Steps 4 and 5

The primary purpose and benefit of Steps 4 and 5 is for participants to track and celebrate outcomes that best practice actions have had on your community over time. 

Learn more about the different reporting options to reach Step 4 and Step 5 in our interactive course! 

Reporting Options for Step 4: 

4A – Meet with GreenStep staff to select your sustainability targets 

4B – Select & report your sustainability targets 

4C – Report GreenStep-identified metrics 

Reporting Options for Step 5: 

5A – Improve your sustainability targets 

5B – Report GreenStep-identified metrics 

5C – Report new/improved Best Practice Actions 

5D – Give a presentation 

5E – Publish a story

5F – Survey residents about your targets 

5G – Participate in a Minnesota action program

_{Defining ‘Metrics’ – A metric is a standard of measurement used to track, monitor, and assess the status of a specific process or desired outcome. Metrics can be quantitative (i.e. 55%; 2 acres) or qualitative (i.e. yes/no) and provide a baseline of data that can be used as a benchmark to track progress over time.}

_{Example: Percentage of total streetlights converted to LED; Number of acres of native habitat restored in the community in 2025; Number of community workshops/events on sustainability topics hosted in 2025; etc.}

_{Defining ‘Targets’ – A target is desired level of achievement for a metric. Targets are a specific, measurable objective that aims to achieve a larger, overarching goal (in this case, being a sustainable community). Targets should provide enough detail for anyone to understand the desired outcome and timeline. A good target should help you identify the specific actions needed to meet the goal over time.}

_{Example: Convert 100% of streetlights to LED by 2030; Add 4 acres of native habitat in the community by 2032; Host 2 community workshops/events on sustainability topics every year; etc.}  

You are free to switch which Step 4 or Step 5 reporting option you report each year. 

Once you reach Step 4 or Step 5, you won’t lose it! Even if you don’t report anything in future years, you will continue to be the highest Step you have achieved. 

It is possible to reach both Step 4 & Step 5 in any year, including the first year you report!

Reporting

Ready to submit your Step 4 and Step 5 documentation to the GreenStep program? Fill out this Submission Form to provide the necessary details to staff.

Questions? 

Contact GreenStep staff via email, schedule an appointment, or join open office hours.