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Welcome!
What is the Sustainability E-Newsletter?
The Sustainability Division’s quarterly e-newsletter contains information about events, programs, and news related 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 and the Sustainability and Resiliency Community Work Plan, the division focuses on transit-oriented development, fleet electrification, and energy-efficient infrastructure initiatives. 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
Want to help protect our local waterways? Adopt a storm drain near your home or workplace! By keeping it clear of debris, you can help prevent pollution and flooding.
And don’t forget the Litter Bit Better week of October 5 - 13! By picking up trash around the city, you can help keep our streets and waterways clean, including the storm drains. It's a great way to get involved and make a positive impact. To learn more about these programs and the impact you can make, click here.
New! Community Spotlight
Tell us about how a local business, school, or nonprofit is supporting Rochester's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, and they could be featured in an upcoming Community Spotlight.
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News and Resources
Rochester Vision 2050: Help Shape Rochester’s Future
Rochester Vision 2050 seeks resident input to create a collective vision for the future.
Resident perspectives help to ensure that the City’s policies, investments, and initiatives align with the collective will and wisdom of the community. To provide input on your community, click here!
Rochester Public Utilities: Minnesota Treads
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This fall, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) partnered with Minnesota Treads and Hicks Electric to secure utility rebates through the Conserve & Save™ program. Minnesota Treads earned a rebate of over $1,900 by choosing energy-efficient LED lighting during a major remodel. The owner shared, "Opening a new business is daunting...when RPU offered a rebate for our LED lighting, we happily jumped at the opportunity." RPU continues to support local businesses with energy-saving resources and incentives. Read the full story here. |
Olmsted County: America Recycles Day
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America Recycles Day is recognized annually on November 15th and provides a helpful reminder to make sure we're recycling right!
Recycling is an easy way to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and reduce waste. However, it is important to avoid contaminating recycling bins with items like rechargeable batteries, food waste, and plastic bags.
r, created with input from industry experts, provides accurate information of what can be recycled regardless of who your hauler. Check out the Waste Wizard, which is a one-stop information hub contains recycling and disposal instructions for over 500 items. Those who self-haul to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus should review the facility's list of acceptable items online.
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Pedal Your Way to Perks in Rochester!
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Love biking around Rochester, MN? Get more from your ride with the Bicycle Benefits program! Just grab a Bicycle Benefits sticker at any participating location and enjoy discounts at local businesses, from breweries and cafés to bike shops and art galleries!
With 32 local businesses on board, you’ll enjoy great perks while supporting Rochester’s community. Find participating locations and start pedaling towards rewards!
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Rochester's Free Tree Program
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The City of Rochester's Park & Forestry Team supports residents in environmental justice areas in enhancing their properties and the community through its Free Tree Program. Thanks to federal grant funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program, specific properties within the city are eligible to receive free trees. Priority is given to environmental justice areas, where trees can make the biggest impact, cooling urban environments, conserving energy for homes, and boosting property values.
This effort is part of a larger initiative, supported by the $1 million Urban and Community Forest Grant, to increase Rochester’s urban canopy from 28% to 35% by 2035. Planting trees helps the city meet its environmental goals and promotes public health, safety, and community well-being. Please check out the Free Tree Program website for more details on tree eligibility.
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Try Transit Week: October 7 – 11
Minnesota Launches a New Energy Storage Incentive Program
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In August, Minnesota launched the Energy Storage Incentive Program, which supports installing battery storage systems up to 50kWh when paired with solar energy systems. These batteries store energy from solar panels, helping reduce energy costs and providing backup power during outages for homes, small businesses, and community buildings.
Battery incentives for RPU Customers:
- $250 per kWh, up to $7,000
- Income-Qualified Pilot Program: $1,000 per kWh, up to $15,000
- 30% federal tax credit
Solar incentives for RPU customers:
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Nationally: Rewiring America is Powering the Future of Clean Energy
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Rewiring America is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses transition to clean energy by providing resources, guidance, and financial incentives. Their goal is to help Americans reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health, and build a clean energy workforce by making going electric easier.
One of the resources Rewiring America offers to help make electrification easier is the Incentive Calculator. This calculator helps individuals learn about what financial resources are available to help them make energy efficient upgrades, switch to electric appliances or vehicles, and install renewable energy.
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