2022.03.22 WS Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Introduction Fridley prides itself on being a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Sustainability is a core value, as demonstrated by the history and variety of actions taken by the community. Through the guidance of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission, the City of Fridley has a solid framework to position itself as a local leader. This plan represents an exciting first step in energy action planning, and will launch the community toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Fridley is a community in transition: its population is changing, growing more diverse and younger; and redevelopment of industrial and commercial areas will add new, denser multifamily housing and mixed-use buildings.2 Redevelopment opportunities give Fridley the chance to ensure development is sustainable long term. Initial progress has been made through City policy and community initiatives that promote on-site solar generation, and in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. In the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Fridley identifies food security, native landscaping, and solar resources important to planning for the impacts of climate change and reducing the City’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Action Plan identifies strategies that will reduce Fridley’s energy -related greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy subscriptions, and encouraging on-site renewable energy generation. These strategies will increase energy resiliency for residents, businesses, and institutions — ensuring everyone in the community benefits. Fridley’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency Fridley has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency over the past few years. To date, the City has achieved Step 2 in GreenStep Cities, a statewide voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. Fridley is on track to become a Step 3 city by 2020. The City has invested in efficiency in many of its own facilities. Some of the upgrades completed include replacing old equipment with energy efficient units, upgrading to LED lighting in public buildings, installing variable frequency drives throughout the City’s water treatment system, and replacing city street lights with LED bulbs. The City of 2 See Appendix 2 for community demographic data. Photo Credit: City of Fridley