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.
City Detail
Background Information
City of New Prague
County: Scott,Le Sueur
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 (
)
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
2023 - click to view assessment
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 11: 8
: 1
: 1
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:
Entered City of New Prague information on B3 Benchmarking with plans to continue updating into the future. Information includes both electric and natural gas consumption.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City has installed new, energy efficient lighting throughout the wastewater treatment plant, transitioning over a five year period. City Hall and other buildings have been partially completed, with the ballasts being replaced as they go bad. As of 8/29/22, about half of all ballasts across the City have been replaced.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
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: 2012
Implementation details:
Through the City's utility, New PRague has advertised and offered rebates to citizens of New Prague to increase energy efficiency. Examples include providing LED light bulbs at a heavily subsidized rate and providing tips on further increasing energy efficiency.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- Action 2:
Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City provides assistance to businesses who would like to integrate EV charges into their businesses. In 2021, Coborn's Grocery and City Hall became the first businesses that provided EV charging stations for customers/citizens to use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- Action 3:
Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial buildings.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
On every utility bill that the City sends to its water/electric residential customers, the City includes an energy rating for their property as well as a comparison to other similar properties. This allows all residents to compare how much energy they are using compared to their neighbors and the savings they may be able to realize by taking energy saving steps.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- 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: 2015
Implementation details:
The City routinely works with all businesses in New Prague to perform energy audits. These actions help business owner become informed of how they are using energy so that they are able to make formed decisions about upgrades within their facilities related to energy usage.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- Action 6:
Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Pre-2010
Implementation details:
The City, which owns its electric utility, works with the South Minnesota Municipal Power Agency to provide rebates for energy savings. This happens both for residential customers as well as for commercial/industrial customers.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
- Action 1:
Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Pre-2010
Implementation details:
All City facilities currently have outdoor lighting that is downward facing, shielded, and does not bleed across property lines. Section 704 of the zoning code requires that all commercial, new or updated, also comply with those standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- 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: 2005
Implementation details:
This is an on-going process. As of 11/4/22, there is only a single traffic light in New Prague that isn't LED. Once it is set for replacement, it will be converted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
- Action 4:
Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
While we don't have many traffic signals in succession in town, the City continues to explore intersections that could be replaced with roundabouts. Most recently, the City replaced two traffic signals on Main Street with roundabouts to help traffic move more efficiently and have less idling. As of 11/4/2022, New Prague has a total of eight roundabouts in City limits.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Environmental Management
Local Air Quality {BP no.23}
- Action 5:
Install, assist with and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City provides assistance to businesses who would like to integrate EV charges into their businesses. In 2021, Coborn's Grocery and City Hall became the first businesses that provided EV charging stations for customers/citizens to use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401