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.
- Action 1:City Detail
Background Information
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
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 29
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Note to PHillip--still gathering more info on projects completed.
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:Ice rinks were prepared and maintained at McKenna, Keyes and Ostrander parks with timers used to control the lighting for the rinks.
Following the completion of the Public Safety Building (PSB) decommissioning project in 2013, staff focused on improving the operational efficiencies of the building’s HVAC automation system by utilizing Setpoint Systems Corporation in managing the PSB’s HVAC automation software,
o The Public Safety building has seen a reduction of $33,217 to their annual electric bill as compared to 2011. This is the result of the recommissioning in 2013 and changes made to the building automation system. (Update from 2016)
In 2014, two Top Valu buildings had lighting fixtures in the cooler doors, the cash register area and customer entrances were replaced with more efficient LED fixtures; all three liquor stores had energy audits performed by Xcel Energy.
In 2015, all the exterior 150 watt incandescent wall pack lights at the Public Safety building were replaced with 19 watt LED wall packs.
In 2015 improved vestibule lighting was installed at both Top Valu I and II, and additional illuminated signage was installed at Top Valu II. Also in 2015, an energy management system was installed at all three stores, subsidized with rebates from Xcel Energy.
This system has less than a two‐year investment payback period, primarily due to more energy‐efficient operation of the beer coolers.
o ECM motors and fan controls were installed at both Top Valu liquor stores and have generated a reduction in the electric bills of $1,300 to $2,000 per month.
o Two stores which have reduced electric bills by $1,300 - $2,000 per month since 2015; this is an estimated savings of $156,000 - $240,000 over the last decade or roughly $13,000 - $20,000 per year.
In 2016, Top Valu I store qualified for a state incentive program to install solar energy panels on its roof and began purchasing a portion of its electricity from the solar vendor that installed the panels. After a period of years, ownership of the panels will revert to the City, and then the electricity from the panels will be available to the City for free.
In 2016, Public Works Department and a vendor implemented a new HVAC and lighting control system. The new library officially opened June 25, 2016 and was added to our Delta Controls building automation system and Pacom security system.
In 2017, a subscription for Solar Gardens was approved by the City Council. It is calculated that adding Solar Gardens to our solar power at four buildings may save an additional $600,000 in electrical costs over a 25-year period. We are purchasing renewable energy from the following gardens:
o Johnson Garden 1 - 8,055 kWh
o Johnson Garden 2 - 8,055 kWh
o Scandia Garden - 22,292 kWh
In 2018, the library contains design features that help minimize the building’s impact on the environment, such as day lighting, sun-sensitive LED lighting and energy saving underfloor air distribution systems.
In 2019, the City increased its subscriptions to additional solar gardens that will run online in 2020 or early 2021.
In 2020, updates were made to the access control software to remotely lock buildings.
In 2021, interior improvements to Top Valu #3 included new flooring and finishes to match the other two stores, a dropped ceiling with LED lighting, and the replacement and relocation of the checkout counters. Top Valu 1 and 2 retrofitted the show floor 2x2 troffers to LED fixtures. A point-of-use water heater in the library workroom was replaced and building systems automation was adjusted in the library to maximize energy efficiency. Interior lights were retrofitted to LED fixtures at the Public Safety building. More renewable energy was purchased, as more solar garden subscriptions came online.
In 2022, the ventilation component of the HVAC system was retrofitted with external brackets to accept non-specified filters; the first filter change since building construction of the library in 2016. Best practice is to replace system filters every five to seven years. Facility Maintenance department worked with the liquor operations manager on the second phase of LED retrofits for both Top Valu 1 and 2 including LED lights around the show floor and additional lights at the checkout at Top Valu 1. An EV charger was installed at Public Works for two new EV vehicles. New LED bollards were installed in the front of the Public Safety building. More renewable energy was purchased as more solar garden subscriptions came online.
o Increased EV charging capacity; solar garden subscriptions; lighting efficiency
The Public Safety building has seen a reduction of $33,217 to their annual electric bill as compared to 2011 after recommissioning in 2013 and changes made to the building automation system. (Update from 2016)
In 2015, improved vestibule lighting was installed at both Top Valu I and II as well as energy management systems installed at all three stores, subsidized with rebates from Xcel Energy. This system has less than a two‐year investment payback period, primarily due to more energy‐efficient operation of the beer coolers.
o ECM motors and fan controls were installed at both Top Valu liquor stores and have generated a reduction in the electric bills of $1,300 to $2,000 per month.
o Two stores which have reduced electric bills by $1,300 - $2,000 per month since 2015; this is an estimated savings of $156,000 - $240,000 over the last decade or roughly $13,000 - $20,000 per year.
In 2017, a subscription for Solar Gardens was approved by the City Council. It is calculated that adding Solar Gardens to our solar power at four buildings may save an additional $600,000 in electrical costs over a 25-year period. We are purchasing renewable energy from the following gardens:
o Johnson Garden 1 - 8,055 kWh
o Johnson Garden 2 - 8,055 kWh
o Scandia Garden - 22,292 kWh
In 2021, interior improvements to Top Valu #3 included new flooring and finishes to match the other two stores, a dropped ceiling with LED lighting, and the replacement and relocation of the checkout counters. Top Valu 1 and 2 retrofitted the show floor 2x2 troffers to LED fixtures. A point-of-use water heater in the library workroom was replaced and building systems automation was adjusted in the library to maximize energy efficiency. Interior lights were retrofitted to LED fixtures at the Public Safety building. More renewable energy was purchased, as more solar garden subscriptions came online.
In 2022, the ventilation component of the HVAC system was retrofitted with external brackets to accept non-specified filters; the first filter change since building construction of the library in 2016. Best practice is to replace system filters every five to seven years. Facility Maintenance department worked with the liquor operations manager on the second phase of LED retrofits for both Top Valu 1 and 2 including LED lights around the show floor and additional lights at the checkout at Top Valu 1. An EV charger was installed at Public Works for two new EV vehicles. New LED bollards were installed in the front of the Public Safety building. More renewable energy was purchased as more solar garden subscriptions came online.
o Increased EV charging capacity; solar garden subscriptions; lighting efficiency
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
- Action 3:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
- Action 1:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.
- Action 2:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
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.
- Action 1:Goal (Chapter 10 page 7 ): Provide convenient access to mixed land use developments to encourage
more trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by automobile.
Goal (chapter 10 page9): Preserve and reinvest in the housing stock...5. Encourage energy efficiency and sustainability in renovation and new construction.
Goal (chapter 10 page 12): Preserve and protect natural features and resources in existing parks and when planning and redeveloping park and recreational facilities. 1. Explore methods and costs of transitioning to more sustainable operational practices.
Goal (chapter 10 page 13): Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation.
Goal (chapter 10 page 15): Maintain or improve the quality of water resources within the City.
Goal (chapter 10 page 16): Prevent, to the extent possible, sediment from construction sites from
entering the City's surface water resources and to control the erosion from drainageways within the City.
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
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.
- Action 2:Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:
- Action 2:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:
- Action 2:City Hall Garage – There is a parking garage located at 3989 Central Ave NE. Visitors will have to enter off 40th Ave NE to enter. The garage is only open during business hours and for scheduled City meetings. City Hall offers public and fleet EV charging and the Ratio Apartments has private EV chargers as well.
Van Buren St NE Ramp – The Van Buren St NE Ramp is located north of 40th Ave NE between Van Buren St NE and Central Ave NE.
Municipal Parking Lot – The Municipal Parking lot is located south of 40th Ave NE between Van Buren St NE and Central Ave NE.
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.
- Action 1:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Adopt zoning language or approve a skinny street/development project that follows green street and/or walkable streets principles.
- Action 2:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.
- Action 6:GOAL: Provide for safe and efficient roadway transportation.
1. Review and analyze high traffic crash locations on a biannual basis.
2. Work with MnDOT and Anoka County to provide means for low-cost traffic congestion mitigation.
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
- Action 2:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}
Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.
- Action 4:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.
- Action 4:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}
Compare the energy use and financial performance of your facilities with other peer facilities using standardized, free tools.
- Action 1:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or breakdowns occur.
- Action 2:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.
- Action 3:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Septic Systems {BP no.21}
Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics.
- Action 7:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.
- Action 1:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.
- Action 1:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).
- Action 6:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.
- Action 5:Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.
- Action 7:Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
Local Food {BP no.27}
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
- Action 2:Columbia Heights has had a residential garden plot for many years (see link). In addition, the school has a garden to teach kids how to grow their own food see link http://www.colheights.k12.mn.us/education/components/layout/default.php?sectiondetailid=10127&.
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706