A. Discussion of Best Practices for Sustainability
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
A
~Itl'.!!
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Kate Aanenson AICP, Community Development Director
DATE:
December 8, 2008
~
SUBJ:
Discussion of Best Practices for Sustainability; Including Urban
Design, Recycling, Solid Waste, Storm Water, and Natural
Resources
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to inform the City Council about promoting
sustainability through green standards and guidelines. City staff has been
working with the Environmental Commission as the educational component of the
promotion of sustainability. Most recently the City has been promoting Energy
Star@ and the WaterWise program. Both programs have been well received. As
the City moves toward implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, promotion of
more of these types of programs will follow. Following is an outline of the
analysis.
Overview of Sustainability and Green Standards:
1. Policy Foundation for Sustainability
2. Green Standards & Rating Systems
3. Policy Implementation
ANAL YSIS
Policy Foundation for Sustainability
Definition of Sustainability
State of Minnesota
Used by League of Minnesota Cities
"Development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community
well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which
people and economic depend.
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their of need."
--Minn.Stat. 4A.07, subd.1(b)
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Todd Gerhardt
December 8, 2008
Page 2 of 3
League of Minnesota Cities Sustainable Development Policy
Due to their role in land use planning and zoning, stormwater and wastewater management, and
local economic development and other conservation practices, local governments can take a lead
on these issues by choosing to incorporate aspects of sustainable development into their local
operations and facilities. They can also develop local policies and regulation that support and
guide individual and private sustainability efforts.
uSDI6, 2007 City Policies, League of MN Cities, Nov 16,2006
By more efficiently using public infrastructure and minimizing resource consumption, the costs
to individuals, business, and government can be reduced. New and expanded business and job
opportunities are also generated by the "green" products and services needed to implement
sustainable development initiatives. The ideal result of well-planned sustainability and
conservation efforts isa city that is more efficient in the use of its resources and infrastructure
that creates fewer environmental problems for future generations to deal with and that is a more
desirable home for residents and businesses.
--SDI6, 2007 City Policies, League of MN Cities, Nov 16,2006
Green Standards and Rating systems
. Energy Star@ - a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy
efficient products and practices.
o For the Home - looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the
ENERGY STAR. If looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY
ST AR. If looking to make larger improvements to your home, EP A offers tools and
resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and
improve home comfort.
o For Business - EPA's ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management
strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking
savings, and rewarding improvements. EPA provides an innovative energy performance
rating system which businesses have already used for more than 62,000 buildings across
the country. EP A also recognizes top performing buildings with the ENERGY STAR.
. US Green Building Council - LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
o Third party certification for new construction, existing building and interiors
o Administered by USGBC - United States Green Building Council
o Point-based system
o Six base evaluation categories:
· Site Sustainability, Water Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, Energy and
Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Innovation & Design
Todd Gerhardt
December 8, 2008
Page 3 of 3
. MN GreenStar Project
o Coalition of bui Iders and environmental experts
o Third party certificate program for sustainable homes and remodels
o 5 categories:
· Energy Efficiency, Resource Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Water
Conservation, Site and Community
o Program launched in March 2008
What Can Local Governments Do?
. Understand green rating programs and process (LEED AP on Staff)
· Lead by example - Demonstration Projects
. Education / Outreach
. Promote sustainability through ordinances
. Provide Incentives to go Green
o Fast-Track Permitting
o Fee Reduction/W ai ver
o Density Bonuses
o Zoning Flexibility
o Tax Credits
o Green Building Fund
o Grants
RECOMMENDA TION
Staff would like to develop additional green programs and bring those back to the City Council
for approval.
g:\plan\ka\city counciI\sustainability 11-24-08 linai.doc