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   City of Grand Rapids  


Background Information

County:   Itasca
Population:   10,869
GreenStep City category:   B

Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.):   75

Participating township(s) / school district(s):


GreenStep City resolution:   Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City registration date:   06/06/2012
GreenStep City status and date:   STEP 1 (05/14/2012)

GreenStep Coordinator

Ron Edminster
City staff
redminster@ci.grand-rapids.mn.us
218-326-7628

City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://grandrapids.govoffice.com/


Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars. Mouse over a star for its definition.

Buildings and Lighting   Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings
{ BP no. 1 }

Enter complete information into the B3 Building Editor for each city-owned building. Begin routinely entering current, consecutive monthly energy use data. Identify a person responsible for this ongoing data entry. For each building, also enter 12 consecutive months of historical energy use data immediately prior to the start of current data. Annually, post a an updated print screen of the B3 Organization Summary Tab (see Implementation Tools for instructions) to the GreenStep Cities website by May 1st.
Complete 1 Star criterion, except enter 24 consecutive months of historical data and then validate the data entries by looking at patterns/trends and checking inconsistent data to determine accuracy, correct inaccurate entries, and identify potential opportunities for energy savings.
Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria. In addition, conduct ongoing, periodic review of B3 data to validate the data entries, look for indications of energy-related operations and maintenance issues, and identify poorer performing buildings. Annually by May 1st, post a summary of next steps based on this review and analysis and identify a person responsible for conducting it.
 Action 1: Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database and routinely enter monthly energy use data from all city-owned buildings.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Complete no/low-cost O&M changes ("turn it off, turn it down, tune it up") in one poorer-performing building, then summarize the actions taken, such as fine-tuning HVAC systems or installing weatherstripping, light sensors, low-flow water fixtures. Update the B3 Building Editor, as needed, and change the Baseline Time Period in the Baseline tab for that building so it shows the 12-month period immediately prior to implementing the changes. (See Implementation Tools for ideas, definitions, and database/reporting instructions.)
Complete 1 Star criterion for two buildings. Post the Print Screen of the Baseline tab for one of the buildings with the Energy gauge showing at least a 5% decrease in energy use compared to the baseline period [12 months immediately prior to implementing changes]. Continue fine-tuning O&M procedures and monitoring energy usage to identify opportunities for additional savings.
Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria for two buildings. Annually by May 1st, post the Print Screen of the Baseline tab for each building with the Energy gauge showing at least a 10% decrease in energy use compared to the baseline period [12 months immediately prior to implementing changes].
 Action 2: Make no/low cost facility operations & maintenance changes to city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Complete retrocommissioning and/or retrofitting work on a building, then summarize the actions taken. Update the B3 Building Editor, as needed, and change the Baseline Time Period in the Baseline tab for that building so it shows the 12-month period immediately prior to implementing the changes. (See Implementation Tools for ideas, definitions, and database/reporting instructions.)
Complete 1 Star criterion for two buildings. Use B3 to track reductions in energy usage after the work is completed. Post a Print Screen of the Baseline tab for one building showing the actual reduction in energy usage for a full year following completion of the retrocommissioning or retrofit work compared to the baseline period [12 months immediately prior to implementing changes].
Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria for two buildings. In addition, implement an internal program or use an external program/vendor that provides funding/incentives for ongoing reductions in energy use by city-owned buildings (e.g. internal loan fund, shared savings, pay for performance, etc.) Describe the program and identify a person responsible for administering it. Report on results of the program annually by May 1st.
 Action 3: Invest in energy efficiency opportunities through recommissioning/retrofitting city-owned/school buildings or by using the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Install a building management system for city buildings for control via office computer or home laptop; implement power management of computers and other information technology energy saving strategies. Report actions taken and results achieved.
Engage employees of the city in efforts to reduce energy use by: turning off, unplugging, enabling power management, or setting timers on equipment, lights and chargers; minimizing personal appliances in the office; using efficient models of (and substitutes for) necessary personal appliances; using task lights instead of ceiling fixtures; and optimizing active use of windows, doors and interior shading devices to conserve energy. Report actions taken and results achieved.
Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria.
 Action 4: Implement information technology efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads and building energy use.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Geothermal systems should meet a minimum coefficient of performance of 3.3 for closed loop and 3.6 for open loop systems.
Heat a building using a waste heat stream; create a mini-district energy system where a single geothermal or CHP system serves multiple buildings.
Integrate solar thermal production with a geothermal, CHP, or similar distributed energy generation.
 Action 7: Install in at least one city-owned/school building at least one of the following energy efficiency measures:     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

b. A distributed fossil fuel energy technology for full-time energy generation: micro-turbine, fuel cell, reciprocating engine.

a. A ground-source, closed loop geothermal system.
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
{ BP no. 4 }

Action 2: Require all new street lighting to be Dark-Sky compliant and all new traffic signals to be EnergyStar compliant.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Use LED/solar-powered lighting for at least one flashing sign, for example, warning flashers and wayfinding/signage lighting.
Install PV-powered or LED lighting as a pilot in a street, parking lot or park project. Examples include seasonally used park lighting (ice rinks, lighting in flood-prone areas, etc.).
Install routinely, as matter of policy, LED or solar powered lighting in street, parking lot or park projects.
 Action 5: Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Land Use   Land Use

Comprehensive Plan and Implementation
{ BP no. 6 }

Adopt a comprehensive plan that is less than ten years old (required for Category A cities) OR, Category B and C cities may simply adopt a land use plan that was adopted by a regional entity or the county less than 15 years ago OR they may adopt a city vision that looks at least 20 years into the future.
Include in your plan a sustainability section/chapter, or integrate sustainability goals and strategies into all chapters of your comprehensive plan. Report climate protection or energy independence goals and objectives under action 6.5
Adopt a development goal that new/infill projects generate enough tax revenue to pay for the related public infrastructure maintenance/replacement over multiple life cycles; reference a capital improvement plan that catalogues public system maintenance obligations by date and cost.
 Action 1: Adopt/have an adopted comprehensive plan OR, Category B and C cities may simply adopt a land use plan that was adopted by a regional entity or the county.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Document where in the zoning code or development regulation the comprehensive plan is referenced as a foundational document or that the purpose of the code is to implement the comprehensive plan.
Comprehensive plan referenced in all land use and development ordinances and regulations in addition to zoning code ordinances.
Individual ordinances or ordinance sections should be introduced with a "Purposes" section that includes language such as the following: "The XXX regulations specifically implement the following goals from the Comprehensive Plan: "
 Action 2: 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.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Environmental Management   Environmental Management

Urban Forests
{ BP no. 16 }

Certified for current year.
Certified for 30 or more years.
Certified for at least 10 years with an annual tree budget of at least $4 per resident (twice the Tree City requirement) or have calculated and publicized the financial and other benefits of trees to your city.
 Action 1: Certify as a Tree City USA.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

At least one volunteer is a Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector or a Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector.
City has written and begun implementing a community emerald ash borer preparedness plan/climate change adaptation plan for urban forests.
At least one city staff member is a licensed forester, a landscape horticulture professional, or holds Tree Inspector and First Detector certification.
 Action 6: Build community capacity to protect existing trees/plant resilient species by certifying at least one or more local staff/volunteers.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Efficient Stormwater Management
{ BP no. 17 }

Registered for the Blue Star Award program.
Be recognized with a Blue Star Award.
Be recognized on the Leader Board of the Blue Star Award program.
 Action 1: Complete the Blue Star City stormwater management assessment and be recognized for implementing the actions therein.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

At least one ordinance in place.
Two ordinances in place.
Three or more ordinances in place.
 Action 2: Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following:     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 24-foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 500 average daily trips).

b. A 1.5 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration design requirement for construction sites.

c. A stormwater runoff volume limit to pre-development volumes for the 5-year, 24-hour rainfall maximum event.

d. For non-MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance.

Have a stormwater utility with variable fees.
Achieve 1-star rating and reward property owners with decreased fees based upon decreased runoff.
Acheive 2-star rating and use 100% of fees for stormwater program.
 Action 4: Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stormwater management, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Erosion and sediment control ordinance has been adopted and implemented. This is a permit requirement for regulated MS4 permittees.
Erosion sediment control ordinance must be followed for sites smaller than one acre.
Annual on-site inspections of all land-disturbing activities are performed by the city.
 Action 6: Adopt an ordinance with erosion and sediment control provisions as well as requirements for permanent stormwater treatment.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Parks and Trails
{ BP no. 18 }

Remedy at least one connectivity break by, for example, completing a missing trail section, acquiring a high quality natural area, a priority stormwater management area, vacant space in a high amentiy/redevelopment area, a rail corridor. Report remedies for street-to-trail gaps (between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails) under best practice action 11.5.
Remedy at least 3 connectivity breaks.
Remedy at least 75% of gaps and prepare a plan for remedies to address the remaining gaps.
 Action 1: Identify and remedy gaps within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

There exist at least 7 acres of municipal park land per 1000 residents.
At least 20% of total city land area is in protected green infrastructure (parks and protected natural resource areas and trails).
90% or more of residents are within one-half mile of a park or protected green space.
 Action 3: Achieve minimum levels of city greenspace.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Create an annual event or ongoing 'adopt a park' effort for volunteer trash cleanup of open space, buckthorn removal, etc. for parks or selected public open space areas. Event can be in cooperaton with other organizations.
In addition to cleanup and removal of exotics (1 Star), engage community members in annual restoration of natural areas (replanting shoreland buffers, restoring prairie, etc.).
Create and fund an annual city-wide event for cleanup and restoration, engaging residents in most neighborhoods and creating a public promotion around the event.
 Action 8: Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration and stewardship projects.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Solid Waste Reduction
{ BP no. 22 }

Measure/audit waste generated, and/or adopt goals for reducing the generation of overall solid waste, or goals for specific waste streams such as disposable cafeteria ware.
Describe actions taken, such as refurbishing office equipment, reusing building materials, increasing e-commerce, getting off junk mail lists, etc.
Report measures that show goals were met by the reduced amount of waste generated.
 Action 1: Adopt and meet reduction goals for waste/toxics generated from internal city operations, including schools, libraries, parks, municipal health care facilities.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

For cities that provide direct or contract waste collection services, set the price differences large enough so as to increase recycling/composting but not illegal dumping, OR provide a financial or other incentive (such as a larger container) for recycling.
The price differential should change by a minimum of 80% when a garbage container doubles in size or when collection frequency doubles.
Achieve a 50% recycling rate and a 10% composting rate by 2012. Document participation rates including percent of households using smaller garbage bins.
 Action 7: Offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 
Economic and Community Development   Economic and Community Development

Business Synergies
{ BP no. 28 }

Action 1: Help businesses register as users of the Minnesota Materials Exchange and document their exchanges/sales of byproducts with other local/regional businesses.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]

 

Energy/water reuse includes: reuse of non-contact industrial cooling water; reuse of hot water from a laundromat by a nearby greenhouse; use of waste heat from a crematory to heat a nearby recreation center and its pool. Record projects under best practice action 20.6 where a city wastewater plant sells reclaimed water for nonpotable ag-processing, irrigation, cooling or power plant uses, or when the plant co-generates electricity and heat and sells it to businesses.
Describe how the city facilitated at least one such project.
Report how the city is, on an ongoing basis, helping businesses complete these reuse projects and how many completed projects exist.
 Action 2: Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business.     [Click here for self-reported city details ]