HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-09 EEC Meeting PacketAgenda
Energy and Environment Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
City Hall Community Room
Thursday, August 9, 2018
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes: Energy and Environment Commission July 12, 2018
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.Energy Benchmarking, Leah Hinnicker
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues
or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the
number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items
that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.Partners in Energy Closeout Report
B.Business Recognition Advisory Communication
C.2019 Work Plan Discussion
VIII.Correspondence And Petitions
A.Working Group Minutes
IX.Chair And Member Comments
A.Residential Organics Recycling
B.Working Group and Subcommittee Review
X.Sta4 Comments
A.Drinking Water is Safe
B.Eco Fair at State Fair
C.Open Streets and EV Ride and Drive
D.CEF Solar on Public Works Installation
E.Green Fleet Final Report
F.EV Report from U of M Grad Students
XI.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli8cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Casey Casella, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes: Energy and Environment Commission July
12, 2018
Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Motion to approve the July 12, 2018 Minutes for the Energy and Environment Commission.
INTRODUCTION:
Recieve the Energy and Environment Commission Minutes of July 12, 2018.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes of July 12, 2018
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Energy and Environment Commission
Edina City Hall Community Room
Thursday, July 12, 2018, 7:00 PM
I. Call To Order
Chair Jackson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering Roll Call were Chair Jackson, Commissioners Horan, Hussain, Kostuch, Manser, Seeley,
Lanzas, and Fernands
Late: Satterlee, Glahn
Absent: Hoffman
Staff Present: Liaison Brown, Casey Casella
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Kostuch made a motion to entertain the agenda, Seeley seconded.
Chair Jackson made a motion for an Addition of the Sustainability Business Recognition Program
under the Reports/Recommendations section of the agenda and to approve the Meeting Agenda,
Horan seconded. Motion approved.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Kostuch to approve the June 14, 2018 minutes. Motion seconded by Horan. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Satterlee arrived at 7:03 PM.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Water Resources Annual Report, Jessica Vanderwerff Wilson
Commissioner Glahn arrived at 7:08 PM.
Jessica Vanderwerff Wilson, City of Edina Water Resources Coordinator, gave an overview of the city’s
water resources plan and programs. The presentation covered timeline of the plan, notable capital
projects, and the delivery the services in water management.
The Commission also wanted to discuss the future of the Water Resources Working Group. There was a
brief discussion, then the discussion was tabled until later in the agenda.
Chair Jackson and Commissioners made additional comments about the presentation.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
VI. Community Comment
Loanne Waddick provided comments on the water quality group. The Commission discussed the future of
the Water Resources Working Group.
VII. Reports/Recommendation
A. Partners in Energy Closeout Report
The Commission reviewed the Partners in Energy Closeout Report.
B. Sustainability Business Recognition Program
Commissioner Horan presented research conducted on other city’s business recognition programs for
sustainability. The Business and Environment Working Group requested to be responsible for the
sustainability Business recognition program.
Horan made a motion to send the Business and Environment Report as advisory to City Council, Hussain
seconded. Motion approved.
VIII. Correspondence And Petitions
A. Working Group Minutes
• Minutes received from the Education & Outreach and Business Energy Efficiency and
Conversation Working Group.
• Minutes received from the City Operations Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Subcommittee.
IX. Chair And Member Comments
A. Education and Outreach
Commissioners Satterlee reported the July parade marching and public outreach.
Commissioner Kostuch reported on the City Energy Efficiency and Conservation Subcommittee meeting
on June 21, 2018. Staff Liaison Brown shared her Budget Report document with the Commission.
X. Staff Comments
A. GreenStep Cities
Staff Liaison Brown gave an overview of the GreenStep Cities program and Edina’s recognition as a Step 4
city. The City received the award at the June 21, 2018 League of Minnesota Cities conference in St. Cloud.
XII. Adjournment
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Motion made by Glahn to adjourn the July 12, 2018 meeting at 8:49 p.m. Motion seconded by Manser. Motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Casella
City Management Fellow
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Leah Hinicker, Hennepin County
Item Activity:
Subject:Energy Benchmarking, Leah Hinnicker Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action
INTRODUCTION:
Buildings make up 40% of total energy consumption in the United States – that’s a huge opportunity for energy
savings. To tap into this potential for energy savings, local governments across the country have passed energy
benchmarking and transparency policies that require certain buildings to record and report their energy use
annually. When energy use is tracked, building owners find new incentive to prioritize energy efficiency.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Energy Benchmarking
Click to edit Master title style
Building Energy Benchmarking Collaborative
Leah Hiniker 8/9/2018
Hennepin County
Agenda
•Overview of Energy Marketplace
•Why Benchmark
•Collaborative Support Services
•City of Edina Building Data
•Schedule
Hennepin County
Hennepin County
Targets
Hennepin County
Hennepin County New Buildings Institute: Energy Performance of LEED for New Construction Report 2009
What is Benchmarking & Transparency
•Benchmarking means measuring the energy performance of a
building by comparing it to a large national dataset of similar
buildings.
•ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a free online tool offered
by the EPA.
•Property managers or building owners can use it to get a 1-
100 score on energy performance.
•Disclosing building energy information to the public
Hennepin County
Hennepin County
Other local programs
Hennepin County
Energy Benchmarking and Transparency
•What are the benefits?
•Help building owners understand building performance
•Supports meeting Minnesota’s GreenStep Cities program
•Supports city climate action plans
•Building peer comparison
•Create a demand for energy efficiency in the property market
•Support from Xcel Energy –Partners in Energy (PIE) program
Hennepin County
Energy Saved Through Benchmarking
Hennepin County
City Program Attributes Energy
Reduction
Annual
Energy
Reduction
Minneapolis
(2014 –2016)
Benchmarking &
Transparency
1.7% (over 3 years)0.56%
San Francisco
(2010-2014)
Benchmarking &
Transparency
7.9% (over 4 years)2%
New York City
(2010 -2014)
Benchmarking &
Transparency
6%-14% (over 4
years)
1.5%-3.5%
Washington, D.C.
(2010 -2013)
Benchmarking &
Transparency
9% (over 3 years)3%
Chicago
(2010-2016)Benchmarking &
Transparency
10% (over 5 years)2%
Minneapolis Benchmarking Savings
Hennepin County
Sector Utility Spend
reduction
Energy
Reduction
Water
Reduction
Public Sector $2.42 Million per year 0.6% per year 12%
Private Sector $4.57 Million per year 1.13% per year 5%
Typical Benchmarking Policy Implementation
•Equivalent of 1.5 full time employees:
•Policy development
•Outreach
•Technical assistance for building owners
•Quality assurance/quality control
•Maximizing energy efficiency efforts
Hennepin County
Hennepin County Building Energy Benchmarking Collaborative
Hennepin County
Building Energy Benchmarking Collaborative
•Standardized process
•Shared resources
•Tools for implementation
•Economically feasible
Hennepin County
Benchmarking Collaborative Team
Hennepin County
City
Building Owners
Oversee
program and
engage cities
Discuss goals &
draft ordinance
Pass ordinance &
benchmark
buildings
Inform building
owners
Benchmark
buildings
Upload building
data to Portfolio
Manager
Help center, quality
control & data
management
Vetted /
organized data
made public
Building Data: City of Edina
Hennepin County
Building Data: City of Edina
Hennepin County
Building Data: City of Edina
Hennepin County
Building Data: City of Edina
Hennepin County
Building Data: City of Edina
•Requiring 164 buildings to report = 21.7 million square feet
Assuming $1.50/square foot utility costs per building
Assuming 2% annual energy reduction based on building energy use awareness
•$32.5 million in annual utility costs
•Estimated savings of $650,000 annually
Hennepin County
Pricing
Hennepin County
Scope
Number of
Participating
Buildings
1st Year Cost Ongoing
Annual Cost
Scope 1 –Data Compilation 0 to 750 $8,000 -$12,500 N/A
Scope 2 –Marketing, Outreach &
Training 0 to 750 $6,667 -$30,000 $5,000 -$20,500
Scope 3 –Tracking, Help Center &
QA/QC 0 to 750 $5,833 -$12,500 $5,833 -$12,500
Scope 4 –Reporting, Scorecards &
Map 0 to 750 $3,333 -$10,000 $3,333 -$10,000
Scope 5 –Promote Energy
Efficiency Implementation 0 to 750 $3,833 -$10,000 $3,833 -$10,000
Building Data: City of Edina
•Requiring 164 buildings to report = 21.7 million square feet
Assuming $1.50/square foot utility costs per building
Assuming 2% annual energy reduction based on building energy use awareness
•$32.5 million in annual utility costs
•Estimated savings of $650,000 annually
•Cost to City of Edina is around $36,250 annually
Hennepin County
Phase 1 Cities -Target Schedule
Hennepin County
2018
1 2 3 4
Budget Request Assess Building
Stock
(July –August)
Include
Ordinance in
Comp or
Sustainability
Plan
Leah Hinikerleah.hiniker@hennepin.us612-543-1219
https://www.hennepin.us/your-government/projects-
initiatives/energy-benchmarking
Or just Google: Hennepin County Benchmarking
Hennepin County
Questions & Answer
Hennepin County
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Carolyn Jackson, Chair
Item Activity:
Subject:Partners in Energy Closeout Report Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Agree on final report and any advisory communication to submit to Council to complete 2018 Work Plan
Initiative #2.
INTRODUCTION:
2018 EEC Work Plan Initiative #2 states: Review and comment on the PiE staff report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
PiE Communication to Council
PiE Presentation
Date: August 10, 2018
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Energy and Environment Commission
Subject: Insert subject here
Action
Requested:
Situation:
The Partners in Energy (PiE) project ended in mid-2018. There was measurable progress in
energy conservation as seen in the results of the Residential, Business, and City teams. As we
move forward, we need to take our wins and learnings from the first two years to continue
lowering carbon emissions. Future efforts need to expand beyond electricity usage (the focus of
PiE) to include efforts on natural gas (heating) and transportation fuels.
Background:
During a two-year program, Council, EEC, staff and other stakeholders engaged with Xcel
Energy and their contractor, CEE, to create and execute an Electricity Action Plan. This
program assisted communities in jumpstarting work to reduce GHG emissions. Planning of the
Electricity Action Plan happened in the 2015 and 2016 with the plan approved by Council in July
of 2016. From October of 2016 to March of 2018, the EEC, volunteers, and staff worked to
engage City operations, residents, and businesses in increasing energy efficiency.
Assessment:
Residential Electricity Action Plan Strategies
On the topic of climate change, GHG, and energy efficiency, we made specific asks to residents
to take energy-related actions during events:
1. Hosted films and a large vendor fair.
2. Recruited residents who are leading in energy efficient actions in their homes to host
gatherings at their homes.
2018 Residential Accomplishments
1. Hosted first Home Energy Fair
2. Hosted Home Energy Parties (formerly Residential Energy Working Group)
3. Hosted Environmental Film Series with focus on GHG leading up to Home Energy Fair
4. Hosted EEC’s presence in the Edina 4th of July Parade
What we learned when engaging residents:
1. It’s difficult to reach residents not already interested in energy efficiency and sustainability
Page 2
• Film series events (as with previous films and other environmental forum events) seem
to be preaching to the choir.
• Home Energy Fair had some success bringing new attendance with focus on cost savings,
door prizes, and electric vehicle display.
2. Large hosted events require vast amounts of volunteer hours to plan and coordinate,
especially if seeking sponsorship.
3. Creating new content takes a significant resource investment.
2019 Energy-Related Goals
Engage residential energy users to take the following actions to reduce GHG:
1. 100 new Windsource or Renewable Connect subscribers
2. 150 HES visits (211 subsidies will be available)
a. Additional energy saving actions taken by residents such as: Xcel Saver Switch,
Xcel AC Rewards, CenterPoint Multi-Family Energy Savings Program, Non-
electric heating efficiency programs (i.e. CenterPoint attic insulation rebate),
Xcel fridge recycling rebate
b. Adoption of energy efficient options for new home construction (resources
provided by City of Edina permit office)
c. Sign up for solar garden, private solar provider, or home installation
2018 Business Electricity Action Plan Strategies
1. Engage the top business energy users to take action to reduce GHG.
2. Target smaller businesses such as restaurants, retail, and others with recognition programs.
3. Ongoing management and tracking.
4. Assess and recommend policy options to support greenhouse gas reductions for Edina
businesses.
2018 Business Accomplishments
Created various documents to assist businesses in their energy reduction.
1. Business Survey
2. Office Energy User Inventory
3. Checklist to Save Energy at Work
4. Energy Efficiency for Office tenants presentation
5. High Impact Actions for Energy and Overhead Cost Reduction
2. Turn Key presentation to 50th and France Business Association.
3. Workshop for Centennial Lakes tenants.
What we learned in 2018 when engaging businesses:
1. Outreach to businesses is difficult.
1. Difficult to reach the decision makers.
2. Tenants vs property owners/managers. Control of use vs Control of structure.
2. Electricity is a major expense for businesses.
Page 3
2018 Facility Electricity Action Plan Strategies
1. Implement recommended energy use reduction projects from CR-BPB building study
2. Negotiate renewable purchase for municipal electricity.
2018 Facility Accomplishments
1. Set a strategy and budget to make energy efficiency a facility management priority
2. Acted on 15 lighting and HVAC replacements
3. Utilized experts for a Turnkey Service at Centennial Lakes and a recommissioning study at
Braemar Arena
4. Identified future opportunities in office computers and street lights
What we learned in 2018 from facility updates:
There was measurable progress in energy conservation, but more needs to be done in the City
operations which had the lowest achievement against its goal. Future efforts need to expand
beyond electricity usage (the focus of PiE) to include efforts on natural gas (heating) and
transportation fuels.
With the Electricity Action Plan goal only being an 18-month goal, new annual needs to be set
for the City to reduce energy consumption in both its on-going daily operations and in its future
capital expenditures. Any new City vehicles or facilities will count against this fixed goal. This
will result in measurable financial cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions. The EEC believe
this is something that almost every resident can support. The reduction goal will not include
"external" factors in which the City had no operational role. These would things like: changes in
Xcel Energy's fuel mix, purchased renewable or GHG offset credits, or similar factors.
We understand that the City does not yet have comprehensive energy use/GHG emissions data
tracking. We expect that adopting this goal with its defined targets will help the City's
management to prioritize and fund the work to put in place such data tracking.
Recommendation:
EEC Residential Engagement and Action:
1. Continue the EEC’s presence in the 4th of July Parade and tabling at Open Streets
1. Consider other initiatives such as, sporting events, and other community groups &
events by which to reach a broad spectrum of residents.
2. Host larger initiative in April 2019 around Earth Day (perhaps Home Energy Tour).
3. Recognition for residents leading with energy-saving actions (perhaps in conjunction business
recognition program).
4. Assess and recommend policy options and incentives to support greenhouse gas reductions
for Edina residents (i.e. first month of Windsource).
EEC Business Engagement and Action:
1. Energy Benchmarking
2. Business Recognition Program
Page 4
City Facility Action:
1. Approve a new annual goal of: The City of Edina shall reduce its total GHG output by 3%
per year in its own operations for each of the next 10 years from current levels.
2. Staff to complete an annual report, present report to City Council, City Manager, & EEC,
post report on an on-going web page on the City's website, and publicize the report each
year in other City publications. This is in addition to the goal being an annual work plan
element for the EEC.
1
Edina’s Electricity
Action Plan
1
2
Electricity Action Plan
2
Vision:
Edina’s residents, schools,
businesses, and government
will successfully reduce the
community’s greenhouse gas
emissions by 30% by the
year 2025 through strategies
and actions that are
sustainable, practical, and
measurable.
3
Municipal Facilities
3
Goals:
•Lower the City’s GHG emissions by 7.5% over 18
months
•Reduce the City’s GHG emissions 30% by 2025 from a
2012 baseline
Strategies:
•Implement recommended energy use reduction projects
from CR-BPB building study
•Negotiate renewable purchase for municipal electricity
4
Residential Information Campaign
Goals:
•750 homes take energy saving actions each year
•Double the number of subscribers to Windsource®, and
double the average subscription amount within 18 months
Strategies:
•Drive traffic to City-operated web resource through City
communication channels
•Foster neighborhood-based outreach and leadership
•Leverage outreach events for Windsource sign-up
4
5
Business Energy
Goal:
•Reduce and/or off-set 2% of electricity usage annually
Strategies:
•Engage the top business energy users to take action on
greenhouse gas through offsets and reductions
•Target smaller businesses such as restaurants, retail, and
others with recognition programs
•Ongoing management and tracking
•Assess and recommend policy options to support
greenhouse gas reductions for Edina businesses
5
6
Municipal Facilities
•Set a strategy and budget to
make energy efficiency a facility
management priority
•Acted on 15 lighting and HVAC
replacements
•Utilized experts for a Turnkey
Service at Centennial Lakes and
a recommissioning study at
Braemar Arena
•Identified future opportunities in
office computers and street lights
7
Residential Outreach
7
8
Business Outreach
9
Impact
9
10
Original Municipal Energy
Goal: Lower the City’s GHG emissions by 7.5% over 18 months, or 1.35 million kWh
Impact:
•Energy efficiency plays a key role in City’s 2018-2019 Work Plan. Items include:
–Create and implement a green building policy for City Facilities by Q4 2018.
Administration -(Sustainability)
–Create a master replacement schedule and budget for physical buildings, plumbing,
HVAC and other mechanical systems, furniture, fixtures, and equipment that optimizes
long-term financial resources to meet sustainability goals by Q3 of 2018. Public Works -
(Facilities)
–Create and implement energy-efficiency plan for City Hall, Braemar Arena, Edinborough
Park, and Centennial Lakes by Q4 of 2018. Public Works -(Facilities)
–Additionally, electricity emission reduction is now a performance metric for facility
management
•22% reduction of GHG emissions from baseline 2012
•Estimated 336,992 kWh savings from projects implemented
•Additional 546,063 kWh savings can be captured through completion of the
Braemar re-commission report
11
Updated Municipal Operations
Goal Actual
Lower emissions by 7.5% over 18
months, or 1.35 million kWh
Estimated 336,992 kWh in savings from 15 actions
Additional 546,063 kWh savings from execution of
Braemar Arena recommissioning report
11
Impact is energy efficiency plays a key role in City’s 2018-2019 Work
Plan. Items include:
–Create and implement a green building policy for City Facilities by Q4
2018. Administration -(Sustainability)
–Create a master replacement schedule and budget for physical buildings,
plumbing, HVAC and other mechanical systems, furniture, fixtures, and
equipment that optimizes long-term financial resources to meet
sustainability goals by Q3 of 2018. Public Works -(Facilities)
–Create and implement energy-efficiency plan for City Hall, Braemar Arena,
Edinborough Park, and Centennial Lakes by Q4 of 2018. Public Works -
(Facilities)
–Additionally, electricity reduction is now a performance
metric for facility management
•22% reduction of GHG emissions from baseline 2012
Residential Information Campaign
Goal Actual
750 Actions Annually 1,185 Actions in 2017
1,350 Windsource subscribers 926 Windsource®Subscribers*
700 kWh Average Windsource Subscription 346 kWh/month
12 *Edina had 917 Windsource subscribers as of the end of December 2017. An estimated 9 new residential
customers subscribed to Windsource between December 2017 and March 2017
•It is difficult to reach residents
not already interested in
energy efficiency
•Large event and
communication has success
when speaking to cost savings,
door prizes, and electric
vehicles
13
Business Energy
13
Goal Actual
Save 7.3 million kWh annually 10,027,003 kWh saved in 2017
•Outreach to businesses is
difficult
–Difficult to reach the decision
makers.
–Tenants vs property managers
vs owners. Control of use vs
Control of structure.
•Lighting and new building design
(EDA) are the top energy savers
–173 lighting upgrades resulted
in 5,784,700 kWh savings
–EDA was only 1.7% of the
actions but made up 20% of the
MWh savings
14
Emissions Reductions from
Conservation and Renewables
14
Focus Area Emissions Reduction over
Implementation Period*
(MTCO2e)
Municipal (only rebate programs)131**
Residential –Energy Efficiency 398
Residential –Renewable Energy 1,477 (annually)
Business 4,420
TOTAL 6,426
*Does not include savings from Saver’s Switch **Does not include other municipal energy reduction action
15
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
15
*Data Notes
-Emissions factors from Xcel Energy-Energy Use for 2017 is from Xcel Energy
-Energy Use for 2009 is a MMBtu value for Edina’s electricity use from the Regionals Indicators Initiative, converted to kWh
and MtCO2 using Xcel Emissions Factors
-Use is not weather normalized
•33%reduction in electricity-related greenhouse gas
emissions from 2009-2017*
•Electricity use accounted for approximately 55% of
CO2 emissions in 2009, and 37% of emissions in 2013
16
Next Steps for Edina
•Continue actions to meet annual goals
•Review 18 month goals and actions
•Look at policies that support efficiency
and renewables
16
17
Appendix
17
18
City Communications
Windsource Campaign
19
20
Home Energy Fair
21
Other Residential Outreach
Materials
22
Business Outreach
•Business survey
•Email through account
managers
•Turn Key presentation to 50th
and France business
association
•Turn Key walk-throughs
Energy House Parties
www.EdinaMN.gov 23
24
ROI on Residential Outreach
Efforts
24
Outreach Effort Input Output Outcome
Tabling –Edina Open Streets
(2016)
Volunteer time, city staff 16 pledges Unknown
Conservation MN Presentation Partners in Energy
presenter time, city staff
31 attendees, 8
pledges
Unknown
Xcel Energy email to residents
(April 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
1,753 emails delivered 28% open rate, 2%
click through rate
Home energy party City staff time to prep,
volunteer host
40 attendees, over 20
pledges
9 actions taken
Film Series Volunteer time, city staff 15 pledges
Fourth of July Parade Volunteer time, city staff Unknown
Tabling –Edina Open Streets
(2017)
Volunteer time, city staff 30 pledges Unknown
Xcel Energy email to residents
(September 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
4,455 emails delivered 61% open rate, 4%
click through rate
Xcel Energy email to residents
(October 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
6,705 emails delivered 15% open rate, 5%
click through rate
Home Energy Fair City staff and volunteer
time
150+ attendees 17 HES signups, 7
Windsource
25
ROI on Business Outreach Efforts
25
Outreach Effort Input Output Outcome
Business survey sent through Xcel
Energy account managers
Letter and survey link ? Letters sent 1 response
Turn Key presentation to 50th &
France business association
Presentation,door-to-
door outreach
24+ attendees 24 signups for
walk-throughs
Turn Key walk-throughs 2 Turn Key staff for 1 day 20 walk-throughs 1 signup
One-on-one outreach to large
businesses
City staff and EEC time 7 businesses
contacted
Unknown
Centennial Lakes office tenant
engagement presentation
Partners in Energy and
City staff time
5 attendees Unknown
26
Resources utilized
26
Printing,
production,
postage or ad
placement
Social Media
Advertising
Business Energy
Conservation
Event (Large)
Business Energy
Conservation
Event (Small -
Med)
Xcel’s PiE MOU Fund $ 3,000 $ 500 $ 1,000 $ 1,000
Spent $ 1,500 $ 218 195$
Left to spend $ 1,500 $ 282 $ 805 $ 1,000
4th of July $ 2,100
Business/Resident Outreach
October 750$
Windsource Social Media
test on YouTube $ 280
Coffee Talk $ 450
Continued Actions
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Michelle Horan, Commissioner
Item Activity:
Subject:Business Recognition Advisory Communication Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Determine if Commission wants to move forward with a Business Recognition Program.
INTRODUCTION:
The introduction of a Business Recognition Program is an opportunity for the City to reach out to businesses and
educate them on best practices for GHG reduction as well as recycling, composting, solid waste reduction, road
salt reduction, purchasing, transportation and employee/customer training and resources. It in turns gives
businesses support and a means to promote their positive environmental actions to their customers, which has
proven value. This is how we can partner with businesses to reach our city and county goals, as well as have a
positive influence and partnership with our businesses and their customers.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Draft Advisory Communication for Business Recognition Program
Date: August 10, 2018
To: Mayor & City Council
From: Energy & Environment Commission
Subject: Sustainability Business Recognition Program
Action Requested: Amend Energy & Environment Commission’s 2018 work plan to add the
Sustainability Business Recognition Program as a new initiative.
Situation:
As our work with Xcel and PiE ends its formal partnership, we, as a
city, will continue to try and meet our goal of reducing GHG 30% by
2025. The only way the City can reach this goal is by engaging the
business community — 60% of the city’s energy use comes from the
business/industrial sector. The introduction of a Business Recognition
Program is an opportunity for the City to reach out to businesses and
educate them on best practices for GHG reduction as well as recycling,
composting, solid waste reduction, road salt reduction, purchasing,
transportation and employee/customer training and resources. It in
turns gives businesses support and a means to promote their positive
environmental actions to their customers, which has proven value. This
is how we can partner with businesses to reach our city and county
goals, as well as have a positive influence and partnership with our
businesses and their customers.
Background:
According to several studies, American consumers are increasingly
willing to purchase, even at slightly higher prices, products and services
from companies that are committed to sustainability and positive social
impact.1,2,3,4 In the SCA’s Tork Green Business Survey, 82% of US
Adults are aware of which companies and brands have a history of
sustainability, and 80% of those adults take into consideration a
company’s sustainability history when purchasing from them.5 In
addition, this survey shows that American adults want these companies
to show their commitment to sustainability by specific means: 26
percent want to see a designation on their menus or store shelves, 20
percent want businesses to display poster or flyers with their “green”
information and 14 percent want to see businesses explain their
environmental programs on their website.6 A business recognition
program, as we propose the Energy and Environment Commission, and
City Council to endorse, would benefit business by helping them
Page 2
become environmental leaders, save on resources and money, provide a
marketing edge and would help match up customers with the types of
business they want to do business with.
Assessment:
Environment Working Group (BEWG) decided it to be more effective
to create a recognition program that rewards all businesses that reach
levels of sustainability, instead of awarding just one business each year.
The reasons we came to this conclusion are:
1. We want to incentivize as many businesses as possible to apply
for recognition.
2. When you have one winner you have many losers. We want
many winners.
3. When there is only one winner some businesses may not
bother doing anything, thinking that they would not have a
chance to win.
4. It can be demotivating, especially for those who are already
doing it
5. Once a business has already won
Instead of creating a competitive atmosphere we want to create a
collaborative one. We want businesses to work with each other, see
each other as partners and resources. We are unified in reaching a city-
wide goal.
Looking into best practices from other business recognition programs
(BRP) around the country we have concluded that a certification
program based on a questionnaire/survey that recognizes all businesses
that meet certain standards, would be the best way to encourage
businesses to take environmentally positive actions.
Recommendation:
The following is an outline on how we foresee proceeding with creating
and implementing a
BRP (we fondly call this program BURP).
Business Recognition Program
1. Recruit more members for Business and Environment Working
Group
• Residents
• Business people
• EEC members
• IT or computer savvy person
• Students (could be used on an as needed basis)
Page 3
2. Build out the survey to be sent to businesses and a process for
that information to be gathering into one document.
• Copy/modify Marshall survey and others around country
• Copy/modify Marshall’s google form
• 1-2 dedicated working group members in charge of survey
and data.
• Member would be alerted anytime a survey is completed and
information dumped into main document
3. Establish duration of recognition (1 or 2 years).
4. Confirm goals of program
• What does success looks like?
• How do we measure?
5. Create a marketing brief/strategy
6. Establish channels of promotion for recognized businesses.
• Window cling
• Website
• Articles
• Sun Current
• About Town
• Edina Magazine
• City marquee
• Other
• Fourth of July Parade
• Public recognition at Council meetings
• At EEC events have a poster with those business we have
recognized.
• Possible advertising at any of the city facilities?
• Other
• Reach out to businesses
• Create a program presentation
• Set up and make presentation to various groups
• Chamber of commerce
• Rotary
• Kiwanis
• School Board
• 50th and France
• Southdale
• Centennial Lakes
• Other groups
7. Follow up after presentation. Email to thank and encourage
taking survey.
8. Website. Add information about program and link to survey on
the City of Edina’s website.
9. Contact businesses post survey completion.
• Congratulations you are recognized
Page 4
• Let me help you get there
• Delivery of window cling (personally).
• Work with the high school students
• May Term Coordinator to establish an ongoing May
Term/May Term for All program
• for students
• Project Earth.
• Projects for students include:
• Website
• Presentation follow up
• Survey information tally
• Awarding recognition
• Delivery of Window Cling
Timeline
August — October.
• Finalize application and data gathering program
• Put together marketing brief
• Recruit “corporate messengers” to help promote the program and give input.
October — November.
• Finalize presentation
• Present programs to businesses/groups/associations
January — April
• Manage/tally incoming applications
• Award qualified businesses
• 3. Recognize qualified businesses through established channels
Resources:
• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-consumers-take-sustainability-to-the-
nextlevel-300147756.html
• http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/stakeholder_trends_insights/sustainable_bra
nds/survey_60_americans_resolving_more_env
• http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2015/green-generation-millennials-say-sustainability-
is-a-shoppingpriority.html
• http://betterbusiness.torkusa.com/green-business-survey-tork-bbc/
• http://betterbusiness.torkusa.com/green-business-survey-tork-bbc/
Page 5
• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-consumers-take-sustainability-to-the-
nextlevel-300147756.html_2
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: VII.C.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Carolyn Jackson, Chair
Item Activity:
Subject:2019 Work Plan Discussion Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
Begin initial discussion of 2019 Work Plan. Final 2019 Work Plan will need to be reviewed and approved the by
Commission at the September meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2019 Work Plan Discussion
Item# 2018 Workplan Item
WP1 Assist as requested with the development of the City’s new Comprehensive
Guide Plan.
WP2 Review and comment on the PiE staff report.
WP3 Coordinate up to two annual community outreach and education events to increase
community awareness and actions regarding environment /
sustainability / resiliency.
WP4 Review and comment on policy options for residential organics recycling.
WP5 Review and comment on proposed groundwater conservation policy.
WP6 Review and recommend on city resolution regarding state bill on limited liability to salt
applicators that are certified.
2019 Work Plan Discussion
Matrix submitted for Comp Plan
Work Plan ideas submitted
• Help pass the green building code
• Pass a benchmarking ordinance
• Implement a green business recognition program
• Help pass compost recycling
• Increase City street sweeping to 3 x per year
• Help pass an enhanced tree ordinance (must replace mature trees with relatively large trees or
face serious fine)
• Set a timeline and parameters for a Climate Action Plan (or otherwise named comprehensive
environmental effort)
• Assist Transportation Commission with EV charging station map
• Pass a pollinator ordinance
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: VIII.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Casey Casella, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:Working Group Minutes Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Receive Minutes from the EEC Work Groups.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes: CEEC, July 10, 2018
Minutes: EOWG, June 7,2018
Minutes
City Energy Efficiency & Conservation Sub-committee,
Energy & Environment Commission
Edina City Hall Mayor’s Conference Room
I. Call To Order: 10 July 2018 at 7:30 a.m.
II. Attendees: Keith Kostuch, Richard Manser, Bill Glahn and Tara Brown
III. Topics Discussed
a. Annual metrics for City operations to succeed Partners in Energy (PiE) goals
i. Discussion:
1. Ms. Brown shared with us her 2018-19
Budget Work Plan which listed energy efficiency opportunities in City
facilities that she would like to pursue. It includes a sizable list of
placeholders for 2019 Capital budget (8 projects, $1 million cost). So
there are many opportunities for the City to improve its environmental
position by energy conservation activities.
a. Most paybacks are 5-7
years.
2. The group discussed how these projects
will actually reduce energy consumption unlike City purchases of
Renewable Energy Credits
a. The consensus of the
sub-committee was that RECs should not be funded when there is
a list of short payback energy efficiency projects for City facilities
that cut energy use/GHG output and cut City costs overtime.
3. Ms. Brown informed us that she
continues to focus on electricity efficiency projects given that tracking
electricity use is easier
a. Centerpoint is working
on being able to provide data like Xcel for over-all City energy
consumption
b. Vehicle fuel tracking is
almost comprehensive as most diesel and gasoline used comes
from tanks the City operates itself. The only exception is some
“on the street” purchases by Police and Fire vehicles
4. But comprehensive City tracking of
energy use (and thus GHG volumes) is difficult and thus presents
problems for the sort of metrics that the sub-committee is considering.
a. Ms. Brown said that she
had hoped when she came into her job that getting
comprehensive City energy data would be done in her first year.
But that has not proved possible.
b. Electricity tracking had a
setback when a long-term employee who did Accounts Payable
processing and then inputted data into B3 tool has retired. New
employee is getting up to speed and looking at new ways to think
about this data collection and inputting are being considered
c. City really doesn’t have
tools for tracking overall energy use/GHG output from its own
operations.
i. B3
requires lots of manual input as the automation from Xcel
only covers 2 of the 3 critical data points
ii. City
Facilities Management software purchased a few years ago
isn’t good at energy reporting
d. The sub-committee
discussed how having a comprehensive City Operatoins GHG
annual reduction goal to succeed PiE will highlight the need for
the City to have better tracking systems for its energy use .
i. Which
should be a City priority given its commitment over the
past 15 years to a “leadership role” in GHG/energy use
reductions.
ii. Timeline
1. Next couple of weeks
iii. Next steps:
1. Mr. Kostuch will draft a document with a
metric and some explanation of logic/process/etc. The sub-committee
will either trade emails or hold a meeting to get to a final proposal for the
full EEC.
IV. Next steps
V. Other meetings and invitations to consider - None
VI. Adjournment: 8:20 a.m.
VII. Next Meeting: Not scheduled but sub-committee will trade emails/hold a meeting to get metric
proposal to present to EEC
Minutes
Education and Outreach Working Group
Energy & Environment Commission
By Phone
I. Call To Order: June 7, 2018 at 8:00 pm
II. Attendees: Lauren Satterlee, Chuck Prentice, Mattias Samuel, Paul
Thompson
III. Agenda approved
IV. Topics Discussed
a. 2018 Events - 2 events to host this year.
i. 4th of July Parade -
1. Add solar and HES to handout attached to pinwheels?
2. Informational table at end of parade?
3. Lemonade and pizza for volunteers for pinwheel assembly
4. Bob submitted application (thank you)! Any updates/ participant #
assigned?
5. Need to schedule assembly evenings in days before the parade at
City Hall and gather volunteers: see sign-up sheet for the 4th of
July parade (including lending wagons, etc).
6. Borrowing HES van, Nissan Leaf, etc. (Bob will contact Stacy
Boots, arrange for drop off to load up evening of July 3)
a. Pinwheel assembly July 2 - evening, Mayor’s Room, 5-
9pm
b. Loading van July 3 @3pm; Can assemble that eve if
needed, too. (Mayor’s Room reserved 5-9 if needed)
c. Everyone bring 1-1.5 ft tall boxes, bags, and wagons
ii. Tabling at a series of events, including: Kids sports events (hockey at
Braemar and Soccer Association game or photo day event), and Family
Fun Nights.
1. Prior goals:
a. Paul get dates for sporting events, input into volunteer
sign-up sheet.
b. Get tentative sign-ups from 2 table volunteers for each
event by end of April (see sign-up sheet for the 2018
tabling events);
c. Get hot chocolate & coffee quotes for sports events.
i. Tara said funds were allocated to 4th of July
Parade since this was the EOWG’s #1 event for
this year.
2. Tara said CEE confirmed to bring TOLBY the mascot to the family
fun night at Cornelia (June 20, 6:30-8pm) and a few sticker
handouts as well. Need volunteers. There will be no place for a
formal table or asks related to sign-ups.
b. Follow-up calls from the 2017 Home Energy Fair - review.
c. 2019 EEC Work Plan is due in September.
i. Discuss planning for Home Energy Tour, perhaps in collaboration with
SW suburb commissions around Earth Day 2019. Need to decide, since
planning takes several months. Participant considerations: Our Lady of
Grace (geothermal - Chuck will ask), businesses/ residents who have
installed Powerwall (Chuck will look into), Grandview Auto (solar rooftop),
Community Solar Garden, Mattias’ house (geothermal), Chuck’s house.
d. 8:40pm- Review action items, identify one member to follow up with any requests
to Tara.
e. 8:45pm- Youth updates
V. Adjournment: 8:55pm
VI. Next Initiative: 4th of July Parade
VII. Next Meeting: August 3, 2018, 7:00pm, Mayor’s Room
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Melissa Seeley, Commissioner
Item Activity:
Subject:Residential Organics Recycling Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
By the end of August, provide liaison with any considerations for recycling RFP.
INTRODUCTION:
Commissioner Seeley will provide an update on presentation to Council and direction given.
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: IX.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Richard Manser, Vice Chair
Item Activity:
Subject:Working Group and Subcommittee Review Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review list and approve changes.
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Working Group Subcommittees Lists
Edina Energy & Environment Commission
Working Groups and Subcommittees
Updated 7/30/18
Business Environmental Working Group – Second Wednesday at 7:00pm - Chair Michelle Horan - mhoran00@gmail.com
Commissioner Carolyn Jackson, Members: Paul Hussian, Mike Woolsey, and David Goldstein
Objective: Business energy efficiency and conservation, 30% GHG emission reduction by 2025.
Education & Outreach Working Group – 1st Thursday at 7:00pm – Chairs Lauren Satterlee lauren.mpls.mn@gmail.com
and Howard Hoffman howard.hoffman@gmail.com - Commissioner: Richard Manser, Members: Bob Gubrud, Clover
Graham, , Chuck Prentice, Mathias Samuel, Paul Thompson, , and Kristopher Wilson.
Objective: The mission of the Education and Outreach Working Group is to support the charter of the Edina
Energy and Environment Commission by creating awareness and engaging residents, schools, communities of
faith, and community organizations to take action to conserve and increase energy efficiency to work towards
30% GHG emission reduction by 2025, to reuse and recycle, and to preserve and enhance our environment.
Merged 2/8/18
City Operations Energy Efficiency and Conservation Subcommittee – Chair Keith Kostuch Commissioners: Bill Glahn,
Ramesh Shanmugavel, and Richard Manser
Objective: City Operations energy efficiency and conservation, 30% GHG emission reduction by 2025.
Recycling Solid Waste and Organics Working Group(RSWO) – 1st Wednesday at 7:00 pm - Chair Melissa Seeley
msee10@me.com – Commissioners: Lauren Satterlee, Michelle Horan, Joanna Kim, Members: DP Latham
Objective: Evaluate and monitor the provisions of the recycling, solid waste and organic waste collection
programs in Edina. Evaluate and monitor the reduction in municipal solid waste by residents and businesses in
Edina. Educate the public about recycling, organics and solid waste reduction.
Student Environmental Leadership Council (Subcommittee) – Chair Melissa Seeley Melissa Seeley - Student Members:
Gauri Madhok and open to students attending secondary schools in Edina.
Objective: To facilitate, coordinate and share information between the EEC and the School Environmental
groups and to work on common energy and environmental objectives as appropriate. To assist in developing
environmental leaders of tomorrow.
Water Quality Working Group (WQWG) – 2nd Tuesday at 6:30pm - Chair _____ – Members: Jon Moon, Steve Wielock,
Katherine Winston, Sue Nissen and Randy Holst, Richard Strong, Walter Lavesque, Erin Hunker, and Richard Manser
Objective: To facilitate communication between citizens and city government and champion efforts to improve
water quality within Edina.
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tara Brown, Liaison
Item Activity:
Subject:Drinking Water is Safe Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
The City of Edina reminds residents who might be concerned about a recent report from the Washington, D.C.-
based Environmental Working Group that drinking water here is safe, meeting or exceeding all state and federal
guidelines for water quality and safety. See attached information for more details. The information in the
attachment was then spread through the following communications channels:
- Press release
- Email blast to the press release list (That list has 1,157 subscribers, many of them residents. More than 500
opened the email to read it.)
- Posting on the EdinaMN.gov home page
- City of Edina Facebook Page post and replies to questions
- City of Edina Twitter account
- NextDoor posting to the entire city (that’s more than 15,000 households, a third of whom read at least part of it)
plus ongoing responses to questions
- Numerous responses via private message, phone calls and emails to residents who contacted us
While we had a great deal of questions two weeks ago regarding this issue, Communications has not fielded a
single inquiry since Friday and has seen no more postings on our social media or NextDoor accounts. From that
we would suspect the word is getting around that the water is safe.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
City Reminds Residents Drinking Water Is Safe
1
Tara Brown
From:City of Edina <mail=EdinaMN.gov@mail80.wdc01.mcdlv.net> on behalf of City of Edina
<mail@EdinaMN.gov>
Sent:Thursday, July 26, 2018 10:20 AM
To:Tara Brown
Subject:City Reminds Residents Drinking Water Is Safe
View this email in your browser
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City Reminds Residents Drinking Water Is Safe
Edina, Minn., July 25, 2018 – The City of Edina reminds residents who might be
concerned about a recent report from the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental
Working Group that drinking water here is safe, meeting or exceeding all state and
federal guidelines for water quality and safety. Water produced by the City of Edina
is safe for drinking, showering and bathing and household activities such as
cooking, laundering and washing dishes.
The Environmental Working Group looked at data from 2010 through 2015 from
public utilities nationwide to identify drinking water supplies that may be
contaminated with Trichloroethylene (TCE), a cancer-causing industrial solvent
made notorious by the book and film “A Civil Action.” The Environmental Working
Group’s report listed Edina as a community that met federal limits but exceeded
the Minnesota Health Department’s suggested Health Based Value, or guideline,
for TCE in 2015. The sample was taken at the “raw water line” before it was
2
treated. Water that entered the distribution system after the treatment process,
though, had levels categorized as “non-detectable.”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Environmental Protection Agency
have been working since 2007 on an issue of groundwater contamination in St.
Louis Park. A plume of contamination has extended into Edina. In response, the
City opened Water Treatment Plant No. 6 at 5116 Brookside Ave. The plant, which
treats 4 of the City’s 18 wells, is equipped with an aeration system designed to
filter out vinyl chloride and other volatile organic compounds like TCE. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency paid for the design of the plant. The City also
worked with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on the project.
“Edina’s drinking water is safe,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “Water pumped out
of the ground with TCE or other volatile organic compounds is treated at a water
treatment plant before distribution.”
For more information on drinking water in Edina, read the recent issue of Public
Works Pipeline, which includes the City’s annual drinking water report. The issue
can be found online at EdinaMN.gov. For more information on TCE in drinking
water, visit the MDH website at
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/topics/tce.html.
Media inquiries: Contact Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Technology
Services Director, 952-833-9520 or jbennerotte@EdinaMN.gov.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Email
Website
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Tara Brown
Item Activity:
Subject:Eco Fair at State Fair
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
EEC and Edina staff has been asked to share their City's sustainability work at the Eco Experience's Clean
Energy Communities booth at the State Fair. We are looking for one more volunteer on August 30th from 12-3
or 3-6pm. Free ticket to the Fair is included.
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.C.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tara Brown
Item Activity:
Subject:Open Streets and EV Ride and Drive Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Determine volunteers for EEC booth and confirm content to share.
INTRODUCTION:
Open streets will be on Sunday, September 23 from 1 to 5pm. T he EV Ride and Drive event will be from 2-
4pm. Both need volunteers.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
EV Ride and Drive Details
OPEN STREETS ON 50TH R&D
Vehicle Provider Guide
Date: Sunday, September 23rd, 2018
Ride & Drive Location:
Wooddale Park
Edina, MN, 55424
Time: Open Streets: 1-5pm. R&D: 2-4pm.
1:40: Test drive vehicles arrive at site parking lot
for set up and vehicle line up.
4:10: Depart with EV.
The ride and drive will start in the parking lot of Wooddale Park, entrance/exit off of West 50th. The EV
display and information table will be located just east of the 50th and Wooddale intersection. Nearby, there is
access to public charging infrastructure, so plan accordingly (see below for details).
The street route is marked on the map by a blue line. It measures about 2 miles in distance and should take
around 7 minutes to drive. With each test drive a dealership sales staff or EV volunteer will accompany the
driver. The driver will sign a waiver with each dealership, receive an overview of the vehicle and the benefits
of driving an electric vehicle. Every person that participates in the test drive will be asked to complete a pre
and post survey managed by the American Lung Association staff and volunteers.
Below is information on the public chargers nearest Wooddale Park should you need them.
If you would like to display or give out any materials during the ride and drive, please let organizers know
ahead of time so that we can plan table space accordingly.
For day-of communications, contact Lisa Thurstin at 612-360-5154.
Southdale Transit Center – Park & Ride
6636 York Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN, 55435
ChargePoint Network
Level 2 outlets: 2
Connector types: J1772
Electric
Vehicle
Owner EV
Display area
Galleria Edina
In ramp under Big Bowl, adjacent to
France Ave. On wall of ramp facing east.
Two ClipperCreek & two Tesla chargers.
Non-Networked
Level 2 outlets: 2
Tesla FastCharge outlets: 2
Connector types: J1772
Test Drive
Vehicles
Parking
Area
Onyx Edina
6725 York Ave S,
Edina, MN 55435
Non-Networked
Level 2 outlets: 1
Connector types: J1772
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.D.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Tara Brown, Liaison
Item Activity:
Subject:CEF Solar on Public Works Installation
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
Cooperative Energy Future's solar installer has begun work to install the PV solar array on top of the P ublic
Works building. Interconnection will happen in October. Staff planning a ceremony for October 1 from 4-6pm at
the P ublic Works building.
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.E.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tara Brown
Item Activity:
Subject:Green Fleet Final Report Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
MN GreenCorps member, Mehjabeen Rahman, will finish her service at the City of Edina this Friday. She
presented her final report to Council on Wednesday, August 8.
Final report and presentation can be found in August 8 City Council
Packet: https://edina.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemID=5159&MeetingID=815
Date: August 9, 2018 Agenda Item #: X.F.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Tara Brown
Item Activity:
Subject:EV Report from U of M Grad Students
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
For a U of M Humphrey graduate course, two students created a report that explored expansion of electric
vehicles within the city as a
technique to achieve greater reductions in greenhouse gases, in line with the city’s stated climate goals. This report
explores the benefits of such a change, using an integrated framework that discusses human health, environmental
sustainability, and community livability, and social equity.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Edina EV Report
Rolling Out EVs in Edina:
A Plan for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure
and Climate Benefits
Prepared by Noa Shavit-Lonstein and Elizabeth Arnold
PA 5751: Urban Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities
Prof. Frank Douma, Instructor
May 2018
Summary
The city of Edina is exploring an expansion of electric vehicles within the city as a
technique to achieve greater reductions in greenhouse gases, in line with the city’s
stated climate goals. This report explores the benefits of such a change, using an
integrated framework that discusses human health, environmental sustainability, and
community livability, and social equity.
Using previous research on the impacts of electric vehicles, we find that
short-term benefits to EV adoption would be modest, both in terms of climate pollution
and threats to human health. However, in the longer term, Edina could harness rapid
technological development to achieve carbon savings of ten percent or more from the
2009 baseline (in a scenario of fifty percent EV adoption), with co-benefits to air
cleanliness, livability, and environmental equity.
To spur adoption of electric vehicles, Edina must work with other
decision-making bodies to prepare for the availability of affordable zero-emission
vehicles. We recommend investments in charging infrastructure, especially at
workplaces; collaboration with utilities to create EV-friendly programs; the continuation
of outreach and education programs in the city; and aggressive advocacy for
zero-emission vehicles at the state and regional government levels.
1
Introduction
Background
The city of Edina is not presently on track to meet its near-term greenhouse gas
(GHG) emission reduction goals. In 2009, the city adopted an aggressive goal of 30%
reduction in GHG emissions across sectors by 2025. Baseline emissions at 740,000
metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions; to meet this goal, the city would need to
reduce this to 550,000 tonnes CO2e. Current projections show emissions staying well
above 600,000 metric tonnes through 2025 (City of Edina, 2014). Most of this projected
decrease comes from changes in the energy sector, happening statewide due to the
adoption of renewable energy portfolio standards, with some additional reductions
coming from business efficiency programs. No reduction has been seen or projected in
the natural gas or transportation sectors of the city’s carbon footprint.
The same dynamic appears to be playing out statewide. Minnesota fell short of
its 2015 GHG reduction goal by about 20 million tonnes, and a path to the 2025 goal is
even further out of sight (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2014). While the state’s
electricity mix is relatively clean and becoming cleaner, transportation has seen no such
advancement. This is especially critical since, in 2015, the emissions from the
transportation sector surpassed those from electricity nationally (Energy Information
Association, 2017), making transportation the biggest national contributor to global
climate change.
Electric vehicles provide an opportunity to reduce the carbon emissions from
American transportation. In places that are successfully reducing GHG emissions from
2
the energy sector, such as Minnesota, the value of these reductions could be more than
doubled with the mass adoption of electric vehicle fleets. Moreover, research suggests
that the health benefits of pollutant reductions could have a value almost twice as large
as the health benefits, according to financial cost-benefit calculations by the American
Lung Association (Holmes-Gen and Barrett, 2016).
In 2016, concern over the city’s GHG emission reductions spurred the to hire a
Sustainability Coordinator, currently Tara Brown. Edina has been in communication with
Xcel Energy and are beginning to discuss support of EV transportation. The City sees
an opportunity to update their municipal fleet with hybrid vehicles and EVs over time. An
member of the Minnesota Green Corps is currently undertaking an analysis of the fleet
and its electrification potential.
The city is going through a redevelopment phase, providing an opportunity to
alter infrastructure which typically has a turnover cycle of forty years (Williams et al.,
2014). Just this past January, Edina was awarded nearly $2 million dollars for two
mixed use redevelopment projects through the Livable Communities program. Edina’s
Capital Improvement Budget will be decided during the summer of 2018, which means
they need a plan for public EV charging stations before June. In order to maximize
emission reductions that can be gained through EVs, it is essential to identify locations
and types of EV chargers that will provide the necessary infrastructure for current and
future EV adoption. Edina must ensure there is adequate charging infrastructure to
accommodate residents of Edina and those who come into Edina for work, commerce,
and recreation.
3
Outcomes
The City recognizes the need for EV infrastructure planning, but does not
currently have a concrete plan or policies to support the public infrastructure and
encourage private sector investment in EV infrastructure. This work will impact city fleet
emission reduction goals, requests for Capital Improvements Plans for EV infrastructure
needs, and provide insights into potentially partnerships and policies Edina could
pursue to improve green building policies.
In this report, we will explore the potential benefits of different vehicle
electrification goals, both for climate and for the health and livability of Edina and
surrounding communities. We discuss the policy and infrastructure options available to
Edina that will encourage more rapid adoption of EVs. An added GIS analysis will
expand on this component by allowing visualization of current charging infrastructure
and potential deficiencies. Finally, we will synthesize this information into a series of
recommendations on how the City of Edina can encourage EV adoption in a way that is
beneficial to all taxpayers without burdening them with any significant additional costs.
Data
We used four primary methods in our approach to this project. First, simple
quantitative methods to allowed us to determine the emission reduction impacts of
different levels of electrification, given different assumptions about the grid’s energy
generation mix and information about the turnover of vehicle ownership. Second, using
4
GIS allowed us to visualize possible locations for new charging stations around the city.
Third, a literature review allowed us to identify practice that have been successfully
used to promote vehicle electrification and renewable energy generation in support of
EV. Fourth, we conducted interviews with actors and stakeholders to get a sense of
attitudes, behaviors, and barriers that they have experienced or foresee in EV adoption.
All four of these methods contribute to a set of recommendations for how the City of
Edina can encourage expanded EV adoption.
The lack of granularity in the data and lack of availability of certain data are the
largest shortcoming. For example, vehicle ownership data collected by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation did not include ZIP codes of car ownership, which would
have provided a more precise assessment of the model year and make of cars
registered to residents of Edina, which would allow for more granular analysis of the
rate of potential new car purchases. Car dealerships’ sales figures and projections were
not sought because we did not have the capacity, nor would they have likely shared
proprietary information on sales projections. We did not get data from Met Council on
future planned changes to transportation infrastructure that could impact Edina,
because to beneficially use their data we would need a broader project scope and a
larger team. Without more detailed information on current vehicle ownership and
consumer attitudes in Edina, we cannot attempt localized EV adoption predictions and
have to rely on the existing literature which is based on national or state level
predictions.
5
We attended conferences (MN PUC, CERTs Workshop, Carlson School of
Business Energy Expo) with presentations by current practitioners and researchers in
the EV policy and infrastructure spaces and sought yet unpublished information on likely
future charging infrastructure development. We have a good understanding of the
corridors that will be prioritized by the state and private companies for direct-current fast
chargers (DCFC), however, as level one and level two charges are more affordable to
install in homes and businesses we do not have a way to track how many there are,
what level they are, or where Edina residents and businesses may be planning to install
EV chargers. We did not have time to survey businesses in Edina for their views or
future plans related to EV charging infrastructure.
Projections of EV adoption are based on information available, and do not take
into consideration a tipping point past which adoption could accelerate rapidly. As we
know from adoption of wifi and cellular phone use, new technologies can take off rapidly
than previously anticipated. We are basing our projections on more conservative
scenarios, so it is important to remember that the electrical vehicle market is in flux, and
will have to be monitored to assure that the City of Edina does not get blindsided by
developments and changes in the technology, infrastructure, and citizens’ behavior
patterns and expectations.
Data Type Data Source
Xcel Energy grid projections McFarlane 2017
Edina GHG records LHB Inc. 2013
6
Pollution from gasoline US Environmental Protection Agency
2008
City boundaries, population density US Census Bureau 2017
Highway traffic frequency MN Department of Transportation 2016
Major offices in the city Edina Chamber of Commerce 2018
Locations of current EV chargers PlugShare 2018
Methods
To get the broadest picture of the societal benefits of increased electric vehicle
adoption, we use the cross-disciplinary framework of W.H.E.E.L. Analysis, to articulate
impacts of EV use on wellness, health, environment, equity, and livability. Our analysis
includes quantified measures of the reduction of key pollutants such as greenhouse
gases - the pollutants which prompted this initiative in the first place - as well as
pollutants damaging to human health and wellness. This will be accompanied by a brief
discussion of livability and equity.
For greenhouse gas emissions, we will be using the technique of wedge
analysis, which explores how different policies or technologies reduce the percentage of
greenhouse gases used in order to reach certain reduction targets (Pacala & Socolow
2004). The percentage reductions in greenhouse gases are relative to the baseline of
2009. Our analysis will adapt a formula developed by Ramaswami et al (2016). Their
basic method for GHG mitigation impact is:
GHG Reduction % = (% Effectiveness/Unit) * (Participation Rate)
7
For greenhouse gas wedge analysis, we have to make three modifications.
●First of all, the rate of turnover for home auto fleets is about ten years, so only
10% of the population can participate annually. Participation rate (P) is shown as
from the overall population, and divided by 10 for annual calculations.
●Secondly, the GHG impact should be represented as overall progress towards
the climate goals, of which transportation is only a portion. For this reason, I’ve
added in the variable of driving emissions over overall emissions (D/O).
●Third, with any efficiency calculation, we need to determine what the rebound
effect is of cost savings. In this case, we’re wondering how much more people
will drive if fuel costs fall. For this reason, we have added in a rebound effect
multiplier (R).
Using these assumptions, over one year, we can use the formula:
GHG Reduction % = (E/U) * (D/O) * (1-R) * (P/10)
Over a decade, this formula gives us:
GHG Reduction % = (E/U) * (D/O) * (1-R) * P
For calculations looking at the next decade, we will use Xcel’s 2025 electricity
mix as an average. The projected mix for Xcel’s grid in 2025 will be 28% nuclear, 26%
wind, 24% coal, 11% gas, and small amounts of solar, hydro, and biomass. This trends
towards compliance with Minnesota’s renewable portfolio standard of 30% clean energy
by 2030. According to research by the Great Plains Institute, an electric vehicle
8
charging in Xcel’s service territory will emit 133 gallons of CO2 per mile, compared to
465 gallons for a gasoline vehicle (McFarlane 2017). This is only 28.6% of the
emissions that would be emitted by a gasoline vehicle, meaning a 71.4% reduction in
emissions.
Beyond 2030, it is hard to know what Xcel’s grid inputs will look like. However,
the general trajectory of Minnesota’s energy portfolio standards has been a goal of
continuing to phase out fossil fuel electricity over the remainder of the century, with a
goal of a 100% reduction by 2100. Therefore, in 2100, we can assume that the GHG
impact of an electric vehicle will be only the impact of battery production. According to
the same study, this gives us a reduction of 97.5% in 2100. We can use these two
parameters to calculate any average point between the two.
According to data from the Regional Indicators Initiative, in the baseline year of
2009, Edinans drove about 507 million miles a year. This resulted in 223,713 tonnes of
CO2e emissions. (VMT has increased since then.) Overall CO2e emissions for 2009 in
Edina were roughly 740,000 tonnes, per data from the City’s Partners in Energy study.
Therefore, transportation emissions represent roughly 220,000/740,000 = 30% of
emissions
Increases in efficiency of fuels, or shifts to lower-cost fuels, frequently increase
consumption, reducing the effectiveness of promoting efficiency. Research of vehicle
efficiency standards indicates that the rebound effect for vehicle miles traveled is
around 22% in the long run (Small & Van Dender 2007; Linn 2013). However, in the
short term, the increase is smaller, and tends to be lower for higher-income groups, due
9
to the time cost of increased travel (Small & Van Dender 2007). However, for electric
cars, the rebound effect is less certain. A wide range of estimates exist, some of which
are negative, others of which are large due to the subsidies for electric vehicles.
However, a meta-study by Vivanco et al (2016) showed that most estimates without
special circumstances are in the high single digits. Therefore, we will use an 8%
estimate of rebound assuming no large increases in subsidies.
Conventional driving also emits a variety of toxic pollutants. Particulate matter
(PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) both have substantial local impacts. According to a
fact sheet by the Environmental Protection Agency, a passenger mile driven in an
average passenger car emits 0.693g of NOX and 0.0044g of PM10. Therefore, under
different scenarios, we can calculate the reduction in locally emitted pollutants.
Results
Environment and Health
Scenario and Year GHG Reduction NOX Reduction PM2.5 Reduction
Scenario A 2% by 2030 35,100 kg/yr 228 kg/yr
Scenario B 10% by 2080 175,675 kg/yr 1140 kg/yr
Scenario C 0.14% unknown unknown
10
Scenarios A and B look at all driving by public and private entities across the city
of Edina. Scenario A assumes that 10% of vehicles in the city are electric by 2030,
which gives enough time for a full turn-over of the city fleet. Scenario B assumes 50%
adoption by 2080.
Scenario C, which is not time-bound, entails the adoption according to the city’s
own calculations, Edina’s municipal fleet emitted 1,404 metric tonnes of GHG
emissions. We will assume for this scenario that the fuel to electricity GHG ratio is the
same; that the city will not increase mileage driven as a result of reduced fuel costs; and
that the fleet will turn over fully by 2030.
Estimates of mortality costs for on-road PM2.5 emissions used by the
Environmental Protection Agency range from $360k/ton to $810k/ton (US EPA 2013).
The same studies for on-road NOX emissions range from $7.3k/ton to $17k/ton (ibid.).
This means that the air quality improvement in Scenario A provide a benefit of between
$370,000 to $860,000 on an annual basis, while the further-out Scenario B will
eventually produce between $1.9 million and $4.3 million in reduced mortality and
morbidity.
It is important to note that the greenhouse gas reduction calculations look at
trans-boundary impacts, based on the assumption that greenhouse gas emissions are
deleterious irrespective of the location of the emission, as climate change occurs on a
global scale. However, for the other pollutants, we calculate only the reduction from
Edina’s tailpipes, without calculating the related energy production elsewhere. This is
11
because most energy is not produced in dense areas, where the social cost and
accumulation of emissions tend to be higher.
Wellness and Livability
Complete measurements of human wellness and livability are outside of the
scope of this particular project. Proper measurements require monitoring of the
subjective pleasure and perception of life in a target study area (Cao 2015). However,
we will mention some of the possible impacts explored in published literature on EVs.
Studies show that EV owners are satisfied with their choice to own an EV vehicle
(Shahan 2015) and EVs have topped the Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction
Survey every year since 2010 (Consumer Reports 2017). Electric vehicles have the
potential to generate improvements in livability through the reduction of traffic noise.
While we were not able to find numerical data on the per-car health effects of noise, the
issue of noise pollution more broadly has been found to have substantial impacts on
human well-being. A report by the World Health Organization, commissioned by the
European Union, found that traffic noise “should be considered not only as a cause of
nuisance but also a concern for public health and environmental health,” blaming it for
cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, childhood cognitive impairment, tinnitus, and
general annoyance (Fritschi et al 2011).
Because of the lack of an engine, an electric vehicle will naturally produce no
noise. However, a 2016 decision by the US Department of Transportation required that
EVs produce some noise at low speeds, to alert pedestrians and others to their
12
presence on the road. It is therefore not known to what degree electric vehicles could
reduce traffic noise. A projection of the benefits of this reduction would also have to
account for existing noise reduction projects and programs, the extent of which are not
known.
Eliminating the need for oil changes and as much maintenance on a vehicle has
both environmental benefits locally and transboundary, as well as time and budget
benefits for the EV owner. EV owners who also subscriber to 100% to charge their cars
feel good about not having the previous negative impact on GHG emissions that they
had driving a gas vehicle. It is hard to quantify to want extent that contributes to
personal happiness and satisfaction.
Transboundary Impacts and Equity
Given the current racial diversity and economic status of the average Edina
resident, environmental justice is not a major concern for Edina residents. However,
there are two important ways that cleaner air could serve local equity needs. First of all,
as a prime first-ring suburb Edina will likely diversify and urbanize over the next several
decades. This could create pockets of poverty within the city, raising the question of
who will benefit from investment in infrastructure and sustainability.
Currently, all public EV chargers are concentrated in the south-east quadrant of
Edina. Consideration needs to be given to distribution of charging infrastructure and
access for renters and workers in Edina. Often outreach is conducted to those who
have similar profiles to the entity or educator organizing the outreach effort, which can
13
lead to inadvertent exclusion of others. Education and outreach efforts should also take
into consideration different populations in the City to ensure that those from non-English
speaking backgrounds, those who live below the poverty line, workers who commute
into Edina, and others be included in EV outreach efforts.
Second, Edina residents who work in the core cities of Minneapolis and Saint
Paul drive their cars on highways which have historically been located in low-income
communities of color, where pollutant concentrations are high. Therefore, shifting
Edina’s automotive ownership to zero-emission vehicles can benefit transboundary
environmental equity in denser and more diverse areas.
Thirdly, in a broader sense, GHG pollution is a global phenomenon, so localities
have a responsibility to reduce pollution which will not remain locally. Edina has
embraced this understanding and adopted goals accordingly.
Lastly, we must consider the transboundary equity issues caused by EVs with
larger batteries. The current larger batteries used in EVs are not as sustainable
because they demand more lithium and cobalt. Sixty percent of cobalt is mined in
Congo, which does not protect workers from abuse and has a long history of colonial
atrocities that have morphed into political instability and inequity. In some cases, a small
internal combustion engine car has lower lifecycle carbon emissions than a Tesla S
because of the weight of the car and size of the battery (McGee 2017). This should be
taken into consideration when deciding which vehicles are purchased or encouraged
through charging infrastructure.
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15
Analysis
Infrastructure
As of January 2018 324 households in Edina own electric cars (Schwain 2018).
Greater EV adoption in Edina and around the Twin Cities could have enormous
implications over the long term for Edina’s energy and transportation sectors, while
providing significant co-benefits to other infrastructure sectors not as often considered in
connection to energy and transit.
The most obvious impacts are to the energy sector, although it is yet to be
foreseen what exact changes will result. EVs present potential to reduce environmental
stressors and increase environmental sustainability. However, electrification of vehicles
alone without changing the composition of current energy generation reduces the
promised benefits. Fortunately, there is a growing sense of urgency around climate
change and consumers are letting their expectations for cleaner energy sources be
known. In places like Edina, communities are both working with the local utility, Xcel, to
make progress on a greater percent of energy generation sourced from renewables
and working with third party developers, like Cooperative Energy Futures, to install solar
in Edina.
Leaders at Xcel do not predict a strain on the current infrastructure if consumers
are using level 1 and 2 EV chargers overnight with the predicted market penetration rate
of 10%. (Schwain 2018). Needed upgrades to the grid to support fast charging can be
done under current regulatory rules. The larger issue is that there is still no business
model to support public charging, which means there is a need for government support.
16
Promotion of electric vehicles and dispersed EV chargers could alter traffic
patterns as cars will not be dependent on the number and location of traditional gas
stations. It could potentially reduce extra miles driven to reach gas stations because
they will be able to charge at home or at the location that was their intended destination.
Not having to walk into a gas station where one is exposed to sugary beverages and
unhealthy snack options could provide an unmeasured health co-benefit. If people have
the option of charging at the library, bookstore or gym there could be behavioral impacts
in how people spend their time over the course of a week.
Edina is studying the possibility of covering a portion of the highway “clover leaf”
off-ramp in order to provide more green space and a connected walking corridor
between City Hall and a central shopping district on the other side of the highway. The
City could influence traffic and parking habits by offering free or reduced price charging
in certain locations, like City Hall, in order to encourage parking and walking into a
roadless pedestrian shopping or entertainment area.
Charged city vehicles, and potentially private vehicles, could act as emergency
power back-up units in the case of an outage, drawing energy from the vehicle’s battery.
This could boost Edina’s resilience and emergency service capacity without additional
investments.
Reduced vehicle emissions also increase the space available for food growth.
Existing combustion engines in frequently traveled areas produce heighted pollution
which can stick to plants and make them less safe for human consumption. The water
17
system could experience reduced contaminants as EV vehicles do not require the
harmful liquids (oil, lubricants, coolant, etc.) that conventional cars require.
Social Actors
The City of Edina represents the citizens of Edina, so naturally they are the
stakeholders with whom we are most concerned. In identifying the benefits of increased
EV adoption, reduced GHG emissions, and the impact of expanded EV charging
infrastructure we want to know how it will affect the citizens of Edina. Further research
into local attitudes towards and knowledge of EVs should be conducted as well as
continued assessment of individual and community transportation needs.
However, there are many other actors we look to in answering the questions of
leverage points, constraints, strategies, and education. Suppliers of automobiles to the
city and to consumers, both electric and gas, have a major stake in EV market
expansion. Xcel Energy also has a stake in the outcome of the City’s effort to promote
EV adoption, which could impact the local demand for electricity, the demand on
installation and permit services from Xcel, and the demand for locally sourced
renewable energy. If EVs are charged during the day while people are at work then they
are not adding to peak electricity demand. Charging during the day is good for in the
grid because there is more power generated during the day than there is demand for
electricity. Xcel thus has an incentive to encourage workplaces to expand charging
stations. EVs can use the Xcel is in the process of developing programs to support the
expansion of EV charging, possibly with a ‘make-ready’ initiative that would prepare the
18
infrastructure for entities that want to invest in Level 3 DCFC. This program is
something Edina and other actors could utilize if they decide on investing in a DCFC.
The Chamber of Commerce and business operating in Edina or impacted by
Edina’s brand are actors that might find their interests linked with the City of Edina’s
interest in expanding EV charging infrastructure. Architects, designers, developers,
builders, and contractors are all actors and stakeholders here. Currently 80% of EV
charging is done at home, but Kevin Miller of ChargePoint notes that 30% of their
charging happens at work in the morning between 7am and 10am. Suggesting that
charging patterns will shift as drivers have more charging options available. In addition
to local Edina City government the state government, Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission, and MN Department of Commerce all have influence over what incentives
or regulations are enacted that may promote or hinder the adoption of EV in Edina.
EV Charger Siting
Different locations are optimal for different types of chargers. To summarize the
varieties:
●Level 1 chargers use standard 120V electrical outlets, as are used for most
electronics. They charge at only about four miles/hour and can thus only
accommodate local commuters if charged at home.
●Level 2 chargers use 240V electrical circuits, similar to those used by 240V
circuits are also used by large appliances. Different models can pick up 10-60
miles in an hour of charging. These are ideal for charging at the workplace.
19
Fig. 1: GIS visualization of City of Edina charging infrastructure.
20
●Level 3 DCFC use high-power 480V circuits and are found at public fast charger
stations. Models which are able to use fast chargers can pick up 60-170 miles
during a 30-minute charge. Major transit routes or locations that experience a
high volume of daily visitors should use fast chargers for quick charging.
There is still no exact formula or science for optimal siting of EV charging
infrastructure. However, where resources are limited the City of Edina should first
consider places where people spend at least an hour per visit and that receive a high
volume of visitors. The best locations tend to be workplaces, as they allow charging
when electricity prices are low, and renewable energy sources are most abundant.
Edina could also consider what would add value to existing City holdings and services -
for example, an EV charger at the city’s library branch.
Our analysis, summarized in the map below, indicates that the only public
electric vehicle chargers in Edina are concentrated in the southeast corner of the city.
Looking at the locations of these data points, we discover that they are retail locations,
allowing people to charge cars while they shop. There are no publicly available chargers
at workplaces listed here although there may be some privately owned by employers.
Future charger expansion should move somewhat to the west and north. Many of
the city's large businesses have their offices near the city's cross-cutting highway
(MN-100), either near the southern border or near the north-west corner. These would
both serve as prime locations for a workplace charging program. The city could even
choose to build solar-powered workplace charging; the density of workplaces provide an
21
opportunity to take advantage of the abundant and underused solar energy available
during midday.
Despite the low population density in the city's western half, the western border
may be a good location for DC fast charging, as the highway running along the border
(US-169) is heavily traveled. Fast chargers would allow users from around the state to
stop quickly along the highway and refuel, as they would with a gas vehicle.
Visibility is important for awareness and education and while chargers can be
made to be more discreet it is important during the early era of technology transition to
make EV chargers very visible and even include information about how a passerby may
get information about leasing or purchasing and EV. The City could also introduce low
cost incentives like offering free parking (in the few locations where parking costs
money) or other free services to spur contemplation about EV ownership in non-owners.
It is important that the city stay abreast of state and private entity plans to invest
infrastructure. Government bodies in Minnesota have been discussing the creation of
EV-friendly highway corridors through state investment in nearby charging
infrastructure, which would increase options along MN-100 and US-169. The city will
want to avoid investing in infrastructure where it is already sufficient, although there may
be a need for an additional actor like the city for cooperation in making more EV
chargers available.
22
Policy Review: EV Dissemination
If the city wishes to expand access to and use of electric vehicles, it will likely
require a many-pronged approach. A large review of electric vehicle market policies
(Slowik & Nutsey 2017) found that a comprehensive network of different policies are all
needed to encourage EV adoption in a metropolitan area. Customers require incentives
or competitive prices to make electric car ownership accessible and attractive; public
and workplace charging infrastructure to make use viable; and model availability to
make acquisition easy and attractive.
Some of the decisions about EV use rates will depend on technological and
corporate decisions that are well out of the hands of the city. Electric vehicles have
been out of financial reach for the vast majority of the population until very recently. A
2014 study found that, barring a serious reduction in interest rates on electric vehicles
and/or a high gas price, many Americans would never break even on the cost of an
electric vehicle (Arshad et al., 2014). Electric vehicle technology is rapidly improving
and expanding in availability. This change is partly technological – the cost of batteries
has fallen dramatically in recent years – and partially due to the decisions of industry
leaders. This cost and technology improvement is clear to the 80% of EV users who
choose to lease their cars instead of owning them outright, anticipating that future
models will cost much less (Stock 2018).
Once electric cars become cost-competitive upfront, proper infrastructure could
allow for rapid dissemination of EVs, bringing about massive greenhouse gas
reductions quickly. The window for achieving these benefits is short: a report by
23
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (Randall 2016) indicates that the upfront cost of
electric vehicles will match conventional fuel vehicles in 2022. Depending on the
responses of policy-makers and their work to adapt transportation infrastructure, this
could mark the beginning of exponential growth for the market. There is also research
that suggests consumers will expect increasingly automated vehicles to also be electric
vehicles, which could help ease the transition. (Lindland 2017)
To achieve 10% adoption by 2025, EV purchases by Edina residents would have
to be over 10% of their new vehicles. Slowik & Nutsey (2017) found only one
metropolitan area where electric vehicles reached this level: the San Jose, CA region, in
the heart of Silicon Valley. In addition to the early adopter mindset many in the region’s
tech industry likely have, San Jose’s EV market has benefited from California’s strong
support for EVs, which has included a mandatory Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales
standard, heavy investment in public EV infrastructure, and the nation’s most generous
rebates. These key incentives and infrastructure policies do not make sense to enact on
a city level. Tax rebates could be claimed by people who then move, while charging
infrastructure confined to one city does nothing to ease the “range anxiety” many
potential EV users feel.
Given the costs of the work required to achieve 10% adoption in the next seven
years, the cross-boundary responsibility for completing such work, and the state of
maturation of the EV market, a 10% adoption goal is worthwhile for the benefits to
human health. However, such market penetration will not result in dramatic reductions
in GHG emissions, and should be considered in comparison with other actions the City
24
of Edina could take to reduce GHG emissions and improve community health and
wellbeing. In the longer term, Edina can make a major contribution to a clean and
sustainable transportation future, and harness EVs to achieve the city’s 2050 energy
goals. Success in the long-term means building the necessary relationships for outreach
and education, collecting information that can inform policy and behavior changes, and
tracking community needs.
Out-State Programs
Many ratepayers in the metro area support clean transportation. As Xcel
develops their own EV programs it is useful to look to what other energy providers
across the state are doing to promote EV adoption in their territories. In a survey
conducted by a Great River Energy member utility to explore what sources of
information about EVs are most trusted by consumers in their area they found that ‘local
utility’ ranked number two, behind only Consumer Reports magazine. Since consumers
trust utilities and utilities provide the electricity that powers EVs it is only natural that
utilities play a role in encouraging the expansion of EV adoption. In a survey of
members by Dakota Electric Association, the largest barrier to EV adoption was
concern about available public charging stations.
Great River Energy (GRE) is an non-profit electric co-op in Minnesota. GRE sees
EVs as a win for members, business, the environment, and the economy. They
launched the ‘MN Revolt’ campaign to stimulate the market for EVs. GRE promotes EVs
through marketing, the offer of 100% wind energy for the electricity a members’ EV
25
consumes (ensured the Renewable Energy Credits purchased by GRE on consumers
behalf), as well as a web resource and app (MNCharging.org) for car dealers and
consumers to find all the information they need on EVs and EV charging. GRE is also
running a battery electric school bus pilot.
Elk River Municipal Utilites (ERMU) is another example of a electric provider
encouraging EV adoption. ERMU was awarded a $40,000 grant from American Public
Power. ERMU has developed and launched EV/ER Power Your Future in 2017 to
increase EV marketing. They market to their customers through mail, website,
Facebook and have purchased a DC Fast Charger. ERMU has partnerships and
collaborations with: City of Elk River, Drive Electric Minnesota, Plug -Share, Connexus
Energy, PlugInConnect, ChargePoint ChargePoint, and Fleetcarma. They contracted
with Fleetcarma to assess whether is made financial sense to lease or purchase EV to
replace a ICE vehicle in their fleet. The City of Elk River is now leasing a Mitsubishi
Outlander as a result and ERMU purchased a 2018 Chevy Bolt. ERMU has also
implemented Time of Use (TOU) for in-home charging. Under TOU, ERMU provides
participating customers with: an off-Peak Rate 6 cents/kWh 11 p.m. to 7 a.m; an
on-peak Rate 12 cents/kWh winter; a separate meter program and no additional
monthly service charge; and up to $500 rebate for purchase and installation of 240v
charger. Xcel also has TOU program for their customers.
These are good first steps in promoting EV adoption. Utilities should continue to
expand their efforts and include workplace charging as a priority along with in-home
charging.
26
Recommendations
Near-term initiatives that Edina could undertake include:
●Electrifying Edina’s fleet. Several cities in the metropolitan area are looking at a
large-scale electrification of the city fleet, especially given the funding available
from the state’s portion of the VW settlement. While an investment for the city’s
fleet would have only a marginal impact on carbon emissions, it would allow the
city to lead by example and could spur interest in the area as an EV market.
●Developing public infrastructure for EV charging. A major change to our nation’s
transportation sector is projected in the next decade, and our infrastructure has
done little to adapt. Edina should invest in publicly available charging
infrastructure and require its inclusion in buildings for which the city provides
money. EV charging infrastructure can also be financed under PACE loans. In
the case of Level 2 chargers the cost of laying the wires to make a parking spot
EV ready or to install the charger is rather insignificant in comparison with the
overall cost of a new development. As with the City of St. Paul, Edina can require
that a certain percentage of all new parking is EV ready if Edina is providing
funding assistance for a building project. Given that developers need permits
from the City it could also be something that could be required in the plans
submitted for permitting. Although EV market penetration is not yet large,
research by the The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
showed in a multivariable regression of 350 metropolitan areas, that both Level 2
27
and DC fast charging infrastructure are linked with electric vehicle uptake, as are
consumer purchase incentives (Hall and Nutsey 2017). It is important to note that
the ICCT also notes in their study of global EV infrastructure that “there is no
universal benchmark for the number of electric vehicles per public charge point”,
which means housing type and population density characteristics can impact the
amount of chargers needed for the population of a particular city. They give the
example of the Netherlands where private parking and charging are relatively
rare, thus one public charger per 2 to 7 electric vehicles is typical. On the other
end of the spectrum California EV owners more frequently have access to home
and workplace charging, and thus one public EV charger per 25 to 30 electric
vehicles is typical.
●Take a collaborative approaches to buildout of charging infrastructure.
A collaborative approach to charging infrastructure has shown the most success,
reducing costs while increasing usability and innovation. Hall and Lutsey (2017)
recommend several strategies, including public-private partnerships, smart
charging systems, integrated feedback mechanisms, and close cooperation with
electric utilities. Wherever possible Edina should encourage and invest in open
standards for vehicle-charge point communication and payment (ibid.).
●Encouraging EV charging options at major workplace locations. Workday
charging could be timed to absorb increases solar and wind energy when their
production is most abundant. Providing incentives or partnering with workplaces
to install electric vehicle chargers for employees could help early adopters feel
28
more confident about access to charging and receive more favorable rates.
Workplaces also have an incentive to accommodate workers and promote the
sustainability of their practices. The City could also reward and recognize
businesses that install EV chargers on their own.
●Continuing and expand EV outreach and education. An existing city program
gives Edina residents the opportunity to test drive an electric vehicle and learn
more about the technology involved, in order to promote knowledge of electric
options and dispel common concerns. Communications initiatives such as this
could be continued and expanded. Several existing organizations could serve as
partners in this work, including nonprofit initiatives PlugIn Connect and rEVolve,
as well as Minnesota’s EV owners circle has around a hundred members in
Edina. The City could also partner with local driver’s Education to get high school
students driving EV cars. Younger students could be educated about electric
cars and act as educators for their parents and older siblings.
●Collaborate with Xcel Energy to create new EV promotion policies.
Xcel is currently pursuing an EV plan that will “increase access to electricity as a
transportation fuel”. Xcel is currently working with the City of Edina on a fleet EV
assessment and can offer expertise, rate options, and charging optimization
solutions. Xcel may also be able to provide ‘make-ready’ electrical infrastructure
from meter to chargers to reduce the upfront cost of fast chargers, as utilities
such as Great River Energy have done. There could also be potential for future
29
collaboration on electric mobility service pilots, if Xcel decides to pursue such
projects.
●Push for adoption of EV-friendly policies at the state and regional levels. The
state government and Metropolitan Council have a scope which fits better with
the infrastructural challenges facing the electric vehicle market. Edina could
lobby the state to adopt a zero-emission vehicle sales standard, and to provide
funding for infrastructure statewide, reducing range anxiety beyond city borders.
Edina could also use its leverage with the Metropolitan Council to increase
consideration of electric vehicles in infrastructure planning and to encourage
Metro Transit to adopt an electric bus fleet.
30
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