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What is the Sustainability E-Newsletter?
Welcome! This is the first issue the Sustainability Division’s quarterly e-newsletter, which will contain information about events, programs, and news relating to sustainability in Rochester, including a mix of local, state, and national articles.
What is the Sustainability Division?
The Rochester Sustainability Division leads and coordinates efforts to achieve the City's greenhouse gas reduction goals and enhance community resilience. Guided by the City Council's adopted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals (50% reduction by 2030 and 100% reduction by 2050) and the Sustainability and Resiliency Community Work Plan, the division focuses on initiatives like transit-oriented development, fleet electrification, and energy-efficient infrastructure. These efforts aim to reduce emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and ensure a sustainable future for Rochester. More information can be found at www.RochesterMN.gov/Sustainability.
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Sustainability Spotlight
Introducing the Sustainability Spotlight! Brought to you by the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission, this informative section intends to be a go-to source for sustainability resources and tips.
Join the City of Rochester's Sustainability and Resiliency Commission!
 Are you passionate about creating a sustainable future for our community and want to play a vital role in shaping policies that protect our environment and promote resilience? The City of Rochester's Sustainability and Resiliency Commission is looking for dedicated individuals to join the team!
Why Join the Commission?
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Make a Difference: Directly recommend strategies that reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life for Rochester residents.
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Collaborate with Experts: Collaborate with professionals, community leaders, and residents to tackle issues like energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, waste minimization, and sustainable transportation.
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Innovate for the Future: Contribute to initiatives promoting climate resilience and help shape policies to keep Rochester vibrant for future generations.
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Engage with the Community: Organize community events and outreach, educating and inspiring others for a sustainable future.
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Grow Professionally: Gain valuable experience in sustainability planning and policy development, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, regardless of your expertise level.
How to Apply
Visit the Boards & Commissions Current Openings page to learn how to apply to be part of a more sustainable and resilient Rochester!
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News and Resources
Cut Costs and Your Lawn with Rochester Public Utilities' (RPU) Rebates for Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
Mowing season is upon us. Save money on gas and RPU’s Conserve and Save™ rebates provide to residents for purchasing new and efficient home appliances, heating systems, electric vehicles, and more. The list of qualifying purchases and application forms for the Conserve and Save™ rebates can be found here. For rebates on energy-efficiency improvements for both new and existing homes, visit Minnesota Energy Resources’ website.
Olmsted County Launches Food Scrap Composting Pilot Program
Food scraps are the most common item in U.S. landfills. However, food typically decomposes in landfills without oxygen, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This process is responsible for roughly 8% of U.S. methane emissions. Composting can keep food scraps from entering landfills and help enrich soils, so Olmsted County launched a new Food Scrap Composting Program for residents interested in trying out composting in their daily life. Residents looking to participate may purchase Food Scrap Composting Kits from the Olmsted County Environmental Resources Department at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Rochester, or from the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus (OCRC) facility. Participants will drop off their bags full of food scraps at the OCRC for composting each week. By joining this pilot program, residents are not only helping the environment but will also contribute valuable feedback to help shape the future of organics recycling in Olmsted County. Click here to learn more.
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Support Pollinators in Your Lawn With Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes Grant
Lawns to Legumes is a Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources program that provides grants, workshops, and coaching for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential lawns, aimed at revitalizing pollinator populations. Pollinators include butterflies, moths, beetles, native flies, and Minnesota’s federally endangered state bee, the rusty patched bumble bee. All play a key role in pollinating many food crops and native plants, but populations have significantly declined worldwide in recent years. Population decline can be attributed to habitat loss and lack of related nutrition for pollinators, as well as pesticide use and pathogens. Lawns to Legumes is accepting applications for spring 2025 grants. Apply online on Blue Thumb's website. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. Click here to learn more.
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Rochester Named Recipient of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
The City of Rochester is set to receive block grant funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to facilitate the following three sustainability and clean energy projects in the city:
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The City is partnering with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to bring the Electrify Everything MN campaign to Rochester, which includes residential energy efficiency and electrification education and advisement.
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The Sustainability division is partnering with the City’s Community Development department and Olmstead County to integrate energy efficiency and electrification upgrades into the Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program provides income-qualified loans to help low to moderate-income homeowners finance home improvements that enhance safety, habitability, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
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The Sustainability division is working with the Facilities and Fleet teams to accelerate municipal facility and fleet electrification.
Additionally, a DOE Community Energy Fellow will be supporting the EECBG program development and coordination, beginning this fall.
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