Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.
- 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: 21
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Benchmarking in Feb. 2010. As of 12/5/2012 The City of Grand Rapids has implemented B3 benchmarking on five additional city buildings. These six buildings are the six main buildings owned by the City of Grand Rapids. At least three years of data has been entered for each building. Data will continually be monitored and modifications will be made to improve building efficency when possible.
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.
- Action 4:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
- Action 7:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
- Action 4:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
- Action 5:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:Upon the adoption of the city plan or section thereof in order that they will serve as a pattern and guide for the orderly physical development of the city and as a basis or the efficient expenditure of th e funds thereof relating to the subjects of such city plan. Such means shall consist of a zoning ordinance, the control of subdivision plats, a plan of future streets, coordination of the normal public improvemnts of the city,a longterm program of capital expenditures and such other matters as will accomplish the purpose of this article.
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Jim Columbus Mn. Dept of Natural Resources Certified Tree Inspector #20073056
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.
- Action 2:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:
- Action 3: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.
- Action 4:Reduce de-icing and dust suppressant salt use to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.
- Action 6:Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.
- Action 7:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}
Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.
- Action 2:Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024