Best Practice Action 25.6
GreenStep City Best Practices: Resilient Economic and Community Development
Green Business Development No. 25
Expand a greener, more resilient business sector.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 6
Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.
- For a local program see the Coon Rapids' Community Sustainability Partnership program. For co-operatively owned retail food businesses, see the Co+efficient Sustainability Star award program of the National Co+op Grocers Association that recognizes co-ops’ social, environmental, and local economic impacts.
- During 2020 the civic group Sustainable Stillwater will be urging business to join Green America's Green Business Network, which provides a certification challenge for businesses in 42 categories. In past years a Marshall GreenStep Business program recognized more sustainable businesses in the city. Also see the tiered certification system from the Green Business Bureau, a national green business certifier of several MN businesses.
- The national B Rating System of B Corporation certifies business adoption of comprehensive and transparent social and environmental standards. B Corporations are the only entities that have legally expanded their corporate responsibility to explicitly aim to benefit society as well as shareholders. See details and information about Sunrise Community Banks of St. Paul.
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Recognize and promote (for example, on your city web site) businesses whose environmental actions are recognized by a local, regional or statewide program, such actions as recycling, reducing materials use, lowered toxicity in products, selling locally created compost, energy efficiency, EV charging station for employees/patrons, etc. |
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Recognize and promote businesses that are certified under a GreenStep-linked or national green business program. |
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Provide a city preference for support and use of certified green businesses. |
Who's doing it
Albert Lea -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is beginning an awards program that recognizes businesses for green practices. Citizens can nominate the businesses and the Chamber's Green Committee will select the winner to be announced at the Chamber's Annual Dinner.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
This is a program of inspiration. It is the committee's desire to see the business community step forward and pay greater attention to how they impact the environment.
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For more information contact:
Jerry Gabrielatos (City staff) | jgabrielatos@ci.albertlea.mn.us | 507-377-4316
Partners: Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The Community Sustainability Partnership (CSP) is a voluntary program designed to award and recognize businesses in Coon Rapids for their sustainability practices. This applies to all business, civic, non-profit and faith based organizations.
To qualify, a business must complete a short on-line (or paper) application, which will be graded/scored by members of the City’s Sustainability Commission. The categories on the application range from solid waste/recycling to efficient lighting, etc. Based on the score, the business will receive a certificate along with a small window cling to display in their entrance, letting customers know that the business participates in sustainable practices. The business will also be advertised on the City’s website, recognizing them for their sustainable efforts.
To qualify, a business must complete a short on-line (or paper) application, which will be graded/scored by members of the City’s Sustainability Commission. The categories on the application range from solid waste/recycling to efficient lighting, etc. Based on the score, the business will receive a certificate along with a small window cling to display in their entrance, letting customers know that the business participates in sustainable practices. The business will also be advertised on the City’s website, recognizing them for their sustainable efforts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/1152/Community-Sustainability-Partnership
For more information contact:
Colleen Sinclair (City staff) | csinclair@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6485
Partners: Coon Rapids Sustainability Commission
Grand Marais -
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In 2015 Grand Marais was awarded the “Coolest Small Town in America” in recognition of its many natural amenities and recreation opportunities, its diversity of services and businesses for a small town, and its creative community and promotion of that community. The Grand Marais Art Colony was chosen as one of the top 10 artist colonies in America and the City was recognized as a “Top 100 Adventure Town”. These recognitions and assets are actively promoted on the “Visit Cook County” website, http://www.visitcookcounty.com/communities/grand-marais/.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.visitcookcounty.com/communities/grand-marais/
For more information contact:
Shane Steele (Contractor) | sustainability@grandmarais.city | 507-884-5790
Partners:
Marshall -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The Marshall GreenStep Committee worked on a Marshall GreenStep Business Program in the fall of 2012 and implemented the program in January 2013. The program was based on Minnesota GreenStep Cities Best Practices and various formats from around the United States. The program has been advertised frequently in chamber newsletters and in newspaper articles. Businesses must submit an online application that totals at least 15 points in categories such as Solid Waste Prevention, Recycling, Purchasing, Energy and Water Conservation, Involving Employees and Customers, and Transportation. Completed applications are reviewed by the Marshall GreenStep Committee each month.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Marshall GreenStep Businesses are recognized each month in the Marshall Independent Business Briefs and on our website. Each business also receives a Marshall GreenStep Business window cling and permission to use the logo in their marketing materials. For a complete list of GreenStep businesses go to our website at: www.marshallgreenstep.org
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.marshallgreenstep.org/green-business.html
For more information contact:
Tom Hoff (Contractor) | Tom.Hoff@swsc.org | 507-537-2271
Partners: Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce; Marshall GreenStep Committee
Apple Valley -
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The ARROW program promotes over 130 businesses, schools and non-profits, 44 of which are located in Apple Valley. For businesses to qualify for membership to this program, they must report on their practices in the areas of recycling, buying/selling environmentally preferable products, reusing and reduction of resource use via energy efficiency, water conservation or other waste-reducing efforts.
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For more information contact:
Charless Grawe (City staff) | CGrawe@ci.apple-valley.mn.us | 952-953-2508
Partners:
Eagan -
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Implementation details:
The ARROW program promotes over 130 businesses, schools and non-profits, 44 of which are located in Eagan. For businesses to qualify for membership to this program, they must report on their practices in the areas of recycling, buying/selling environmentally preferable products, reusing and reduction of resource use via energy efficiency, water conservation or other waste-reducing efforts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
ARROW program promotes over 130 businesses, schools and non-profits, 44 of which are located in Eagan
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org/ARROW.
For more information contact:
Jackson Becker (City Staff) | jackson.becker@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
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The first ever Eden Prairie Ecopalooza is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2014. It is a daylong event featuring a citywide “green crawl” to showcase the sustainability efforts of Eden
Prairie residents and businesses. In addition to the green crawl, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society’s annual Solar Boat Regatta will take place at Riley Lake. During the event, there will be solar powered boat races, eco-related events and demonstrations at Riley Lake Park, along with activities for kids and food vendors.
The city will reach out to businesses and residents to encouraging their participation in the event.
Prairie residents and businesses. In addition to the green crawl, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society’s annual Solar Boat Regatta will take place at Riley Lake. During the event, there will be solar powered boat races, eco-related events and demonstrations at Riley Lake Park, along with activities for kids and food vendors.
The city will reach out to businesses and residents to encouraging their participation in the event.
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For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City of Edina's Green Business Recognition Program (GBRP) celebrates green and sustainable actions promoted by local business.
As part of the program, businesses can earn points for taking green actions within their daily operations in the areas of solid waste, recycling, purchasing, energy use, landscaping and water conservation, transportation and more. Businesses can earn recognition as a gold, silver or bronze Green Business.
As part of the program, businesses can earn points for taking green actions within their daily operations in the areas of solid waste, recycling, purchasing, energy use, landscaping and water conservation, transportation and more. Businesses can earn recognition as a gold, silver or bronze Green Business.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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Descriptive links: https://www.bettertogetheredina.org/green-business-recognition-program
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners:
Elk River -
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The City has had the Energy City High Five award program in place for over a year. Businesses that win these High Fives are promoted by the city on websites and at various events. We are planning on offering new, more exclusive High Five program to local businesses with even better rewards and recognition.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The first generation Energy City High Five has currently been awarded to 41 individuals and businesses. They were recognized for attending Energy City Events, participating in Recycle Your Holidays, or for other unique accomplishments.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.elk-river.mn.us/highfives
For more information contact:
Amanda Bednar (City staff) | ABednar@ElkRiverMN.gov | 763-635-1068
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
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The Otter Tail County Public Information Officer is working on a Green Otter business program and a “caught green handed campaign” to reward residents and businesses for environmentally friendly behaviors. The SMART (Save Money and Reduce Trash) campaign can be promoted.
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For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners: Otter Tail County
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Green business award - annual recognition
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For more information contact:
Bill Waller (City staff) | BWaller@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov | 507-895-2595
Partners:
Lakeville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Lakeville’s 'Thrive' newsletter is a monthly publication that is written for Lakeville businesses. In cooperation with Dakota County, advertisements for the County's grant opportunities will be created and green businesses in the Lakeville Community will be highlighted to promote more businesses to take sustainable action steps.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.lakevillemn.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=37
For more information contact:
Ann Messerschmidt (City Staff) | amesserschmidt@lakevillemn.gov | 952-985-4528
Partners: Dakota County
Mahtomedi -
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Implementation details:
The local economy is largely tied to the health of White Bear Lake, which draws in numerous visitors to the area. As a way to address the recent decrease in the level of the lake, the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce has started a program called "Doing Our Part, Saving the Lake", which is a program aimed at water conservation and restoration of White Bear Lake. The City of Mahtomedi has signed the "Do Their Part" pledge along with many of th local businesses. By signing the pledge, businesses commit to adopting at least four approved water conservation methods to support replenishment and restoration of White Bear Lake. This action encourages all businesses to be smarter about their water use and also helps support the local tourism economy that is so closely tied to the health of White Bear Lake. Information on the program, as well as the list of businesses who have signed the pledge can be found on the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce website, which is linked from the City of Mahtomedi website.
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For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344
Partners:
Maplewood -
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The Garden Fresh Farms aquaponic facility is located within Maplewood and has been certified as a Minnesota Grown Company. The company, which grows vegetables from fish waste, has been spotlighted in the city's quarterly natural resources newsletter and is included on the city's local foods webpage.The city of Maplewood will also be working with businesses to host workshops that will encourage the growth of green business practices by the access to information. These workshops will be during the fall and late summer of 2015 in city facilities.
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For more information contact:
Shann Finwall (City Staff) | shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2304
Partners:
Mendota Heights -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights promotes the Dakota County Reduce & Reuse Map through its website and social media. This map shows repair, rental and reuse businesses throughout the county.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://mendotaheightsmn.gov/293/Recycling
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Partners: Dakota County
Oakdale -
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Implementation details:
Since 2011, the city has awarded the Green Innovations Acorn Award to local commercial properties who have demonstrated proactive initiatives to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through green practices. Examples include use of raingardens, native habitat landscaping, permeable parking, alternative energy usage, efficiency upgrades, extensive recycling, or composting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.oakdale.mn.us/index.asp?Type=QUICKFORM&SEC={3FCF9C66-5CB7-4169-9E28-AC1E717E3741}
For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners:
Winona -
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Winona is in the process of creating a Green Ribbon Commission to encourage sustainable actions in local businesses.
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For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
Partners:
Woodbury -
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The City of Woodbury Environmental Excellence Awards were established in 2008 to recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals that are making Woodbury a more sustainable community through innovative programs and practices that demonstrate environmental leadership.
Local businesses that have received the award and their area of recognition are listed below:
Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co. – Sustainable Business Practices
Prelude Senior Living Campus – Green Building
Robert Muir Company – Use of Renewable or Alternative Energy
Woodbury Lutheran Church – Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Primrose School of Woodbury – Environmental Education & Awareness
Robert Engstrom Companies – Green Building
Pack & Mail – Waste Reduction& recycling
St. Croix Cleaners – Sustainable Business Practices
Tamarack Village Shopping Center – Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Kowalski’s Market – Waste Reduction & Recycling
McDonald Construction – Residential Green Building
P.M. Bedroom Gallery – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices
Sam’s Club- Electronics Recycling
Slumberland Furniture – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices
Opus Northwest, LLC & Red Development LLC – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices.
The list of 2012 award recipients can be viewed at: http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/environment-main/environmental-excellence-awards/2012-eeas. To view previous years, visit: http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/environment-main/environmental-excellence-awards/past-eea-recipients
Local businesses that have received the award and their area of recognition are listed below:
Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co. – Sustainable Business Practices
Prelude Senior Living Campus – Green Building
Robert Muir Company – Use of Renewable or Alternative Energy
Woodbury Lutheran Church – Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Primrose School of Woodbury – Environmental Education & Awareness
Robert Engstrom Companies – Green Building
Pack & Mail – Waste Reduction& recycling
St. Croix Cleaners – Sustainable Business Practices
Tamarack Village Shopping Center – Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Kowalski’s Market – Waste Reduction & Recycling
McDonald Construction – Residential Green Building
P.M. Bedroom Gallery – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices
Sam’s Club- Electronics Recycling
Slumberland Furniture – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices
Opus Northwest, LLC & Red Development LLC – Innovative Storm Water Management Practices.
The list of 2012 award recipients can be viewed at: http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/environment-main/environmental-excellence-awards/2012-eeas. To view previous years, visit: http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/environment-main/environmental-excellence-awards/past-eea-recipients
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/environment-main/environmental-excellence-awards/2012-eeas.
For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Wyoming -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Rosenbauer is a business in Wyoming that makes fire trucks for the whole world. Recently, they have been gaining national and worldwide attention for their fully electric fire trucks. These are the fire engines of the future and they are being made right here in Wyoming! . Earlier this year, they were recognized by the State of Minnesota for the first Minnesota-made electric fire truck. Rosenbauer hopes to build more of these trucks in Minnesota going forward. We chose to highlight this amazing sustainable initiative on our City Facebook. I have the post linked as well as an article that WCCO wrote about the trucks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The research shows that initial costs are more for EV's but overtime they are a cost savings versus traditional fuel. We have local business that is creating EV Fire Trucks, how cool is that!
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.firerescue1.com/electric-vehicles/articles/photos-governor-spotlights-first-electric-fire-truck-made-in-minnesota-QSFJGZB1axLQTr5u/
For more information contact:
Alex Saxe (City Staff) | asaxe@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Melissa Wenzel, Built Environment Sustainability Administrator, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 651/757-2251, melissa.wenzel@state.mn.us, www.pca.state.mn.us/sbeap