DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Direction On County Energy Conservation And Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Modification
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Request direction regarding County Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Modification.
SUMMARY
On November 19, 2021, staff provided an update on County energy-related projects since 2005, summarized current energy efficiency and conservation achievement, discussed past and current energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction achievements and practices, and identified potential future opportunities to seek County Board guidance on clear future goals for energy generation and conservation projects (Attachment: Dakota County Energy Efficiency Update for updated figures).
The Dakota County Physical Development Committee expressed interest in the County continuing to pursue energy efficiency investments that provide a return on investment within the life expectancy of the investment, as well as seeking external funding to pursue energy efficiency investments that may require additional external funding to meet energy savings payback expectations.
On February 22, 2022, the County Board adopted the Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy to assist in the County’s application for external funds and provide direction to County staff on future investments in energy efficiency improvements and projects that reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Since that time, the State and Federal Government have passed laws providing for expanded funding opportunities for public agencies interested in pursuing energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction projects. However, to qualify for and/or improve an organization’s probability of success in securing State or Federal Funding, many of these grant opportunities require that the public agency establish energy and GHG reduction goals (specific targets), establish a target date to achieve “Net Zero” carbon emissions, and/or approve a Climate Action Plan (Attachment: Local Energy Policies and Plans for examples).
Based upon the County Board’s interest in seeking external funding sources to assist its efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, create more clean energy options, and reduce the organization’s carbon footprint, staff is seeking County Board direction on whether staff should modify its existing Energy Conservation and GHG Reduction strategy to include:
• Establishment of energy and/or GHG reduction targets.
• Develop a strategy to get the County to “Net Zero” energy use.
• Establish a Climate Action Plan that broadens the County’s scope of work to seek broad input for the Dakota County Community on action steps that the County can take to mitigate climate change through reduced emissions across the County.
• Continue the existing strategy to focus on energy and GHG reduction strategies when they are economically viable.
Current Energy Conservation and GHG Reduction Strategy is attached for Board review and consideration (Attachment: Dakota County Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Provide direction on County strategy to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse Gas Emissions and positively impact climate change to the extent possible.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
09-526; 10/20/09
21-369;11/09/21
22-068; 2/22/22
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Dakota County Energy Efficiency Update
Attachment: Local Energy Policies and Plans
Attachment: Dakota County Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Resolution
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: W. Taud Hoopingarner
Author: W. Taud Hoopingarner