Action 1 -
Enter/update government-owned building information and monthly usage data into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and utilize building/energy audits to identify potential improvements.
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Buildings and Lighting
1 . Efficient Existing Public Buildings:
Benchmark energy and water usage, identify savings opportunities in consultation with state programs, utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements.
Action 7 -
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
2 . Efficient Existing Private Buildings:
Provide incentives for energy, water and sustainability improvements in existing residential, not-for-profit and commercial buildings/building sites.
Action 1 -
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
Action 2 -
Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.
Action 4 -
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
Action 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.
3 . New Green Buildings:
Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework.
Action 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.
Action 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.
Land Use
6 . Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans:
Build public support and legal validity to long-term infrastructural and regulatory strategy.
Action 1 -
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.
Environmental Management
15 . Sustainable Purchasing:
Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices to improve health and environmental outcomes.
Action 4 -
Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products.
17 . Stormwater Management:
Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure.
Action 5 -
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
18 . Parks and Trails:
Increase active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure.
Action 4 -
Adopt low-impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24-hour stormwater events on site.
Action 5 -
Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:
20 . Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems:
Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater systems and related facilities.
Action 3 -
Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.
Action 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).
Action 7 -
Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems.
21 . Septic Systems:
Implement an environmentally sound management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
Action 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.
Resilient Economic and Community Development
25 . Green Business Development:
Expand a greener, more resilient business sector.
Action 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.
28 . Business Synergies and EcoDistricts:
Network/cluster businesses and design neighborhoods and developments to achieve better energy, social, economic and environmental outcomes in service of a more circular and equitable economy.
Action 2 -
Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.