Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-14 Meeting PacketMEMORANDUM To: Edina Parks and Recreation Commission From: Edina Energy and Environment Commission Date: September 10, 2020 Regarding: Incorporating sustainability into the priority for capital improvements in Edina’s Parks The Edina City Council asked the PARC to develop criteria that incorporates sustainability for prioritizing capital improvements for Edina park infrastructure. Drawing from the City’s Redevelopment Questionnaire, here are the sustainability issues we recommend that the PARC consider: 1. Sustainable Design and Energy. The City has the goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050. The Comprehensive Plan directs the City to lead by example. a. Have you utilized Xcel Energy and/or Centerpoint Energy’s Energy Design Assistance program? b. Will the buildings meet SB2030 energy goals? Will they be Energy Star certified? If not, please share steps to support energy conservation. c. Renewable energy generation on site? d. Purchase of renewable energy credits? e. Have the buildings been sited to maximize natural light in the winter and shade in the summer? f. What is the carbon footprint of the materials used for construction? g. Have you applied for any other green building certification? (list examples) 2. Managing Water a. What percent of the property has impervious surface before the project? And after? b. What new services will be pervious? c. How will the landscaping support the natural ecosystem? (e.g. rain gardens, native plants, pollinator friendly plants) d. Is this park part of the City’s stormwater management plan? How can it be used to reduce flooding risk in the neighborhood due to climate change? e. Can foot paths and parking lots be pervious surfaces? 3. Managing Tree Canopy a. What percent of the property is covered by tree canopy before redevelopment? What percent post development? b. Will you be replanting/replacing trees at least 4 to 5 inches in diameter to positively impact the tree canopy? c. Are you planting a variety of tree cultivars? d. Are the trees part of a water management plan? Part of a shade plan? 4. Managing Waste. Hennepin County and Edina have the goals of recycling 75% of solid waste and sending zero waste to landfills by 2030. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan states that the City will take environmental actions that lead by example. a. Have you provided recycling and/or organics recycling in this location? b. If existing structures are being removed, do you plan to use green-deconstruction methods with maximum recycling of materials? c. In construction, is there a plan to minimize materials that go to landfills? 5. Sustainable Transportation a. Is there bike parking available? b. Is the park connected to bike/ped paths? Are these clearly marked and easily accessible from the park’s amenities? c. Are there ride-share designated parking places? d. Is there an opportunity for EV chargers? 6. Sustainable Education a. Does this park have opportunities for ecology education? For example, signs pointing out natural features (plants, trees, geology), access to ponds and water features, pollinator gardens. b. Are there unique horticulture features to this park, such as experimental grass, tree management, plan for reduction of invasive species? Once these questions have been answered, we recommend the following priorities: 1. Incorporating the park in question into Edina’s stormwater management plans. 2. Using design to minimize the energy footprint of the buildings in the park. 3. Designing the parking and path elements to encourage safe biking and walking and to encourage carpooling to the park. 4. Reducing the solid waste created in construction. 5. Reducing the solid waste created in operation of the park 6. Encouraging ecology educational opportunities in the park.