What is GreenStep Cities?

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability goals through implementation of 28 best practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more specific actions from a list of four to eight actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage innovation.

 

Be a GreenStep City

Learn about the benefits and what's required, and then ...
Build some interest (anyone can do this); have someone visit your city

Have your city council approve a resolution to work toward Greenstep recognition (use a sample resolution)

Post some info about your city and what you�ve already done (easy)

Work on GreenStep best practices (the hard and rewarding part)

Get recognized for your work each year and share knowledge on this web site with other cities (easy)

[ Read more: Steps ]

News

  • City log-in features -- Later this summer cities will have web access to enter best practice actions completed.

  • Pine River Healthy Green Communities Partnership -- Check out the first GreenStep effort, supported by the Initiative Foundation: www.pinerivergreensteps.org

  • The Blue Star Award -- An action under best practice #17, this stormwater self-assessment is now live at www.bluestarmn.org

  • Water/Climate Summit Sept. 16-17 -- Workshops on urban low-impact redevelopment, the positive economics of green infrastructure for climate adaptation, and more, at www.arboretum.umn.edu

  • Significant MN rebates for solar thermal installations -- www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-projects/campaigns/solar-thermal


Is your city a greenstep city?
Greenstep cities


Pilot cities
Bloomington
Edina
Falcon Heights
St. Louis Park
Victoria

Signed resolution to join
Apple Valley; Breezy Point; Eagan; Mankato; Milan; Northfield; Pine River; St. Cloud

Considering resolution
Austin; Cottage Grove; Grand Rapids; Hopkins; Mahtomedi; Maplewood; New London; Rochester; Spring Grove


Who can help?

Talk to best practice advisors.