Archived Press Releases

Energy & Environment Commission to host ‘Report to the Community’ in March

Edina, Minn., March 5, 2010 – Edina’s Energy & Environment Commission will host a “Report to the Community” later this month to share updates on the GreenStep Demonstration Cities project, Edina Public Schools’ “Go Green” Committee and accounts of two commissioners’ personal travels to advance green initiatives.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Urban Land Institute Minnesota selected five communities in 2009 to be GreenStep Demonstration Cities. As a member of this pilot program, Edina has been asked to implement specific “best practices” that focus on environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy efficiency. The program will be outlined at the March 23 meeting, to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St.

At the meeting, Commissioners Paul Thompson and Julie Risser will also talk about their travels abroad and suggest ways local action can spur world change. In December, Thompson attended the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP 15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, to lobby for a binding, ambitious and fair global climate treaty. Last year, Risser visited Papua, Indonesia, where she experienced sustainable living in which all of her water came from rain barrels and electricity was only available during the day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. She spent time with members of Asmat culture whose subsistence way of living is threatened by logging as well as climate change.

Eric Burfiend, biology teacher at Edina High School, will highlight the work of Edina Public Schools’ “Go Green” Committee with all nine schools recycling organics and many moving toward exclusive use of non-toxic cleaning agents.

The meeting is free and open to the public. After a 90-minute presentation, a reception will be held in the lobby of City Hall where Commissioners will meet with members of the public and answer questions.

For more information on the Report to the Community, visit www.CityofEdina.com or contact Assistant City Manager Heather Worthington, staff liaison to the advisory group, at 952-826-0415 or hworthington@ci.edina.mn.us.