09-22-2020 Work Session Agenda W O R K S E S S IO N
V IR T U AL ME E TIN G H E L D V IA W E B E X
S E P TEMB E R 22, 2020
5:45 P M
C all to order
1.P resentation and review of the C limate A ction P lan (C A P ).
A djournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96
hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9738.
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
WORK SESSION
9/22/2020
RE P O RT P RE PA RE D B Y: Rachel L indholm, S ustainability S pecialist
D E PA RTME NT D IRE C TO R RE V IE W: A my Markle, Recreation S ervices D irector
9/15/2020
O THE R D E PA RTM E NT RE V IE W:
C ITY MA NA G E R RE V IE W: K atie Rodriguez, C ity Manager
9/16/2020
I T E M F O R WO RK S E S S IO N:
Presentation and review of the Climate Action Plan (C AP).
E X E C UT IV E S UM M ARY:
Over the past several years, Richfield has undertaken numerous sustainability-related initiatives,
complementing existing city services that already follow environmental best practices. Recently, after resident
inquiries and with increased sustainability efforts, the City Council asked staff to create a climate action plan
for Richfield. This report will help guide many of the environmental initiatives the city will undertake over the
next 5 years.
This work session will detail the following:
Previous sustainability efforts leading up to the C A P
W hat makes Richfield's C A P unique?
Content covered in the C A P
I mplementation over the next 5 years
D IRE C T I O N NE E D E D:
Provide feedback on the content of the C AP and indicate if the C AP should be added to the next City
Council meeting agenda for an official vote of approval.
Please send any comments of questions prior to the work session to Rachel Lindholm at
rlindholm@richfieldmn.gov.
B AC K G RO UND INF O RM AT I O N:
A.H IS TOR IC AL C ON T E X T
Sustainability/environmental efforts have a long history in Richfield, including establishing
Wood Lake Nature Center in 1971, which has provided environmental education for
almost 50 years.
In 2012, Richfield joined GreenStep Cities to track sustainability progress and work to
achieve more environmental initiatives. Currently, the City is looking to reach Step 4
designation.
The City hosted a GreenCorps member from October 2018 - August 2019; the member's projects
focused on waste reduction and disposal. I n 2019, the Sustainability Specialist staff position was
created to continue and expand sustainability efforts.
I n 2019, the Sustainability Commission was established after the Organics Taskforce was
disbanded and residents wanted an ongoing commission dedicated to sustainability.
The C A P creation process started in March 2020. A draft was brought to the Sustainability
Commission for feedback at the August 27th meeting.
Some actions in the C A P are already underway, like participating in Partners in Energy.
B.P OL IC IE S (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, etc):
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies several City goals that are connected to goals in the Climate
Action Plan as well.
C.C R IT IC AL T IMIN G IS S U E S:
Adopting the CAP will help align goals with staff work and prioritize efforts, steering
sustainability goals with a measured time frame (5 years). Effects of climate change are already
experienced locally and globally so continuing and increasing sustainability efforts is essential.
D.F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
Some projects and actions will require additional funding, but the majority will be accomplished with
existing staff time and budget. Any projects that require additional funding will go through the proper
presentation and approval process in the future.
E.L E GAL C ON S ID E R AT ION:
None.
ALTE R N AT IV E(S):
Do not indicate approval for putting the C A P on the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
P R IN C IPAL PAR TIE S E X P E C TE D AT ME E TIN G:
AT TAC H ME N T S:
D escription Type
C A P Work S ession P owerpoint P resentation
C limate A ction P lan D raft B ackup Material
Climate Action Plan
Introduction
•Importance of climate action planning
•How did we get here?
–Sustainability efforts so far
How is this CAP unique?
•5 year plan
•Focused on short-term
actions
•Annually reviewed
CAP Creation Process
•Read 13 other CAPs; compiled actions
•Organized into focus areas specific to
Richfield’s efforts and goals
•Met with staff to review and revise actions
(Rec, PW, CD, etc)
What’s in Richfield’s CAP?
•6 focus areas
•18 objectives
•80 actions
•Narrative about previously accomplished
efforts
•Connections to GreenStep Cities
Goal 1: Develop and Promote
Energy Efficiency Efforts
•Energy initiatives
–Residential, commercial, and municipal
efficiency
–Energy tracking/benchmarking
–Partnership programs (PiE, HES)
•Transportation initiatives
–EV education/infrastructure
–Alternative transportation investment/edu
(bikes, carpooling, pedestrian trips )
Goal 2: Promote Renewable
Energy Installation and
Purchasing
•Increase purchasing through Xcel
•Solar installation & incentives edu
•Research on renewables for municipal sites
•Solar park lighting
Goal 3: Encourage Sustainable
Design and Building Practices
•Sustainability guide for developers/builders
•ARC review opportunities
•Affordable housing permit fee reduction
•Review and revise
existing standards
(parking, landscaping,
stormwater)
•Green certification
Goal 4: Strengthen and Expand
Natural Resource Management
•Landscaping
–Heavily education oriented
–Review code and policies to help permit
alternative landscaping
•Stormwater
–Water conservation education
–Shoreline management and pond inventory
–Salt reduction efforts
Goal 5: Reduce Waste Generated
& Promote Responsible Disposal
•Partnership programs
and education
•Expand collection
access
•Municipal waste
reduction (standardized
recycling, staff events,
sustainable purchasing)
Goal 6: Improve Access to Local
and Healthy Food
•Community gardens,
edible landscaping
•Animal husbandry
ordinance review
•Support mobile food-
sharing efforts, CSAs
•Healthy food education
•Food deserts and access
in Richfield
The next 5 years
•Start and/or implement actions every year;
many in 2021
•Coordinating with other city staff
•Flexible planning
•Actions already in progress
Questions or Comments?
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
City of Richfield
Table of Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................page 2
Overarching Climate Action Goals........................................................................................................................page 4
Goal 1: Develop and Promote Energy Efficiency Efforts....................................................................................page 5
Goal 2: Promote Renewable Energy Installation and Purchasing.................................................................page 8
Goal 3: Encourage Sustainable Design and Building Practices.....................................................................page 9
Goal 4: Strengthen and Expand Natural Resource Management.................................................................page 11
Goal 5: Reduce Waste Generated..........................................................................................................................page 13
Goal 6: Improve Access to Local and Healthy Food........................................................................................page 15
Appendix 1: Implementation Tables.......................................................................................................................page 17
Appendix 2: Related 2040 Comprehensive Plan Policies.............................................................................page 21
Appendix 3: Resources.............................................................................................................................................page 22
Page 1
Lifelong learning at Wood Lake Nature Center is an essential part of sustainability and
environmental education and action!
Page 2
Introduction
In Richfield’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, one of the overarching goals was “emphasizing sustainability
as a measure to ensure the future economic, environmental and social health of the community”. Sus-
tainability efforts are also inherently connected to the rest of the City’s goals. This includes increasing
equity, committing to a balanced multimodal transportation system, providing the best core services,
engaging residents with community outreach, and more.
Our climate is changing rapidly, with more precipitation (both rain and snow) and warmer temperatures,
especially during the winter and overnight (Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card, 2019)). In
several areas, the state is at risk of depleting its water supplies. In 2016, transportation surpassed elec-
tricity as the largest source of CO2 emissions in MN (Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card,
2019). All of these statistics and more highlight a need for society to change its business as usual behav-
iors and look towards more environmentally friendly ways of life.
The predominant lenses through which the climate actions in this plan have been proposed and evaluat-
ed are mitigation, adaptation, education, and resilience. It is well-known that climate change has and will
continue to affect everyone, disproportionately affecting at-risk populations. This includes our elderly,
people of color, people with disabilities, non-English speaking, low-income, and immunocompromised
friends, family, and neighbors.
Climate change has
and will continue to
bring many environ-
mental, social, and re-
source-based stresses
to cities like Richfield.
These problems could
include situations like
heat and disease killing
the urban tree canopy.
Fewer mature trees
and increased develop-
ment increases the ur-
ban heat island effect,
which has shown that
the average tempera-
ture in the cities and
first-ring suburbs is sev-
eral degrees warmer
than surrounding rural
areas (Smoliak et al,
2015). Figure 1 shows
the prevalence of
warmer temperatures
in Richfield, especially
compared to surround-
ing areas.
Figure 1: Land Surface temperature. Richfield is indicated by the black outline. (Source: Metropolitan
Council Local Planning Assistance)
Page 3
These warming temperatures leads to a decline in air and water quality as well as a significant increase
in health emergencies related to conditions like asthma, COPD, and cardiac arrest. Stresses on bodies
of water increase flooding and decrease water quality. Stresses on public health like food supply chain
disruptions threaten the well-being of urban populations. Stresses on low income residents and/or those
who live in high-risk areas or aging infrastructure affect already marginalized populations, and increase
the severity of health-related consequences.
Fortunately, Richfield has shown its commitment to more sustainable actions, especially over the past
few years. The City joined GreenStep Cities, a continuous improvement program with hundreds of ac-
tion steps housed under 29 best practice categories, and is currently working to achieve Level 4 status
within the program. More information on Richfield’s GreenStep Cities progress can be found by visiting:
https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/city-detail/12392.
Work like this adds to the many common municipal practices that have long been the best environmen-
tal option. Richfield needs a plan going forward that prioritizes a larger scale climate action effort. It is
necessary to prepare our community to handle both existing and new conditions that may hinder future
daily living, so we can best adapt to these unknown situations.
This climate action work plan details actions to help achieve both short- and long-term goals for the City
of Richfield’s sustainability efforts. These actions have been influenced by policies outlined in the most
recent Comprehensive Plan as well as staff and resident suggestions. There are many actions to under-
take and Richfield will only realize the success of its full potential when everyone works together, both
in the short and long-
term. Together we can
prepare Richfield for
the future and see the
benefits of our efforts
now.
This plan will be
re-evaluated every year
by city staff and the
Sustainability Commis-
sion to ensure that the
goals and actions in-
cluded are meeting the
city’s needs. This annu-
al review will also look
at the progress being
made, next steps, and
other project details,
including additional
resources that might
be needed to further
achieve these actions.
In 2019, Richfield bought two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to be used in
the Engineering and Recreation Departments. Engineering staff only filled up the gas
tank 3 times in the first year of driving!
Page 4
Overarching Climate Action Goals
The City of Richfield has identified the following goals as overarching objectives that encompass nu-
merous possible actions. Some of these efforts will strengthen resources found in Richfield, like greens-
pace and local food systems, while others focus on resources generated outside of Richfield, including
electricity and renewable energy. In addition to responsible consumption and awareness, these climate
actions will help reduce the environmental effects and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from current
behaviors.
1. Develop and Promote Energy Efficiency Efforts – Understand Richfield’s energy usage and
how to reduce it, saving money and helping the environment.
a. Energy Initiatives
b. Transportation Initiatives
2. Promote Renewable Energy Installation and Purchasing – Reduce reliance on fossil fuel de-
rived energy and educate residents and businesses on installation incentives.
3. Encourage Sustainable Design and Building Practices – Ensure design and construction plans
integrate environmental best practices and amenities, making the building’s lifecycle more envi-
ronmentally efficient.
4. Strengthen and Expand Natural Resource Management – Inventory various natural resources
and include the public in restoration and maintenance of trees, parks, and bodies of water.
a. Landscaping and Urban Canopy
b. Water Quality and Conservation
5. Reduce Waste Generated & Promote Responsible Disposal – Understand how to responsibly
dispose of many different goods and materials while promoting a circular, low waste economy.
6. Improve Access to Local and Healthy Food – Increase convenient purchasing opportunities
and create more gardening and food production opportunities.
Page 5
Goal 1: Develop and Promote Energy Efficiency Efforts
Energy Initiatives
Emissions from energy generation and usage account for the second highest sector of emissions, only
behind transportation. When compared to other inner ring suburbs, Richfield falls below the average
when looking at the tons of CO2 emitted from energy consumption (Figure 2). This also correlates to low-
er energy consumption compared to other inner ring suburbs.
However, since Richfield’s land use is highly residential and much less commercial/industrial, the lower
than average energy usage is drastically driven by residential energy consumption and not by commer-
cial consumption. This is reflected in the residential energy costs shown in Figure 3, which shows that
Richfield residents have been right in the middle when it comes to how much each household has paid
per day for energy.
Despite these discrepancies, it is clear that energy efficiency and usage reduction efforts would benefit
both sectors, saving money and conserving resources. Richfield has already undertaken several ener-
gy-efficiency efforts, especially when it comes to the energy usage of municipal buildings. Both the Pub-
lic Works building and the Water Plant are outfitted entirely with LED lighting fixtures. The Water Plant has
also taken part in an Xcel Energy rebate program to upgrade equipment like high service water pumps
and other motor upgrades. Other citywide energy actions include converting all stoplights in the city to
LED fixtures as well as city participation in Xcel and Center for Energy and Environment’s Home Energy
Squad program since 2013.
Figure 2: The 2017 Energy Emissions of the Inner Ring Suburbs. (Source: Regional Indicators Initiative)
Figure 3: 2016 Energy Costs (dollars per household per day) of the Inner Ring Suburbs. (Source: Regional Indicators Initiative)
Page 6
Objective 1: Share opportunities to decrease energy costs and lower energy usage with residents and
business owners
1.1 Community stakeholders will write and execute an Energy Action Plan through participating in
Partners in Energy. Among other goals, include a focus on residential energy use and efficiency
efforts.
1.2 Develop a City webpage that provides information to help residents incorporate energy efficien-
cy practices and technology into their lives. Communicate these strategies through social media,
newsletters, and e-notifications.
1.3 Encourage commercial and large residential building owners to reduce energy use and increase
energy efficiency by retrofitting existing buildings and introducing behavior changes.
1.4 Discuss including energy efficiency tips and improvements as part of point of sale inspections or
new homeowner materials. Promote utility rebates for energy efficient product upgrades.
Objective 2: Increase the energy efficiency of all municipal buildings and operations
2.1 Track municipal energy, natural gas, and water consumption on B3, an energy benchmarking
program.
2.2 Conduct municipal building audits to find efficiency opportunities (behavior change and technol-
ogy implementation). Create building-specific improvement plans, optimizing city operations to
best conserve energy and save money.
2.3 Replace existing Xcel metered high-pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights with LED streetlights.
2.4 Develop a program to replace existing Xcel flat rate HPS streetlights with LED streetlights.
2.5 Create and maintain a written inventory of LED and HPS light fixtures in municipal facility and
park parking lots. Use this information as a guideline for replacing HPS fixtures with LEDs.
Transportation Initiatives
In Minnesota, transportation is the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions. Although freight trans-
portation (shipping, trucking) contributes to this, individual travel makes up a far greater percentage of
Richfield’s transportation emissions (Met Council Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 2018). While there has been
progress in promoting and planning for alternative modes of transportation (public transit, biking, walk-
ing, rolling, riding scooters or skateboards, etc), the car continues to be the primary mode of transport for
many. Additionally, most of those trips have a single occupant, especially commutes.
Richfield is above average for inner ring suburbs when it comes to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). As
shown in Figure 4, the city’s statistics do fall in line with many other suburbs. However, when the data is
changed to show VMT per household per day, Richfield rises to the top, driving nearly 80 miles every
day. According to the 2017
National Household Travel
Survey, 35.2% of all vehicle
trips were 2 miles and less
and 5% of all trips were un-
der ½ of a mile! While some
of these are due to running
local errands and needing
to transport goods home,
this is an area where both
carpooling and increased
transit use would be greatly
beneficial.Figure 4: 2018 Vehicle Miles Traveled for the Inner Ring Suburbs. (Source: Regional
Indicators Initiative)
Page 7
Richfield’s Complete Streets Plan has overseen many transportation infrastructure improvement projects
aiming to increase the safety of all people traveling in Richfield, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and
drivers. Several pedestrian
bridges and underpasses
have been constructed
around the freeways that
run through the City. Restrip-
ing and roundabouts have
also helped increase over-
all safety. One exemplary
project was the reconstruc-
tion of 76th Street. Reduced
from four lanes of concrete
to two lanes of asphalt, the
right of way was used to
add bike lanes, sidewalks,
multi-purpose trail, and
green boulevards with trees
on both sides of the roadway. These projects and more all help reduce transportation emissions and
other effects on the environment while also promoting positive public health habits.
Objective 3: Reduce city-wide transportation-related emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
3.1 Develop resident education regarding electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV/PHEV) in-
centives, financing, charging infrastructure (public and private), benefits, etc.
3.2 Continue evaluating the full municipal fleet for vehicle replacement opportunities
• Replace vehicles with EVs/PHEVs as appropriate.
• Right-size vehicles when replacement opportunities arise.
• Establish a policy for fuel efficiency standards for city fleet vehicles.
3.3 Install EV charging stations at select municipal facilities after integrating more EVs/PHEVs into the
fleet.
3.4 Encourage fewer individual in-city staff trips and more carpools. Prioritize using EVs/PHEVs for
these shorter trips.
3.5 Review and amend city policies to encourage employees to adopt a telework/in-office split
schedule.
3.6 Continue to encourage inclusion of roundabouts into plan-
ning and educate the public on the benefits of reducing
idling and lowered emissions.
Objective 4: Encourage alternate forms of transportation, promoting
a healthier mobility network
4.1 Work with partners like MoveMN and Commuter Services to
promote and incentivize alternative transportation for staff
and residents.
4.2 Share information about the MPCA’s electric bus initiative
with local schools.
4.3 Develop more opportunities to educate the public on equity
in transportation planning.
Figure 5: 2018 Vehicle Miles Traveled per household per day for the Inner Ring Suburbs.
(Source: Regional Indicators Initiative)
Page 8
Goal 2: Promote Renewable Energy Installation and Purchasing
As detailed in the previous goal, energy efficiency and emissions are a large component of the green-
house gas emissions reduction challenge. Increasing the amount and production capacity of renewable
energy infrastructure helps lower reliance on fossil fuels and reduce emissions from energy production.
Richfield is serviced by Xcel Energy, which has set sev-
eral goals to increase the percentage of carbon-free
energy provided to customers. In 2019, Xcel Energy
reached 54% carbon-free energy production in the Up-
per Midwest. In 2019, wind power alone supplied 15%
of the energy Xcel provided (Figure 6).
Despite the work being done on a large scale, there
are several barriers to achieving 100% carbon-free
electricity by 2050. Some of the technologies needed
to produce, store, and distribute carbon-free electric-
ity on a large utility scale haven’t been invented yet.
Therefore, implementing different distribution models,
like buildings producing their own electricity through
solar or geothermal, helps build a stronger energy sys-
tem. Renewable energy generation at individual build-
ings continues to become more accessible, strength-
ening energy production at varying scales.
Many households in Richfield have installed solar panels on their homes or garages. Local businesses
like Jaguar Land Rover Richfield generate electricity from rooftop solar arrays as well. Additionally, the
City has solar panels on five buildings (the Pool, Ice Arena, Public Works, and two liquor stores). A less
expensive way to participate in the generation and consumption of renewable energy is to purchase it
through Xcel’s Renewable Energy programs, like Windsource and community solar gardens. Over 1,000
households in Richfield currently participate in energy programs like these!
Objective 1: Increase city-wide renewable energy purchase and generation
1.1 Promote options for purchasing renewable energy to residents and businesses. Spotlight afford-
able opportunities to increase equity throughout Richfield, working with low income communities
and with people of color.
1.2 Conduct solar feasibility study; identify buildings in the city with the most potential and do target-
ed outreach.
1.3 Develop and distribute an educational brochure outlining current financing incentives and the
benefits of installing solar.
Objective 2: Increase municipal renewable energy purchasing and infrastructure installation
2.1 Continue to research renewable energy infrastructure options for municipal facilities.
• Identify any other municipal buildings with good solar payback potential.
• Investigate feasibility of solar thermal hot water systems.
• Investigate adding renewable infrastructure in all new construction.
2.2 Investigate viability of making all park trail lighting solar powered.
2.3 After reduction efforts, offset energy use with renewable energy purchasing through Xcel Ener-
gy’s renewable portfolio options.
Figure 6: 2019 Breakdown of Energy Production in Xcel’s
Upper Midwest Service Area. (Source: Xcel Energy Power
Generation).
Page 9
Goal 3: Encourage Sustainable Design and Building Practices
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste includes
materials from the renovation, demolition, or construc-
tion of buildings and transportation infrastructure. In
2019, Minnesota generated an estimated 10.2 million
tons of C&D waste, with around 1.4 million tons of that
recorded as landfilled instead of reused or recycled
(MPCA). This waste stream presents a great opportu-
nity to divert materials for reuse and extend their life-
cycle. It also shows that there is a lot of deconstruc-
tion happening annually. New construction should
be as sustainable and long-lasting as possible; this
increased lifespan could help prevent unnecessary
demolition of structures.
With limited space for new construction in Richfield, it
is important to be cognizant of what is being built and
how it’s being built. Sustainable design and construc-
tion looks at the lifespan of a building and plans for
emerging technologies. It also takes into account
existing natural resources like natural lighting and
passive heating from the sun to lower a building’s en-
ergy footprint after construction. All of these practices
result in savings over time, both financially and environmentally.
Richfield residents are implementing sustainable design features into their own home improvement or
construction projects. Many residents have installed solar panels, natural landscaping, passive solar
design, additional dwelling units, and more. Richfield’s Community Development department has several
environmentally-oriented grant programs, including the Richfield Rediscovered Lot Sale Program, which
includes five sustainable construction categories that builders should include in their design plans.
Objective 1: Develop and streamline municipal permit process
1.1 Establish a policy to evaluate all city projects for sustainable opportunities during Administrative
Review Committee (ARC) meetings. For projects with city financial support or regulatory approval,
develop an amenity point evaluation system.
1.2 Create a guide of financial and planning resources for constructing efficient and sustainable
buildings. Share this with builders/developers at ARC meetings.
1.3 Encourage builders/developers to seek EnergyStar, MN GreenStar, Xcel’s Energy Efficient Build-
ings programs, SB 2030 Energy Standard, or other certifications.
1.4 Review the effectiveness of the City’s affordable housing permit fee reduction program. Investi-
gate how to improve the program and revise as needed.
Objective 2: Adopt and promote green design strategies
2.1 Encourage deconstruction instead of demolition of properties by sharing information about Hen-
nepin County’s deconstruction grant program.
2.2 Review design and construction standards to help ensure projects reduce stormwater runoff
rates, volumes, and nutrient loads, and enhance water quality.
2.3 Set lawn design standards to require restoration of soil permeability after construction and in-
clude native plants and compost.
Richfield’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity constructs
affordable housing units in the city. All of their houses are
built to meet Energy Star 3.1 standards. This house has a home
energy score of 47, exemplifying efficiency! The houses have
LED bulbs, low flow faucets, efficient furnaces, and laminate
wood flooring where possible to help improve indoor air quali-
ty. This home also has universal design features making it more
accessible.
Page 10
2.4 Review and reduce parking maximums to better promote alternative modes of transportation.
Require bike parking for all multi-unit housing and commercial developments.
2.5 Request that a developer submit plans during the design review process on how their develop-
ment could achieve “solar-ready” and “EV-ready” status.
2.6 Require that new municipal buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green
building framework that includes an equity lens.
Page 11
Goal 4: Strengthen and Expand Natural Resource Management
Landscaping and Urban Canopy Initiatives
Natural resource and greenspace management is very im-
portant to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This is especially
true in urban areas where there are many other factors that
could directly or indirectly harm the environment. For example,
having a healthy, mature tree canopy fosters good air quality,
mitigates the urban heat island effect, reduces energy use
through shading, and helps improve water quality. Trees and
plants help sustain life by playing an essential role in sever-
al biogeochemical cycles (especially the carbon and oxygen
cycles).
Richfield’s Public Works department employs several environ-
mentally beneficial common maintenance practices. Select
areas in almost all of the city’s parks feature native grasses
and wildflowers and are not regularly mowed. This environ-
ment contributes to improving soil health, erosion control, and
reducing emissions from mowing. Chemical use in parks has gradually been reduced over the past 10
years, with staff focused on establishing better turf which requires fewer chemicals. Richfield’s parks
and streetscape projects have boasted recent efforts to plant and care for increased vegetation, in-
cluding more trees, bee-friendly medians, designated pollinator garden areas, and newly planted flow-
er beds around several park signs.
Objective 1: Establish land management standards and practices that lower inputs and maximize resilience
1.1 Identify areas in parks and commercial spaces that could be restored to natural habitat or non-
turf vegetation. Develop a conversion plan.
1.2 Increase amount of native species planted to provide pollinators and other wildlife a habitat.
1.3 Use compost in landscaping to boost soil health, resilience, and increase water retention.
1.4 Increase invasive species removal in public and private areas.
1.5 Require more greenspace in streetscape design and construction projects.
1.6 Create and implement natural resource management plans for large greenspaces throughout
the parks system.
Objective 2: Strengthen Richfield’s urban forest
2.1 Update the citywide boulevard tree inventory, identifying vulnerable urban tree canopy.
2.2 Continue to protect mature legacy trees through regular maintenance, disease prevention, and
tree-friendly urban planning and construction. Review tree/landscaping policies for single-family
and multi-unit developments; amend as needed to maximize replacement opportunities.
2.3 Increase tree canopy percentage; concentrate efforts in low-income and high urban heat areas.
2.4 Continue to increase tree species diversity and communicate efforts to the public, especially as
pertaining to residential tree selection and climate adaptive forestry.
2.5 Maintain Tree City USA status and annual tree planting events including Earth Day celebrations.
Objective 3: Provide education and outreach on protecting natural resources
3.1 Educate residents and businesses on planting trees adaptable to climate change.
3.2 Revise city code to remove barriers to using native vegetation in landscaping.
Public Works Workers Kurt Siebert and Nick Kleve
finish some natural landscaping and pollinator
garden installation in Monroe Park.
Page 12
3.3 Encourage and educate residents and businesses to convert landscapes to diverse, indige-
nous, and drought tolerant flora, including pollinator gardens. Explain why raingardens aren’t
advised in Richfield.
3.4 Increase education on invasive species identification and removal.
Water Quality and Conservation Initiatives
Over 98% of the Earth’s water is either saltwater or frozen in ice caps or glaciers (USGS). Less than 1%
of the planet’s water is accessible to be used for household use, agriculture, and other human-relat-
ed uses. In fact, most of the fresh surface water people use comes from rivers, but they only make up
about 1/10,000th of 1% of Earth’s total water supply (USGS)! It’s clear that understanding and improving
water quality and conservation is essential in using the limited supply that we have.
Richfield’s Public Works Department manages water quality and conservation measures. This includes
seasonal street sweeping to limit pollutant loading in the City’s surface waters. Additionally, the Taft/
Legion Lakes treatment system provides regional pollutant load removal and stormwater capacity. All
new developments in the City must follow stormwater standards to ensure that extra volume and pol-
lutant loading are both addressed in the planning stage and will not adversely affect the water resourc-
es in the area’s watershed.
City code restricts when residents are allowed to irrigate their lawns and gardens (allowed May 1 to
September 30 from 11 am to 4 pm) to promote water conservation and prevent excess water from
being used at times when it is more likely to evaporate than infiltrate into the ground. Public Works
has also tracked annual winter salt use in an effort to reduce excess chlorides from reaching surface
waters. Aside from damages to infrastructure (curbs, streets, pipes, and vehicles), excessive road salt
application can be very harmful to aquatic life and have long term impacts to bodies of water.
Objective 4: Promote water conservation
4.1 Create ranked list education campaign of easy behavior changes that would reduce water use.
4.2 Develop in person, print, and online water conservation education for residents and business-
es. Make education as accessible as possible with translations.
4.3 Provide information to residents on natural landscaping techniques, including low water plants.
4.4 Encourage high efficiency systems (with soil moisture sensors or programmable watering areas)
in new installations or system replacements.
Objective 5: Improve stormwater management, preserving and enhancing wetlands, streams, lakes,
and floodplain areas
5.1 Ensure the City’s shoreline management ordinance is
consistent with state requirements.
5.2 Share education with residents who want to help re-
store and revegetate shoreline.
5.3 Explore conducting an inventory of pond status and
creating improvement plans.
5.4 Develop a salt reduction education program for resi-
dents, businesses, and other organizations.
5.5 Promote citywide Adopt-A-Drain efforts with the goal
of having all catch basins adopted.
5.6 Audit and re-design stormwater drainage systems to
improve litter capture in all parks. Budget for profes-
sionally cleaning ponds and removing litter.
Natural landscaping can help prevent shoreline
erosion. (Source: MPCA)
Page 13
Goal 5: Reduce Waste Generated
We use numerous different products in our daily lives, almost all of which come in some sort of packag-
ing that is usually destined for the trash or recycling. Once it’s in the bin, it’s usually not thought of again.
However, we incinerate or landfill our trash and it quickly adds up. Richfield households produce more
waste per day than the inner ring suburb average (Figure 6), and in 2018, Richfield is estimated to have
generated 41,692 tons of waste total (Regional Indicators Initiative).
Besides the large amount of resources used to create these products and the emissions associated with
the production, there are significant emissions associated with disposing of waste. This includes house-
hold pick-up and subsequent transportation as well as the greenhouse gases released from landfilling or
incineration. Since Richfield generates more waste than average, it follows that the city has a higher than
average emission tonnage as well (Figure 7).
There are many ways to reduce the amount of waste one produces. A lot of this has to do with more
conscious consumption, but proper disposal is also a factor. Figure 8 shows how different waste man-
agement methods in Hennepin County have fluctuated over the years, almost all of them far from their
related 2030 goal.
Figure 6: Tons of waste generated per household per day in the Inner Ring Suburbs in
2018. (Source: Regional Indicators Initiative)Initiative)
Figure 7: Waste emissions (tons of CO2) associated with waste generated in the Inner Ring
Suburbs in 2018. (Source: Regional Indicators Initiative)
Page 14
With the start of the organics drop-off program in 2018,
Richfield has implemented several initiatives to reduce
the amount of waste thrown away in the City. Over 800
households have signed up for the residential organics
drop-off program, which has diverted several dozen tons
of compostable material from incinerators and landfills.
The city’s waste reduction efforts focus on municipal
building systems and staff education, low waste com-
munity events like the Farmers Market, and household
behaviors. Several city buildings have started organics
collection, with more to be rolled out in the future, in-
cluding areas at the Ice Arena and Pool. Additional city-
wide recycling education and events are always being
planned and implemented!
Objective 1: Create and share education on how to
reduce waste
1.1 Share education and incentives to motivate resi-
dents and businesses to reduce waste, recycle,
and compost. Promote Hennepin County Mas-
ter Recycler and Composter program and Zero
Waste Challenge.
1.2 Communicate with residents about events and businesses that promote waste reduction and re-
use, such as Fix-it Clinics.
1.3 Develop educational materials that illustrate the impacts of waste generating versus reducing
behaviors and share smarter purchasing tips.
1.4 Host a citywide drop-off event to collect materials that cannot be recycled curbside (electronics,
household hazardous waste, etc).
1.5 Continue to build a robust education and resource page on the city’s website.
Objective 2: Emphasize and expand recycling and organics collection efforts
2.1 Enforce the state recycling statute and undertake an educational campaign to strengthen recy-
cling in multi-unit housing and businesses.
2.2 Organize curbside solid waste, recycling, and organics collection by 2022 to increase accessibil-
ity and equity and achieve environmental benefits.
2.3 Require that all events held at city facilities (including park shelters) are low or zero waste, follow-
ing published city guidelines.
Objective 3: Reduce waste generated by municipal staff and operations
3.1 Update the Sustainable Purchasing Policy and annually educate relevant staff on best practices
3.2 Develop a list of environmentally preferred local vendors and environmentally preferable state
cooperative purchasing contracts for city purchases.
3.3 Create city operations goals for sustainable material use in projects, solid waste reduction, re-
cycling, and organics recycling. Work with the municipal Green Team to create a friendly depart-
ment or building competition.
3.4 Develop and implement low waste guidelines for all internal staff events to follow.
3.5 Improve all waste disposal systems in municipal buildings and with the municipal Green Team,
coordinate related education for all staff.
Figure 8: Historic breakdown of waste disposal methods
compared to county goals. (Source: 2019 Hennepin County
Recycling Progress Report)
Page 15
Goal 6: Improve Access to Local and Healthy Food
When it comes to food, the physical distance between farm and table can be pretty long. Additionally,
local produce and other food products are usually more expensive than what can be purchased at the
bigger retail stores, making local, healthy food not as cost-efficient for many people. Unfortunately, with
future climate challenges affecting food production around the world, it will be essential to produce
more of our own food closer to home. This also promotes responsible land management behaviors
which will also benefit the environment.
When people are more involved with growing their own food and are more aware of how much labor
and resources go into food production, they are less likely to waste it or throw it away. This reduces
greenhouse gas emissions and also helps build other en-
vironmentally conscious habits by developing relationships
and connection to the land which influences other choices.
For example, if you know how much your plants rely on
clean water for growth, you might start thinking about the
health of your local water sources and how to reduce con-
taminants in them. This systems thinking approach is very
important when it comes to climate action!
Historically, there have been a variety of organizations
working to increase access to local and healthy food in
Richfield. The Richfield Farmers Market has operated from
May-October for 30 years, with the Winter Market spotlight-
ing more local food vendors. There are several affordable
grocery stores in town, and organizations and initiatives
like VEAP and Fare For All further increase food access for residents across the city. Residents are al-
lowed to keep bees and chickens per City Code, and there have been a number of community gardens
in the City over the years as well.
Objective 1: Increase the amount of healthy food grown by Richfield residents, shortening supply chain
length and strengthening the community’s resilience
1.1 Support the creation and maintenance of pocket community gardens in parks and other areas
identified across the city.
• Educate participants on soil testing for contaminants to ensure health and safety.
• Establish gardens at schools and con-
nect into curricula.
• Collaborate on equipment-lending
libraries and seed/seedling programs.
1.2 Encourage edible landscapes and garden-
ing on various types of properties (homes,
businesses, schools, etc). Review and amend
code as needed.
1.3 Revise ordinances related to the keeping of
bees, chickens, and other animals to better
support animal health and husbandry best
practices.
1.4 Encourage the creation of community gar-
dens to fulfill the green space requirement for
new developments.
Page 16
Objective 2: Ensure all residents have nearby access to purchasing and consuming healthy food
2.1 Continue to support innovative practices such as mobile food mar-
kets and pantries to bring food closer to under-resourced consum-
ers. Develop a multi-lingual comprehensive list of local resources for
staff to share with residents.
2.2 Explore partnership opportunities to provide education and skill
development for families around healthy food selection and prepara-
tion.
2.3 Promote Community Supported Agriculture programs through exist-
ing programs and partnerships
2.4 Measure proximity of grocery stores to residential areas, specifi-
cally pedestrian access within a half-mile radius of grocery stores.
Use this information in program development to focus on increasing
equity.
Page 17
Appendix 1: Implementation Tables
Goal 1: Develop and Promote Energy Efficiency Efforts
Energy Initiatives
Action
Item
Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Short-term
(2 years)
2020 2.1
1.2 Municipal Ongoing 2021 2.1
1.3 Commercial Short-term 2021 2.4
1.4 Municipal, Residential Short-term 2022 -
2.1 Municipal Short-term; ongoing 2020 1.1, 1.6, 20.1
2.2 Municipal Short-term 2022 1.2, 1.3
2.3 Municipal Short-term 2022 4.2, 4.3, 4.5
2.4 Municipal Short-term 2022 4.2, 4.3, 4.5
2.5 Municipal Short-term 2022 4.2, 4.3, 4.5
Transportation Initiatives
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
3.1 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2022 -
3.2 Municipal Ongoing 2021 13.2, 13.3, 13.6
3.3 Municipal Long-term; ongoing 2023 23.5
3.4 Municipal Short-term launch;
ongoing
2022 13.1
3.5 Municipal Short-term launch;
ongoing
2021 12.5
3.6 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2020 11.6
4.1 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6
4.2 Municipal, Education Short-term 2020 -
4.3 Municipal Short-term; ongoing 2021 -
Goal 2: Promote Renewable Energy Installation and Purchasing
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Short-term launch;
ongoing
2021 26.2a
1.2 Municipal Short-term 2023 26.2b
1.3 Municipal Short-term 2023 26.2
2.1 Municipal Long-term 2023 1.7
2.2 Municipal Ongoing 2022 4.5
2.3 Municipal Long-term 2025 15.2
Page 18
Goal 3: Encourage Sustainable Design and Building Practices
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal, Commercial Short-term 2021 3.3
1.2 Municipal, Commercial Short-term launch;
ongoing
2022 2.2
1.3 Municipal, Commercial Ongoing 2021 -
1.4 Municipal Ongoing 2022 2.6
2.1 Municipal, Commercial Short-term; ongoing 2020 22.8
2.2 Municipal, Commercial Ongoing 2021 17.5
2.3 Municipal, Commercial Ongoing 2022 16.2
2.4 Municipal, Commercial Short-term 2021 12.1, 14.1
2.5 Municipal, Commercial Short-term; ongoing 2021 2.2
2.6 Municipal Short-term 2021 3.1
Goal 4: Strengthen and Expand Natural Resource Management
Landscaping and Urban Canopy Initiatives
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal Ongoing 2022 18.5a
1.2 Municipal Ongoing 2022 18.5a
1.3 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Short-term; ongoing 2022 15.5, 16.2, 18.5b
1.4 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2022 18.8
1.5 Municipal Ongoing 2021 -
1.6 Municipal Long-term; ongoing 2024 10.1
2.1 Municipal Ongoing 2021 -
2.2 Municipal, Commercial Ongoing 2021 16.2, 16.5
2.3 Municipal Long-term; ongoing 2022 16.3
2.4 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 16.6
2.5 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 16.1
3.1 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Ongoing 2021 -
3.2 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Short-term; ongoing 2021 16.5, 17.5
3.3 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2022 -
3.4 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2022 18.8
Page 19
Water Quality and Conservation Initiatives:
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
4.1 Municipal, Residential Short-term 2021 2.5
4.2 Municipal, Residential Short-term; ongoing 2021 2.5, 20.6
4.3 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 -
4.4 Municipal Ongoing 2021 2.5
5.1 Municipal Short-term 2022 19.4
5.2 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2022 19.5
5.3 Municipal Long-term 2024 19.5
5.4 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial, Others
Ongoing 2021 17.6
5.5 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial, Others
Ongoing 2021 17.3
5.6 Municipal Ongoing 2023 -
Goal 5: Reduce Waste Generated
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Ongoing 2021 22.2
1.2 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 22.2, 22.4
1.3 Municipal, Residential Short-term 2021 22.2
1.4 Municipal Short-term 2023 -
1.5 Municipal Ongoing 2020 22.2
2.1 Municipal, Commercial,
Multi-Unit Housing
Long-term 2022 22.6
2.2 Municipal, Residential Short-term 2020 22.3, 22.5, 22.7
2.3 Municipal Ongoing 2021 15.7
3.1 Municipal Short-term launch;
ongoing
2021 15.1, 15.4, 15.8
3.2 Municipal Short-term 2021 15.3
3.3 Municipal Long-term 2022 15.5, 22.1
3.4 Municipal Short-term 2021 15.7
3.5 Municipal Short-term launch;
ongoing
2021 22.1
Page 20
Goal 6: Improve Access to Local and Healthy Food
Action Item Sector(s) Involved Project Timeframe Potential Start Year GreenStep City
Related Action(s)
1.1 Municipal, Residential,
Schools
Long-term; ongoing 2022 27.2, 27.3c
1.2 Municipal, Residential,
Commercial
Ongoing 2021 -
1.3 Municipal, Residential Short-term 2021 27.2
1.4 Municipal, Multi-Unit Housing Ongoing 2023 27.2
2.1 Municipal Ongoing 2021 27.3
2.2 Municipal, Residential,
Community Education
Ongoing 2021 -
2.3 Municipal, Residential Ongoing 2021 27.3b
2.4 Municipal Short-term 2021 27.4
Page 21
Appendix 2: Related 2040 Comprehensive Plan Policies
Adopted in 2018, Richfield’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan helps the city set goals and policies that improve
land use, transportation, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, parks, utilities, and public facilities. Many of
these policies tie into the objectives that this climate action work plan highlights as well. The two docu-
ments are inherently connected as they both work to improve the municipal services Richfield currently
offers while ensuring the overall sustainability of the future of the City.
General Policies
• “Encourage the use of alternative energy sources and sustainable building practices.”
• “Encourage protection of the environment in the day-to-day conduct of City business.”
• “Explore opportunities for policy change related to pollinator habitat protection, local food pro-
duction and entrepreneurship, the promotion of healthy food retail, and waste reduction.”
Goal 1 (Develop and Promote Energy Efficiency Efforts) Policies
• “Reduce pollutants through public transit, car-pooling, traffic control, use of berms and trees, and
stronger enforcement of pollution policies”
• “Incorporate landscaping and aesthetics in all transportation improvements.”
• “Make fuel efficiency and alternative fuels a high priority when purchasing vehicles for use by the
city.”
Goal 2 (Promote Renewable Energy Installation and Purchasing) Policy
• “Install solar panels or similar energy sources on public buildings and encourage owners of busi-
nesses and private property owners to do the same”
Goal 3 (Encourage Sustainable Design and Building Practices) Policy
• “Encourage sustainable building practices”
Page 22
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