Energy-saving and "green" initiatives in Council news
One of the buildings at the Empire Plant has a green roof, which soaks up stormwater and aids in cooling the building during warm weather.
One of Metro Transit’s hybrid-electric buses traverses the Twin Cities wrapped in the Go Greener message.
Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center in Dakota County’s Spring Lake Park Reserve building implements sustainability and energy-saving features.
Wastewater and environment-related activities
- Treatment plants maintain strong environmental record
- Council awarded for energy efficiency efforts
- Council approves landmark water supply plan
- Wastewater project will recover methane, reduce fossil fuel use
- Energy reductions achieved faster than expected
Wastewater treatment projects yield big savings
- Regional wastewater treatment an environmental success story
Message from Council Chair Peter Bell - Regional partnership to reduce inflow and infiltration wins national award
- Wastewater treatment plants commended for ‘outstanding efforts’
- Conserving energy in the wastewater system: Council makes progress toward four-year goal
- Council project demonstrates low-impact development
Features allow stormwater to soak in where it falls - Council joins efforts to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions
Algae investigated as source of biodiesel - Council and U of M team up for "algae to oil" research project
- Council teams with Xcel to conserve energy at wastewater plants
- Council launches energy conservation initiative
Effort builds on big successes at wastewater treatment plants
- Metro Plant incinerators cut emissions, utility costs
New facility is projected to save the Council $4 million on energy annually
Sustainable, energy-efficient transportation
- Nearly 15,000 people participated in the 2010 Commuter Challenge
54% more participants than last year pledged to try an alternative to driving alone - New LRT station to anchor mixed-use development
- Bike Walk Twin Cities pilot initiative gains speed;
First bike and pedestrian capital improvements coming this year - Proposed bike mapping and planning tool earns grant
- Metro Mobility's new hybrid electric buses are expected to improve fuel economy by nearly 30% and produce significantly fewer carbon emissions.
- 'Recycled' warehouse to be Central Corridor light rail's maintenance facility
- Go Greener hits high gear
Metro Transit committed to reducing impact on environment - Metro Transit launches "Go Greener" initiative
Plan increases use of hybrid buses and biodiesel fuel
Efficient, sustainable regional development
- Regional park building demonstrates sustainability
- Local governments move to cut energy costs
Report from state auditor reviews best practices - Region making progress toward regional goals: enhancing mobility, accommodating growth, conserving natural resources, promoting housing choices
- Council publishes online guide to transit-oriented development
Updated guide features Twin Cities area projects - Region meets many benchmarks for growth, environment
Council-wide initiatives, facilities
- Council transition to new building is complete
Energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems expected to create significant cost savings - Council features energy-efficient and sustainable transit, water projects at Living Green Expo
Event focused on products, practices for sustainable living