Communities can forge their own path to achieve a broad range of benefits from renewable electricity and efficiency by setting clear goals at the outset. Across the country cities are setting 100 percent renewable electricity goals. Is that the right goal for every community? It depends. For some communities, setting such a renewable electricity goal may be at odds with what a community actually wants to achieve. Continue reading »
The March GreenStep Cities workshop focused on invasive species and kicked off with introductions from Kristin Mroz (EQB), followed by an overview of terrestrial invasive species by Angie Ambourn of MDA (2:15). Next, Michael Orange (Orange Environmental, LLC) discussed management plans for Emerald Ash Borer, particularly the strategy of “Save the Best, Replace the Rest.” (34:35) After some time for questions, Tina Wolbers’ (DNR) talked about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and DNR AIS Prevention Planners & Local AIS Plan Framework. Finally, Kristin Mroz (EQB) touched on helpful resources related to invasive species. Continue reading »
As part of the Grow Solar Partnership, toolkits have been assembled to equip local governments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois with information regarding solar development as it relates to planning, zoning, and permitting. The toolkits were created in 2016, then model ordinances are being updated in 2020 to reflect new best practices and lessons learned since 2016. Minnesota and Iowa are updated and Illinois and Wisconsin are in process, with ordinance for Indiana and Michigan under development. The purpose of these toolkits is to provide resources that will assist communities in addressing barriers to solar energy installations in a manner tailored to each community’s needs. Continue reading »
There has been a growing interest from cities in Minnesota to explore options for adding electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure in their communities. Continue reading »
With the adoption of the St. Louis Park Climate Action Plan in early February, the Minnesota city became a leading example of a community moving from setting ambitious energy and carbon emission goals to laying out a roadmap for implementation. Continue reading »
The February 2018 GreenStep Cities workshop focused on water quality improvements, with discussions on how Minnesota can reach its goal of a 25-percent improvement in water quality by 2025, in part by reducing water contamination through improving the way salt is used to remove ice. Continue reading »
I have been honored to serve on the sustainability committee and the energy efficiency/renewable energy workgroup for Super Bowl LII on behalf of the Great Plains Institute during the past year. Continue reading »
*This is part two of a two-part series. See part one here.*
Cities in the U.S. and around the world are increasingly tracking their energy performance and associated emissions to meet commitments to reduce their climate impact. Continue reading »
*This blog was updated with video from a January 26 webinar to introduce the project (scroll to bottom for video)*
An increasing number of communities in Minnesota are developing clean energy, climate, and resilience goals and launching projects to meet them. These projects include public building energy efficiency, new and more efficient street lighting, solar projects, PACE financing, and many other community-wide initiatives. Continue reading »
The January GreenStep Cities workshop focused on electric vehicle (EV) readiness, with discussions on the benefits and adoption of EVs, electric vehicle fleets, and success stories. Continue reading »
