
collaboration with Hennepin County and
Better Futures MN in 2022.
20182019202020212022202375
50
25
0 20172018201920202021202220235
4
3
2
1
0 5,045 newtrees were planted in2022 (8.6)
44.5 miles of
new or
sidewalks or
trails were
completed in
reconstructed
2022 (4.1)
Cities reported an average of 4.5
pounds of solid waste generated
per city resident/per day, a pound
increase over 2022 metrics (13.1)
housing
units (of
total
housing
added)
(7.6)
renewable energy
generation sites reported -
an increase of 1,510 sites
compared to the previous
year (14.1)
Cities report owning or leasing 61
electric vehicles in the city
fleet; up from just 28 in 2018. (3.5)
What do the
metrics tell us?
Step 4&5 MetricsStep 4&5 MetricsStep 4&5 Metrics
In 2023, 33 communities completed Step 4 and all 33 also completed Step 5 metrics
reporting. All communities submitting metrics received recognition. Two communities
reached both Steps 4 and 5 this reporting year. For two communities, this was their first
time reporting Step 4 metrics and six reached Step 5 for the first time this year.
(Metric numbers are shown in parenthesis.)
See more metric
summary & individual
city accomplishments
on our Recognition
page.
See how cities
compare on 21 key
metrics in the Step 4 &
5 Metric Dashboard.
21 communities report
100% of their traffic
signals have been
converted to LED (1.5)
The average %
of total
use that is met by generated
and/or purchased renewable
energy increased from 36% in
2021 to 38.5% (14.6)
government energy
Communities reported adding
an average of 37% affordable
A collective total of
4,398 municipal
and private
An average of 94% of residents
in reporting cities live within
one mile of a bike route (4.2);
77% live within ¾ mile of
transit route (5.8); 88% live
within ½ mile or 10 minute
walk of parkland (8.3)
All cities with reported Regional Indicators
Initiative data (32) show an increase in 2021
reported city-wide travel emissions; 4 show a
decrease in waste emissions; and 2 with data
show a decrease in energy emissions (17.1-17.3)
Deepen cities' understanding of opportunities
to save energy and money
Promote a public understanding of cities'
impact on climate change
Improve cities' competitiveness for federal and
state funding opportunities
Inform cities' analyses, plans, and policy
decisions
Enable cities to track their progress over time
- connecting policies and best practices to
actual outcomes
RII's purpose is to provide data and tools for
community climate action that:
Source:
Information on this page comes from the Regional Indicators Initiative Report, June 2023, prepared by Becky Alexander and
Maureen Colburn of LHB, and funded by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can request a copy of the report.
TRENDS FROM RII CITIESTRENDS FROM RII CITIESTRENDS FROM RII CITIES
The Regional Indicators Initiative (RII) began in 2010, along-side the GreenStep Cities program as a tool
measure city-wide greenhouse gas emissions through energy, water, travel, and waste data. Since then,
the program has provide full or partial data for 105 cities in Minnesota, with a focus of providing
information for GreenStep Cities at Steps 4 and 5. The following is from a 2023 program report.
Greenhouse gas emissions data from Regional
Indicators Initiative for 31 cities in 2020. Non-
travel energy is the largest contributor to
community-wide emissions.
We use more gas than electricity.
We use more energy in non-residential buildings than
we do in homes.
Electricity use is decreasing. Gas use is not.
Prior to 2020, slightly cleaner cars offset an increase in
vehicle travel.
Vehicle travel and emissions dropped around 20% in
2020 before rebounding somewhat in 2021.
Local action, regional efforts, and market-scale
transformation are all needed to make a lasting impact.
Waste sent to landfills and incineration facilities has
decreased.
Recycling rates have increased, but still have potential
to grow.
Waste management trends vary by county, but most
have potential to reduce waste generation.
City-wide greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing
more rapidly than state-wide emissions.
The energy used in buildings continues to be the largest
contributor to city-wide emissions.
Emissions from gas used in buildings and from vehicle
travel are now on par with emissions from electricity
use.
Energy:
Travel:
Waste:
GHG Emissions:
Trends from RII Cities:
RII includes data from cities representing nearly half of
Minnesota's population - including our largest, medium, and
rural cities as small as 500 people. With over 10 years of data,
the following trends have emerged.
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
80
60
40
20
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
75
50
25
0
Trend-SettingTrend-Setting
Annual GreenStep Community Recognitions
Total GreenStep Communities by Step
Total Best Practice Actions Reported
Step 5 awarded
Step 4 awarded
New @ Step 3
New @ Step 2
New @ Step 1
@ Step 1
@ Step 2
@ Step 3
@ Step 5
@ Step 4
That's 5138
totalactions!
August 2022:
Best Practices for Community Organics Composting
Collection and Sites & Glacial Ridge Tour
Smart Salting: Roads Certification Training
October 2022:
Local Outdoor Air Quality & Best Practices to Improve It
November 2022:
Biological Integrity
December 2022:
EV Smart Communities
Smart Salting: Property Management Certification Training
January 2023:
Deciphering Demographics
February 2023:
Dark Sky Communities & Places
April 2023:
Minnesota Waste Wise Programs
Financing Public Energy Efficient & Renewable Energy
Projects
May 2023:
Repurposing Buildings: Adaptive Reuse in Minnesota
June 2023:
Smart Salting for Community Leaders
We hosted 13 virtual workshops that included 272 attendees
(and 509 registrants were sent the video recording):
Lola Schoenrich and the Great Plains Institute
is the Network Coordinator
Kristin Mroz was elected to serve as co-chair of
the network from December 2020-present
The network held a gathering in Buffalo, NY
with over 35 attendees across the U.S.
The network hosts regular learning
opportunities and cohorts for member
programs
MN GreenStep Cities is a Sustainable States
Network Member:
ProgramProgramProgram 2023AccomplismentsAccomplismentsAccomplisments
10 road signs delivered to 5 cities
4 e-newsletter mailings sent to an audience
of 1,453 contacts
We provided ongoing outreach and
education throughout the year that included:
104 messages sent through LMC’s
MemberLink email listserve for GreenStep
Coordinators
88 posts led to an average 108 users reached
per post on Facebook
86 tweets led to an average of 143
impressions per post on Twitter
81 members are connected through the
private LinkedIn group
14 volunteers from GreenStep Cities
and program partners spent a
morning or afternoon at the State Fair
to chat with fair-goers visiting the Eco
Experience building.
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner with the City of Maplewood, Jonee
Brigham, GreenStep Schools coordinator, and RAHS Progressives
GreenStep partners at the LMC Annual Conference, June 2022: Colby Abasz -
CERTs, Danielle Cabot and Don Reeder - LMC, Emily Hartwell and Kristin Mroz -
MPCA, Brian Strub and Pete Berger - Dept. of Commerce
Pilot Community GreenStep Step CERTs Region Population
Duluth Step 5 Northeast 86,697
Edina Step 5 Metro 53,494
Faribault Step 2 Southeast 24,453
Grand Rapids Step 2 Northeast 11,126
La Crescent Step 4 Southeast 5,276
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Step 2/3 Central 10,967
Maplewood Step 5 Metro 42,088
Rochester Step 5 Southeast 121,395
Roseville Step 5 Metro 36,254
Saint Anthony Village Step 5 Metro 9,257
Vadnais Heights - Metro 12,623
Participate in the nine-month pilot
(Dec. 1, 2022 - Sept. 1, 2023)
Commit to completing and reporting
at least 2 NEW actions (see Appendix A
in the Proposal) during the pilot
period.
Provide feedback on the program
structure and support during and
following the pilot period.
Serve as ambassadors of the official
program launch (tentatively Dec.
2023).
What were the expectations for
participating in the Pilot?
What was it?
The GreenStep Cities program launched a
pilot the proposed Gold Leaf program, which
focuses on pathways for communities to take
local climate action through the GreenStep
program. Read more about the background,
process, and program goals in the Gold Leaf
Program Proposal document.
Participants of the pilot Gold Leaf program were
recognized as they achieved 'gold leaves' for
completing any NEW actions from: 44 high-priority,
high-impact climate actions (page 17) under the
categories of:
Climate mitigation Climate planning
Climate adaptation Community Connectedness
The Advisory Committee and
participants will review feedback and
inform the program launch.
A full program report will be shared
later in 2023.
A partnership with the University of
Minnesota Institute on the
Environment provided 9 summer
interns for pilot communities and a
2024 opportunity is underway.
Guidance documents and additional
resources are under development
with partners.
What’s next?
0 1 2 3 4 5
All communities
Urban
Rural
Urban participants report higher program
satisfaction with the GreenStep Cities program (not
their involvement in the program) than rural
participants.
4.2/5
OVE R ALL S ATI S F A C TI O N
WIT H TH E PRO G RA M
The website and GreenStep
Newsletter continue to be the
most used resources. Urban
communities use all GreenStep
resources heavily, while rural
communities are frequent
users of the Welcome and
Public Officials guides.
93
PART ICIPAN TS R EQU EST ED
ASSIST AN C E
57%
RESPON S E R AT E
2 0 2 3 A n n u a l S u r v e y2023 A n n u a l S u r v e y
At the beginning of
each calendar year, the
GreenStep Cities and Tribal
Nations program distributes an online
survey to participating communities. The
survey gathers information about overall
program use and satisfaction, helps participants
identify program offerings, and encourages
participants to share their accomplishments and
feedback.
83 participants responded to the annual survey (57%),
which was our lowest response rate of any year. This
year, we reviewed survey responses by splitting up
participants into urban (Twin Cities metropolitan area)
and rural.
partners for 2023 were highlighted in
22 specific offerings provided by
the survey. Assistance through the League of
Minnesota Cities Grant Navigator was the
highest requested offering.
Currently
1.85 FTE ($190k)
Level IA
+ 1 FTE ($190k)
How are we doing so far? We have been able to accomplish a lot, with a
little. At 1.85 FTE across program partners and 146 GreenStep
participants, our current service load (participants per staff) is at 80.
Among other statewide programs (CT, NJ, NY, MA, PA), our peers average
26 participants per staff. Our goal is to provide deep assistance and
specialized resources at a load of 20 participants per program staff
across the Minnesota GreenStep partnership.
Level II
+ 4 FTE ($810k)
Level III
+ 6 FTE ($1,240k)
Level IV
+ 10 FTE ($1,850k)
GSC = GreenStep Cities GSTN = GreenStep Tribal Nations
GSS = GreenStep Schools FTE = Full-time equivalent (staff)
Track metrics and
outcomes for participants
and programs
Leverage federal funding
opportunities
Improve connections with
partners to better connect
goals and resources to
participants
Outcomes:
5138 actions reported
by GSC & GSTN
Pilot programs: GSTN,
GSS, Gold Leaf program
Outcomes:
Full Vision Total Need:
$4,690,000
Support local and
regional connections
Coordinate a community
of practice with
technical experts and
resource providers
Outcomes: Develop new resources
Increase education and
training
Expand new programs
beyond GSC, GSTN, and
GSS
Provide incentives
Improve local capacity
Outcomes:
FUTURE
L E T 'S T A K E A S T E P I N T O T H E
Deeper assistance with
current participants
across the state
Enhanced climate and
equity support
Outcomes:
Level IB
+ 2.5 FTE ($600k)
Develop GreenStep
Schools program beyond
pilot to full program
Expand participation of
schools/districts
Outcomes:
Funded! A onetime
appropriation is
included in HF2310
Omnibus
L e v e l I B w a s
p r o p o s e d i n 2 0 2 3
B i l l s S F 2 3 5 0 &
H F 2 6 2 6 b u t d i d n 't
p a s s t h i s y e a r
The Green STEP into the Future report
outlines a strategic vision to support
statewide sustainability. Through
GreenStep, Minnesota can be a leader
as it deepens service and impact to
local communities, grows programs to
expand participation, and leverages
local action to meet statewide
challenges - like climate action to
protect our communities and thrive in
the growing green economy.
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
Great Plains Institute (GPI)
Izaak Walton League - MN Division (IWL)
League of Minnesota Cities (LMC)
Minnesota Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Rethos
Urban Land Institute Minnesota (ULI)
The GreenStep Cities program is coordinated through a
Steering Committee of 9 partner organizations:
Learn more about the program partners
in the 2022 Partners Profile
P R O G R A M $$$P R O G R A M $$$P R O G R A M $$$
Regional Outreach Grant to Clean Energy Resources Teams
Phase III Grant to GreenStep Schools program
Sponsorship for LMC Conference and 2023 award blocks
Hosting Smart Salting trainings
Purchasing GreenStep Cities Road Signs
The GreenStep Cities program had a budget of $50,000 in Fiscal Year
2023 (June 2022 to June 2023) provided by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. This funding was used for:
In addition to staff time and dedicated funding contributed by
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, all partner organizations
contribute valuable time and expertise.
CERTs Grant
64.7%
GS Schools Grant
19.6%
LMC Sponsorship
9.8%
Misc.
4.9%
Purchases.
3%
A B O U T U S
During fall 2007, Minnesota's Clean Energy
Resource Teams (CERTs) held regional listening
sessions around the state to discuss community-
based energy opportunities and the state's Next
Generation Energy Act of 2007. The idea was raised
of creating a sustainable cities program, free to
cities, that would challenge, assist and recognize
cities that were "green stars." This idea was taken
up by the 2008 Legislature, which directed the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Division of
Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of
Commerce, and CERTs to recommend actions cities
could take on a voluntary basis.
Representatives from dozens of cities, non-profit
organizations, the University of Minnesota,
businesses and state government agencies
provided the outline for what has been developed as
the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, which
began in June 2010. As a non-regulatory program,
GreenStep learns from Minnesota cities and
assistance providers, and continually refines the
best practice actions and the resources for taking
action.
Those recommendations are contained in the report,
Minnesota GreenStep Cities.
P AR T N ER PR OGR A MS
The Minnesota GreenStep Tribal Nations program, launched
in 2014 as a pilot program to the GreenStep Cities program,
is a free and voluntary statewide best practices framework,
community of practice, and recognition program for tribal
nations and communities located in Minnesota to reduce
environmental impact and costs, and improve health and
well-being of tribal members and staff.
The Minnesota GreenStep Schools program, launched in
2020, is a free and voluntary statewide best practices
framework, community of practice, and recognition program
for public and private K-12 schools and districts to reduce
environmental impact and costs, improve health and well-
being of students and staff, and provide effective
environmental and sustainability education.
2023 Annual Award Ceremony
Vision: Environmental sustainability is the norm for all Minnesota cities.
Mission: GreenStep Cities encourages and supports
cities' efforts for substantive action and achievement of
their sustainability goals through the implementation of
best practices and sharing of metrics and outcomes.
Join GreenStep!
ARE YOU A COMMUNITY LEADER?
Elected officials, commission/committee
members, and other community leaders can help
their city, tribal nation, or school/district join the
GreenStep program. Here are some suggestions to
get you started:
• Make a list of the sustainable accomplishments
your community has already made.
• Request a presentation from GreenStep staff for
your staff or public meeting.
• Develop a “green team” of staff and/or
community leaders to build knowledge and
interest.
• Consider sustainability in community planning
efforts like comprehensive and strategic plans.
• Connect with a neighbor city, tribal nation,
or school/district that is already a GreenStep
program participant.
• Visit the GreenStep websites to learn more
about the programs, benefits, and next steps.
ARE YOU A COMMUNITY RESIDENT?
Residents and community leaders can help their
city, tribal nation, or school/district join the
GreenStep program. Here are some suggested to
get you started:
• Make a list of why a sustainable community is
important for you to live or work in.
• Request a meeting with a council member/
mayor or administrative/environmental staff.
• Speak at a public meeting.
• Take part in community planning efforts like
comprehensive and strategic plans.
• Take a leadership role by joining a commission,
committee, council, or other opportunity.
• See if there are other residents in your
community interested in starting a community
sustainability group.
• Write an op-ed in the local newspaper about how
GreenStep can help your community be more
sustainable.
CONTACT US | www.mngreenstep.org | GreenStep@state.mn.us | | | |