By Rich Larson
The City of Northfield is once again receiving recognition for its work to conserve resources, improve efficiency and become a more environmentally sustainable community.
Northfield has received Steps 4 and 5 recognition through the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, the two highest levels available through the statewide program. The city officially achieved Step 5 status in June.
Minnesota GreenStep is a voluntary program designed to help cities and Tribal nations meet sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The free program encourages communities to reduce energy use, conserve natural resources, address climate change and find innovative ways to operate more efficiently.
Northfield is one of 156 cities and Tribal nations currently participating in GreenStep.
City Sustainability Coordinator and GreenStep program lead Sara Pabich said the recognition reflects Northfield’s continuing commitment to those goals.
“This award shows community members and other cities across Minnesota that the City of Northfield is continuing to advance energy and resource conservation, sustainability, and innovation,” Pabich said.
Northfield has participated in GreenStep since the program began in 2010. The city has completed 51 actions included in the program’s 29 best-practice areas, with those actions rated according to their level of achievement.
The higher GreenStep levels focus not only on actions taken by a city, but on measurable results. Step 4 communities report a required number of performance metrics showing the impact of their sustainability work. To reach Step 5, a city must demonstrate improvement in those measurements.
Northfield officials said the work also supports principles established in the city’s Comprehensive Plan and goals outlined in its Climate Action Plan. Those efforts include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource efficiency and preparing Northfield for the effects of a changing climate.
“It’s a great achievement for the City of Northfield,” Pabich said. “By participating in this program, Northfield and communities across Minnesota are sharing ideas and implementing solutions that help our cities thrive while preparing for the future.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
