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.
City Detail
Background Information
City of Brooklyn Park
County: Hennepin
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 2 (
)
City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics
City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.
Assessment File
2022 - click to view assessment
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 17: 7
: 6
: 3
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
- Action 1:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
We have identified all buildings using water and energy, have entered data into the B3 Benchmarking database, and established a process to update the information in the database.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Connie Sjulstad (City Staff) | connie.sjulstad@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8007
Connie Sjulstad (City Staff) | connie.sjulstad@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8007
- Action 2:
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Switched parking lot lights at City Hall and East Fire Station to LEDs
Currently remodeling City Hall and are switching office and dormer lights to LEDs
In February 2020 we replaced 64 fixtures at Operations & Maintenance Facility with LEDs
Currently remodeling City Hall and are switching office and dormer lights to LEDs
In February 2020 we replaced 64 fixtures at Operations & Maintenance Facility with LEDs
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Saving at Operations & Maintenance estimated to be $253.84 per year
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel, Center for Energy and Environment
For more information contact:
Britt Oliverius (City Staff) | britt.oliverius@brooklynpark.org | 7634938045
Britt Oliverius (City Staff) | britt.oliverius@brooklynpark.org | 7634938045
- Action 7:
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
The city installed a geothermal system for two ice rinks located at the Community Activity Center (CAC) in 2010 at a cost of $4.6 million.
The City of Brooklyn Park underwent a complete redesign of the two ice rinks located at the Community Activity Center (CAC). The improvements use geothermal heat from the city’s water system to efficiently cool the rinks and heat portions of the building. The project was completed in October 2010 and is one of the most energy efficient ice rinks in the world.
The ice rink project is part of a larger energy efficiency retrofit project that used a combination of stimulus money from the federal government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, Heritage Infrastructure Funds, sale of bonds and utility rebates related to energy savings. The City hired an outside firm, McKinstry, to complete the arena overhaul as part of a $6.3 million citywide energy-efficiency project. The whole project will pay for itself in just over twelve years.
The purpose of the project was simply to extend the life of our ice arenas. However, it quickly evolved into something much more. The Project did extend the life of the rink by 20 plus years; but because of the innovative design of the new system, we have one of the most energy efficient ice operations in the nation – and likely the world.
The City of Brooklyn Park underwent a complete redesign of the two ice rinks located at the Community Activity Center (CAC). The improvements use geothermal heat from the city’s water system to efficiently cool the rinks and heat portions of the building. The project was completed in October 2010 and is one of the most energy efficient ice rinks in the world.
The ice rink project is part of a larger energy efficiency retrofit project that used a combination of stimulus money from the federal government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, Heritage Infrastructure Funds, sale of bonds and utility rebates related to energy savings. The City hired an outside firm, McKinstry, to complete the arena overhaul as part of a $6.3 million citywide energy-efficiency project. The whole project will pay for itself in just over twelve years.
The purpose of the project was simply to extend the life of our ice arenas. However, it quickly evolved into something much more. The Project did extend the life of the rink by 20 plus years; but because of the innovative design of the new system, we have one of the most energy efficient ice operations in the nation – and likely the world.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Savings range from $70,000 and $90,000 a year.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
McKinstry
For more information contact:
Brad Tullberg (City Staff) | brad.tullberg@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8344
Brad Tullberg (City Staff) | brad.tullberg@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8344
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
- Action 1:
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Our Housing division offers loan for energy efficiency upgrades in homes
Our Operations & Maintenance department offers rebates for the installation of water efficient clothes washers, irrigation system controllers, toilets, and water softeners
Our Operations & Maintenance department offers rebates for the installation of water efficient clothes washers, irrigation system controllers, toilets, and water softeners
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Number of rebates/loans issued
Water use savings
Water use savings
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
This rebate program is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services using Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment funds appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature.
For more information contact:
Tim Pratt (City Staff) | tim.pratt@brooklynpark.org | 7634938120
Tim Pratt (City Staff) | tim.pratt@brooklynpark.org | 7634938120
- Action 4:
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Partnership with multi-family housing communities and renters in Brooklyn Park, we implement pollinator habitats in conjunction with livability, healthy tree canopy and clean water projects, building on the success and approach developed through the years. This project helps establish a diverse tree canopy, and many early-blooming species provide critical nectar to a variety of bees. A variety of perennial plantings will supplement trees to ensure forage from April-October, when pollinators are active. The high diversity of forbs and grasses proposed support the Rusty Patched and additional native bee, honeybee, butterfly and bird populations. These include Pussytoes (an early-bloomer and host species for the American Painted Lady Butterfly; milkweed species (Monarch hosts); as well as Blazingstars, Asters and grasses, e.g., Little Bluestem and Prairie Dropseed.
Historically, rental communities, often plagued by a lack of green space, healthy, livable outdoor spaces, and access to natural areas, have not benefited from environmental funding designed for landowners. And when rental communities do benefit, it’s typically at the whim of property owners and managers deciding for residents. This kind of project focuses on participatory design, installation and long-term care practices WITH residents, owners, and property managers. Partnership allows to improve the environmental landscape and meet resident-defined needs for social connection, safety, employment, and nature-based learning and play.
Brooklyn Park works with multifamily housing developers, Metro Blooms, tenant organizations and residents of multifamily rental housing sites to design, implement, and care for sustainable landscape practices that improve livability.
Historically, rental communities, often plagued by a lack of green space, healthy, livable outdoor spaces, and access to natural areas, have not benefited from environmental funding designed for landowners. And when rental communities do benefit, it’s typically at the whim of property owners and managers deciding for residents. This kind of project focuses on participatory design, installation and long-term care practices WITH residents, owners, and property managers. Partnership allows to improve the environmental landscape and meet resident-defined needs for social connection, safety, employment, and nature-based learning and play.
Brooklyn Park works with multifamily housing developers, Metro Blooms, tenant organizations and residents of multifamily rental housing sites to design, implement, and care for sustainable landscape practices that improve livability.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Metro Blooms
For more information contact:
John Kinara (City Staff) | john.kinara@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8054
John Kinara (City Staff) | john.kinara@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8054
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
- Action 2:
Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
Between 2006-2010 we received rebates from Xcel Energy to change over our traffic signal bulbs from incandescent to LED. We have realized over a 50% savings in energy costs and Xcel picked up most of the cost of the LED bulbs.
In 2010 we worked with McKinstry to replace 731 high pressure sodium street lights to induction and LED lights. This changeover was done at no cost to the city, with McKinstry picking up the initial costs and then being paid via our energy savings (over 50%). We also realized a cost savings due to the 10 year replacement warranty on all bulbs. Savings were used for switching over interior lighting.
In 2010 we worked with McKinstry to replace 731 high pressure sodium street lights to induction and LED lights. This changeover was done at no cost to the city, with McKinstry picking up the initial costs and then being paid via our energy savings (over 50%). We also realized a cost savings due to the 10 year replacement warranty on all bulbs. Savings were used for switching over interior lighting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Kwh savings for interior lighting = 202,000 kwh per year
Kwh savings for exterior lighting = 340,000 kwh per year
Approximate energy savings cost per year-$50k
Kwh savings for exterior lighting = 340,000 kwh per year
Approximate energy savings cost per year-$50k
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy, McKinstry
For more information contact:
Mark Becker (City Staff) | mark.becker@brooklynpark.org | 7634938007
Mark Becker (City Staff) | mark.becker@brooklynpark.org | 7634938007
- Action 8:
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
Between 2006-2010 we received rebates from Xcel Energy to change over our traffic signal bulbs from
incandescent to LED. We have realized over a 50% savings in energy costs and Xcel picked up most of the
cost of the LED bulbs. Approximate energy savings cost per year-$50k.
incandescent to LED. We have realized over a 50% savings in energy costs and Xcel picked up most of the
cost of the LED bulbs. Approximate energy savings cost per year-$50k.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Approximate energy savings cost per year-$50k
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
McKinstry
For more information contact:
Mark Becker (City Staff) | mark.becker@brooklynpark.org | 7634938007
Mark Becker (City Staff) | mark.becker@brooklynpark.org | 7634938007
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
- Action 5:
Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Brooklyn Park has adopted zoning districts in priority redevelopment areas that allow and encourage walkable, mixed-use, and transit-supportive development. This includes the Village Creek redevelopment area along Brooklyn Boulevard, and the city’s five station areas on the planned Blue Line Extension. The City’s Economic Development Authority proactively facilitates development in these by strategically acquiring property and partnering with developers on projects that further environmental sustainability.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
- 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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Brooklyn Park adopted its 2040 Comprehensive Plan on March 30, 2020.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
- 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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Brooklyn Park is currently updating its zoning code to address any compatibility issues with the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan. Under Metropolitan Council rules, the city has nine months to update the code. The current zoning code purpose statement includes language about implementing the comprehensive plan, which will carry forward.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
- Action 3:
Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed / wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
This provision is required by Metropolitan Council policy and is included throughout the City of Brooklyn Park’s comprehensive plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Transportation
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
- Action 5:
Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The city has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangement policy (AWA) that allows employees to work from home up to two days a week.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Wokie Freeman-Gbogba (City Staff) | wokie.freeman@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8005
Wokie Freeman-Gbogba (City Staff) | wokie.freeman@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8005
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
- Action 1:
Certify as a Tree City USA.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1992
Implementation details:
We have been a Tree City for 19 years. Last received 2019
We have also received the Tree City Growth Award for 13 years.
We have also received the Tree City Growth Award for 13 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Greg Hoag (City Staff) | greg.hoag@brooklynpark.org | 7634938350
Greg Hoag (City Staff) | greg.hoag@brooklynpark.org | 7634938350
- Action 6:
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
a. We have a full-time staff forester and trained tree crews
b. We hold an annual tree sale for residents. We partner with Tree Trust to hold volunteer tree plantings in city parks.
c. Our EAB plan has been adopted by the City Council
b. We hold an annual tree sale for residents. We partner with Tree Trust to hold volunteer tree plantings in city parks.
c. Our EAB plan has been adopted by the City Council
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Tree Trust
For more information contact:
Greg Hoag (City Staff) | greg.hoag@brooklynpark.org | 7634938350
Greg Hoag (City Staff) | greg.hoag@brooklynpark.org | 7634938350
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
- Action 4:
Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
The City has had a stormwater utility for a number of years. Rates vary based on the type of building on site. For instance businesses and industrial uses which have greater impervious surface pay a significantly higher fee (see page four of the attached rate sheet).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mitch Robinson (City Staff) | Mitchell.Robinson@BrooklynPark.Org | 763-493-8291
Mitch Robinson (City Staff) | Mitchell.Robinson@BrooklynPark.Org | 763-493-8291
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
- Action 2:
Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
In 2017, city staff worked with residents to establish six goals they would like to see Brooklyn Park accomplish by 2025. The city developed a list of community statistics showing progress toward those goals. Those statistics are updated annually. They are posted on the city's website and shared in presentations and publications.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
McKaia Dykema (City Staff) | mckaia.dykema@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8159
McKaia Dykema (City Staff) | mckaia.dykema@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8159
- Action 6:
Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
In November 2021 the city updated city code to add seats on commissions that are dedicated to emerging leaders.
We currently and historically have had limited representation from 18-24-year-olds on the city’s commissions. We have partnered with Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth’s Youth OnBoard! initiative to recruit young adults to apply for the city’s commissions. Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBAY) will provide training for the emerging leaders as well as readiness training for commissioners.
We currently and historically have had limited representation from 18-24-year-olds on the city’s commissions. We have partnered with Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth’s Youth OnBoard! initiative to recruit young adults to apply for the city’s commissions. Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBAY) will provide training for the emerging leaders as well as readiness training for commissioners.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth
For more information contact:
Josie Shardlow (City Staff) | josie.shardlow@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8388
Josie Shardlow (City Staff) | josie.shardlow@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8388