HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdina Climate Action Baseline Assessment
April 2021
Prepared by:
City of Edina
Climate Action Baseline Assessment and
Strategic Goal Recommendations
Table of Contents
Section 01 Introduction
Section 02 Transportation and Land Use
Section 03 Buildings and Energy
Section 04 Waste Management
Section 05 Water and Wastewater
Section 06 Local Food and Agriculture
Section 07 Greenspace and Trees
Section 08 Climate Health and Safety
Section 09 Climate Economy
Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals 1-1
Photo: Nick Ortloff via Flickr
Introduction
Background
The City of Edina is developing its first Climate Action Plan for
the community. The plan, which identifies climate resilience
strategies and actions for the next 10 years, will help those who
live and work in Edina imagine and achieve a future where the
earth and all who live on it thrive.
The City’s current goals for the project are to reduce citywide
greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050, and
to establish actions to enhance community resilience and adap-
tation to climate change.
This Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals document
is intended as a tool to support the Edina Climate Action Plan-
ning team in collaboratively exploring, creating, refining, and
finalizing the goals and strategies of the Edina Climate Action
Plan. The strategic goal recommendations included in this docu-
ment should be understood as preliminary only and created
solely for the purpose of supporting a fully collaborative plan-
ning team process.
Climate Action Plan Framework
Achieving community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions
and addressing the impacts of climate change requires address-
ing considerations across a wide range of sectors. This Climate
Action Baseline and Strategic Goal Recommendations report is
organized around a unifying framework of environmental equity
and justice, and includes eight community-wide sectors. Each
sector has over-arching Strategic Goals (or “Strategies”) estab-
lished to meet 2030 goals and organize or provide direction for
detailed implementation Actions to be created in collaboration
with the Climate Action Planning Team. Sector Strategies have
primary focus on Climate Mitigation, Climate Adaptation, or
both. Strategies for Climate Mitigation are organized along
cross-cutting pathways.
Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals 1-2
The Edina Climate Action Plan will include the following commu-
nity-wide sectors:
: are specific statements of direction that expand
on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide de-
cisions about future public policy, community investment, and
actions.
are detailed items that should be completed in order
to carry out the vision and strategies identified in the plan.
: addresses the root causes of climate
change through the reduction or prevention of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions.
: seeks to lower the risks posed by the
impacts of climate change which are now inevitable or likely.
1-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Introduction
Cross-Cutting Pathways
GHG reduction pathways are themes which organize the strategic
goals, or “strategies” needed to achieve community wide greenhouse
gas reductions. A cross-cutting pathway represents pathways orga-
nized across multiple, or all, climate action sectors. The cross-cutting
pathways for the Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goal Rec-
ommendations report are:
Reduction
(Energy Efficiency, VMT, etc)
Fuel Switching
(Renewable Electricity, Thermal Energy, Transporta-
tion)
Sequestration
(Greenspace, Mechanical Carbon Sequestration and
Storage)
GHG Reduction Goals in Global Context
Considering a climate action plan’s emission reduction goals within a
global context can help validate the appropriateness of the goal. An
effective approach for evaluating goals within that global context is to
consider the most current GHG emission reduction recommendations
formulated by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The
scientific consensus of the international IPCC working groups is to re-
duce global GHG emissions as needed in order to limit global warming
to 1.5°C. In addition, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming
to 1.5 to 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, considered to be the
threshold for dangerous climate change.
The UNEP Emissions Gap Report published in November 2019 calculates
that by 2030, global emissions will need to be 25% lower than 2018 and
80% lower by 2050 to put the world on the least-cost pathway to lim-
iting global warming to below 2°C. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the
same report finds emissions would need to be 55% lower than in 2018
and carbon neutral by 2050. Within that context, for Edina:
A minimum community-wide reduction goal would be:
“To reduce community-wide GHG emissions by 25%
below 2018/2019 levels by 2030.”
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the community-wide reduction goal
would be :
“To reduce community-wide GHG emissions by 45%
below 2018/2019 levels by 2030.”
Hennepin County Climate Action Goals:
“To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 2010
levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”
State of Minnesota Next Generation Energy Act Goals:
“Statewide GHG Reductions of 30% from 2005 lev-
els by 2025, 80% from 2005 levels by 2050.”
1-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Introduction
Projected Emission Reductions Achieved by Draft Strategies
The following sections of this Baseline Assessment document include
preliminary strategic goal recommendations for consideration by the
planning team. These recommendations are based on the summary
research presented in each section and are intended as preliminary
statements for the purpose of supporting a collaborative team process
which will result in the final strategic goal statements. These prelimi-
nary strategical goals generally align with current City emission reduc-
tion goals of 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050.
Share of Total Projected Potential Emission Reductions by Sector
by 2030 from 2013 Baseline:
The following summarizes the community wide GHG reductions from the
2013 baseline year by 2030 likely supported by the preliminary strategic rec-
ommendations included in the report:
Based on the illustrated potential reductions included in this document, we
recommend the following as a preliminary Climate Action Plan goal statement
for consideration by the planning team:
“To reduce community-wide GHG emissions by
25% below 2013 levels by 2025, 30% by 2030, and
80% below by 2050.”
Moving ourselves and our goods and services from
place to place is very energy intensive while the vehi-
cles we use for that mobility are very material re-
source intensive. In addition to transportation vehi-
cles, off-road equipment like construction, recreation-
al and lawn equipment also consume significant
amounts of fossil fuels for their operation. Off-road
equipment have even higher GHG emission and over-
all air pollution rates per gallon of fuel consumed than
on-road vehicles due to less efficient combustion and
lower emission standards than on-road vehicles.
Equipment and transport systems have significant im-
pacts on the environment, accounting globally for 20%
to 25% of world energy consumption and carbon diox-
ide emissions. In Edina, the transportation and land
use sector accounts for 40.9% of citywide GHG emis-
sions and are projected to increase as the electricity
sector moves to more renewable energy sources.
Many options exist for improving the sustainability of
our transportation systems while improving quality of
life and equity. Increasing shared transportation
while decreasing use of single-occupancy vehicles sig-
nificantly reduces the environmental impacts of trans-
portation. This change also can improve equity in mo-
bility. Alternative transportation modes like bicycles,
eBikes, and scooters can also increase opportunities
for exercise while reducing air pollution. Lastly, stud-
ies indicate that recent advances in electric vehicles,
car-sharing technologies and the potential for self-
driving vehicles underline a much more sustainable
usage of car assets that could remove up to 90% of
the vehicles from the streets while enhancing mobility
options.
2-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
02 S e c t i o n
Transportation and
Land Use
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2-2
Edina Residential Density
The city’s residential land use totals 5,896
acres—57.7% of the total area of the city. This
land supports a population of 51,746 for an av-
erage of 8.8 residents per residential land use
acre. The city’s community wide density, includ-
ing all zoning districts is 5.06 residents per acre.
Transportation and Land Use
Edina Land Use Density Emissions Reduction
Potential
According to the City’s comprehensive plan pop-
ulation projections, the City of Edina may see a
population increase of up to 16% by 2030. The
study “The Influence of Urban Form on GHG
Emissions in the U.S. Household Sector” (Lee, S.,
and Lee, B. 2014 ) found that for every 1% in-
crease in population-weighted urban density,
household travel CO2 emissions reduce by 0.48%
and emissions associated with residential energy
use decrease 0.35%. Based on this study, estab-
lishing zoning ordinances and codes guiding fu-
ture growth into options which increase the
density of existing developed land rather than
increasing the quantity of developed land is like-
ly to have positive impact on decreasing total
community wide emissions per household.
If policies are established which guide just 40%
of future population growth towards increased
residential land use density, the potential 16%
population increase could result in an increase
of average population per developed acre from
8.8 to 9.4 residents per residential land use acre,
or an increase of residential land use density of
6.4%. Applying the figures established in the
Lee study, this could equate to an emissions re-
duction of up to 3% for transportation related
emissions.
GHG emissions reduction associated with a 6.4%
increased residential land use density by 2030:
(1,630) Metric Tons.
Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
2-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Edina Vehicle Miles Traveled History
As outlined in the chart above, the total vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) in Edina in 2019 was 581
million miles. This is an increase of 80.2 million
miles, a 12.7% increase over the 7 year span.
Edina Jobs Heat Mapping
According to US Census data, the Edina has seen
a decrease in total jobs within the community
from 59,014 jobs in 2008 to 42,386 in 2018. Job
density has also experienced a slight shift with
jobs decreasing significantly in the Highway
169/62 area and increasing somewhat in the
Highway 100/Vernon Ave area.
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Employment Heat Map 2008 Employment Heat Map 2018
Transportation and Land Use
2-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
City of Edina Commute
Since 2013, overall average commute time in Edina has remained at 19.1 minutes with 93% of
those employed in Edina commutting from outside the City. Edina has also seen a steady trend in
commuter modes with 78% commuters driving alone. These trends indicate that strategies to fo-
cus job development nearest sections of residential density and to encourage alternative com-
mute modes like public transit may decrease transportation emissions. Decreasing commuters
driving alone by 6% to match the county wide average would decrease vehicle miles traveled by
up to 10 million miles, saving an estimated $7,500,000 and eliminating up to (3,800) metric tons of
GHG emissions annually.
City of Edina Commuter Transport by Mode Since 2013
Commuter Transport Share by Mode 2018
City of Edina Hennepin County
2-5 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
Housing and Transportation Affordability
Land Use density, job locations, and transportation significantly impact living costs, particularly
housing and transportation affordability. The recommended share of income spent on housing is
up to 30% and up to 15% for transportation, for a total transportation and housing burden of 45%
of income. The map to the right, from Center for Neighborhood Technology, indicates the average
Housing and Transportation affordability index for each of the census blocks within the City of Edi-
na. The Citywide average housing and transportation burden (H+T) is 54% (36% on housing and
19% on transportation). As shown on the household count by H+T income share, over 4,500 house-
holds in Edina have a combined H+T burden that is more than 2/3rds of household income. This
trend indicates strategies that continue to focus job development nearest sections of residential
density, increased housing affordability, and increased affordable mobility options may support
decreasing cost of living, particularly associated with transportation.
Walkability and Bikeability
The measure of a community’s walkability and bikeability are an important metric of the communi-
ty’s ability to advance sustainable transportation. Bike and walk scores will very across the city
based on location specific parameters. Below are transit, walk and bike scores for the France Ave
area City of Edina (Source: WalkScore.com). For this location, though the scores can be improved,
the existing levels indicate a supportive environment for increasing alternative mobility options
such as walking, biking, and public transit. Every 0.5% increase in commuter utilization of biking or
walking in Edina may decrease vehicle miles traveled by 800,000, saving an estimated $600,000
and eliminating (315) metric tons of GHG emissions.
Housing and Transportation Affordability
Combined housing and transportation expenses as
share of household income (Source: H+T Index)
2-6 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Public Transit Performance Map
Overall transit score rating at connectivity, access to
jobs, and frequency of service (Source: AllTransit)
Transportation and Land Use
Public Transit Indicators
The map to the left illustrates the community area served by transit options (Advance Transit) and
the corresponding “Performance Score”. Areas of lighter color have higher performance scores
which represent a mixture of overall trips per week, number of jobs accessible, number of weekly
commuters using the transit options, and equity of transit system. (Source: Alltransit)
The average commute in Edina is 19.1 minutes, or approximately 16 miles. Meanwhile, AAA esti-
mates that the cost per mile for operating a vehicle is $0.74. Consequently, every 1% increase in
commuter utilization of public transit in Edina may decrease vehicle miles traveled by 1.6 million
miles, saving an estimated $1.25 million and eliminating (630) metric tons of GHG emissions annually.
2-7 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
Vehicle Ownership in Edina
According to the US Census, nearly 47% of all households own
two vehicles, over 38% own 1 vehicle, 12% own three vehi-
cles, nearly 3% own four vehicles, and about 1/2% own five or
more vehicles. Communitywide, 6.7% are households with no
vehicles. According to census data there are 36,600 vehicles
total in the city.
Transitioning this rolling vehicle stock from fossil fuel combus-
tion to low and no emission alternative is critical in meeting
significant long-range emissions reductions in this sector. For
every 1% of vehicles converted to EV or low/no emission fuel
alternatives up to 2,750 metric tons of GHG emissions can be
eliminated annually (including emissions associated with in-
creased electricity consumption).
Existing Edina Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure
The chart to the right illustrates the total number of electric
vehicles and charging infrastructure in Edina compared with
the State of Minnesota. As of April 2020, Edina had 357
battery electric vehicles (BEV), and 112 plug-in electric vehi-
cles (PHEV). Comparing the city of Edina’s EV rolling stock
against Statewide vehicle counts (7,322 BEVs and 5,556
PHEVs), it is clear that the city’s adoption rate is higher than
State averages. The city currently has no DC Fast charging
ports, but does have public Level II chargers.
EV Adoption Rates in Minnesota
The graph to the right illustrates the new EV purchase adop-
tion rates in Minnesota since 2013. The trends illustrate a
clearly increasing EV share of new vehicles purchased from
3.4% in 2013 to 5.7% in 2020.
Vehicle Ownership by Household
Type of Electric
Vehicle
Vehicles
in State
Vehicles
in City
City Share
of State
City Share Compared
to Population Share
EV % of All
Vehicles in
City
BEV 7322 357 4.9% 5.3x population 1%
PHEV 5556 112 2% 2.2x population 0.3%
Electric Vehicle
Charging
Chargers
in State
Chargers
in City
City Share City Share Compared
to Population Share
DC Fast Ports 192 0 - N/A
Level II Ports 551 14 2.6% 2.6x population
Existing Edina Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure
(Source: Alliance for Automotive Innovation)
EV Adoption Rates in Minnesota
2-8 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
EV Charging Infrastructure Required in the US by 2030
(serving 18.7 million EV’s in use)
According to the Edison Foundation, Electric Vehicle stock in the United States is projected to reach
18.7 million in 2030, up from slightly more than 1 million at the end of 2018. This means EV’s will
make up at least 7% of the vehicles on the road by that time.
(Sources: US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, US Census, Edison Foundation “Electric Vehicle Sales
Forecast and the Charging Infrastructure Required Through 2030” report).
Minimum EV Infrastructure Needed in Edina 2030
For Edina, the Edison Foundation’s EV charging infrastructure need projections mean anticipating
at least 2,900 EV’s owned and operated by Edina residents by 2030 in addition to the increased EV
utilization by visitors to the city and commuters who work in the city but live elsewhere. These
EV’s will require a minimum of 121 public level II charging ports, 197 workplace level II charging
ports, and 15 public CD Fast Charging ports. This will require a minimum increase of 304 level 2
charging ports and 15 DC Fast Charging ports by 2030. For every 1% increase in EV utilization be-
yond that, an additional 3.12 level 2 charging ports and 0.5 DC Fast charging ports should be
planned.
2-9 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
City of Edina Vehicle Fleet
As of March 2021, the City of Edina has a municipal vehicle fleet of 307
cars and trucks. Over 88% of the fleet are gasoline or diesel internal
combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while 9.8% are electric vehicles in-
cluding hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery
electric (BEV).
The City’s fleet spans a range of vehicle use classes reflecting the range
of services the City’s departments provide. The fleet is comprised of
light duty vehicles (36.7%), medium and heavy duty (25.7%), construc-
tion duty (37%), and support equipment like ATV’s and boats (0.7%).
City of Edina Vehicle Fleet by Fuel Type
Total Gasoline Used:
90,700 Gallons Annually
Total Diesel Used:
47,900 Gallons Annually
Source: Fleetcarma March 2019 report
2-10 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Transportation and Land Use
Fleet Efficiency Potential
The City’s fleet uses 138,600 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel annually. According to a 2019 Elec-
tric Vehicle Suitability Assessment conducted by Fleetcarma, of the vehicles assessed by Fleet-
Carma study, the average fuel economy is 16 miles per gallon. The average vehicle in the fleet is in
operation (engine on) for 2 hours each day and 42% of that time is spent idling.
Strategies for improved fuel efficiency which may be effective for the City’s fleet include reduction
or elimination of engine idling, driver behavior changes, and prioritization of higher fuel efficiency
in vehicle replacements. Increasing fuel efficiency of the City’s fleet will reduce the municipal oper-
ations GHG emissions while reducing annual operation expenses through the reduction of fuel pur-
chase. For every 1% of improved fuel efficiency, the fleet’s GHG emissions will be reduced by more
than (12) metric tons annually.
Fleet EV Conversion Potential
Conversion of fleet vehicles to electric wherever feasible will have the most significant and immedi-
ate impact on reduction of fleet operations GHG emissions as well as annual operating expenses.
As with all vehicle fleets, regular retirement and replacement of vehicles represent an on-going op-
portunity to increase electric vehicle adoption. The City currently has 72 vehicle replacements
planned by 2025. All of the vehicles slated for replacement are gas or diesel combustion vehicles,
providing an opportunity to increase the share of electric vehicles in the fleet by as much as 26%.
On average, for every combustion engine vehicle replaced by an electric vehicle (BEV), the City’s
fleet emissions could be reduced by (4) metric tons annually or more (variations will occur based on
use case and daily mileage driven for each vehicle).
Total GHG Emissions:
12,214 Metric Tons (2019)
Source: Fleetcarma
City of Edina Vehicle Fleet Planned Replacements
by Fuel Type
2-11 Edina Climate AcƟon Baseline and Strategic Goals
TransportaƟon and Land Use
Strategic Goal RecommendaƟons
Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this secƟon, we recom-
mend the City of Edina explore establishing the following
TransportaƟon and Land Use Strategic Goals:
Pathway 1—ReducƟon
TL 1: Decrease community wide VMT by 2% by 2030.
TL 2: Increase public transit commuter ridership from
3.3% to 5% by 2030.
TL 3: Increase average population per developed acre
by 2% by 2030.
Fuel Switching
TL 4: Increase baƩery electric vehicle (BEV) uƟlizaƟon
to 12% of community wide rolling stock (from ap-
proximately 357 vehicles to 4,392 vehicles communi-
ty-wide).
TL 5: Establish viable biodiesel sources to serve com-
munity by 2025. Achieve 5% diesel consumpƟon re-
placement with biodiesel by 2030.
Strategic Goal RecommendaƟons
Municipal OperaƟons
Based on the reviews outlined in this secƟon, we recom-
mend the City of Edina explore establishing the following
TransportaƟon and Land Use Strategic Goals:
Fuel Switching
TL 6: Achieve 40% conversion of municipal opera-
Ɵons gasoline and e10 gasoline vehicles and equip-
ment within municipal fleet to EV's by 2030.
Achieve 100% conversion by 2040.
TL 7: Convert all municipal operaƟons diesel fuel
uƟlizaƟon to biodiesel fuel by 2027.
TL 8: Increase fuel efficiency of remaining combus-
Ɵon engine fleet by 15% by 2030.
Projected Sector Emission ReducƟons Achieved by DraŌ Strategies
2-12 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
3-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
03 S e c t i o n
Buildings and
Energy
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Building energy use is a major contributor to
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Building
Energy sector includes all residential, commercial,
and industrial buildings. Greenhouse gas emis-
sions from this sector come from direct emissions
– from fossil fuels burned on-site for heating or
cooking needs – as well as indirect emissions –
from fossil fuels burned off-site in order to supply
that building with electricity. Building design
plays a large role in determining the future effi-
ciency and comfort of facilities. Increasing ener-
gy efficiency can help reduce GHG emissions and
result in significant cost savings for both homes
and businesses. The Edina community can also
achieve environmental, social, and economic ben-
efits through enhancements to the built environ-
ment.
Buildings and Energy Electricity and Natural Gas
Emissions Share of 2019 GHG Emissions by Sub-Sector
3-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Edina Energy Use Profile—Community Wide
Residential:
According to 2019 community wide data, the resi-
dential sector in Edina consumes nearly 194.5 million
kWh annually. This is equal to 8,719 kWh per house-
hold. The sector also consumes over 20.4 million
therms of natural gas annually. As illustrated in the
chart to the left, residential electricity consumption
per household has been steadily declining since 2013
while residential natural gas consumption per house-
hold has been increasing since 2016.
Commercial and Industrial:
The Edina commercial and industrial sector in 2019
consumed nearly 334.2 million kWh, equal to 7,885
kWh per job. These sectors also consume over 19.5
million therms of natural gas annually. As illustrated
in the chart to the left, commercial and industrial
electricity consumption per job decreased signifi-
cantly between 2013 and 2016 but increased nearly
just as much again between 2016 and 2019. Com-
mercial and industrial natural gas consumption per
job has followed the same curve as residential natu-
ral gas consumption increasing since 2016.
Potential for Change in Edina
Based on the City’s recent new building permit histo-
ry (shown to the left), as much as 16% of the city’s
housing stock and 7-10% of the city’s commercial
building stock may be renovated or replaced over a
10 year timeframe. This means that a significant
portion of the city’s building infrastructure could be
positively impacted and influenced through climate
action strategies that guide increased energy effi-
ciency and increased renewable energy adoption.
Residential Energy Use Trends
New Building Construction Permits in Edina
New Housing Permits in Last 3 Years: 231
New Housing Units in Last 3 Years: 1,032 (4.8% of citywide housing stock)
New Commercial Building Permits in Last 3 Years: 10 (2.2% of citywide commercial building stock)
Commercial Renovation Permits in Last 3 Years: 611
Commercial and Industrial Energy Use Trends
Buildings and Energy
Edina’s Building Stock Efficiency
The measure of a community’s existing building stock, certified high
performance buildings, and housing characteristics provides a basis for
determining the current and potential energy efficiency gains for the
community. Energy and water efficiency upgrades are one of the sim-
plest and most effective ways to conserve resources, save money, and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Residential Energy Efficiency Potential:
New building technology has increased energy efficiency significantly in
recent decades. Although newer U.S. homes are 30 percent larger,
they consume a similar amount of total energy as older homes - mean-
ing they are more energy efficient per square foot of space. According
to the US Energy Information Administration, homes built between
2000 and 2009 used 15% less energy per square foot than homes built
in the 1980s, and 40% less energy than homes built before 1950.
Consequently, this means that retrofitting older homes with some of
these technologies provides ample opportunity to improve energy effi-
ciency throughout the community. The maps to the right illustrate the
distribution of owner occupied and renter occupied homes built before
1980 throughout Edina.
Edina Owner Occupied Homes Built Before 1980
Edina Renter Occupied Homes Built Before 1980
% Renter Occupied Housing
Units Built before 1980
% Owner Occupied Housing
Units Built before 1980
3-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
The chart below outlines the estimated annual energy savings potential for households within the City. Anticipating an energy efficiency participa-
tion of 4,265 of the city wide total of 21,325 households by 2030 (20% participation rate) with an average energy efficiency improvement of 15%
each should yield an annual community-wide energy reduction of 5.85 million kWh of electricity and 610,000 therms. This reduction would achieve
an annual GHG reduction of (5,373) metric tons by 2030. Note, this reduction model anticipates a participation focus for residential units built prior
to 1980.
3-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Edina Residential Building Stock Energy Efficiency Potential (based on 2018 US Census Data)
3-5 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Commercial and Industrial Building Energy Efficiency Potential:
Similarly to residential construction, older commercial buildings or
newer commercial buildings with under-performing energy efficiency
represent a significant potential energy efficiency increase. This means
that retrofitting older commercial buildings with some of these tech-
nologies provides ample opportunity to improve energy efficiency
throughout the community. The chart below outlines the estimated
annual energy savings potential for commercial buildings within the
City of Edina.
Anticipating an energy efficiency participation of 20% of commercial
buildings by 2030 based (approximately 93 of a total estimated 463
commercial properties) with an average energy efficiency improvement
of 15% should yield an annual community-wide energy reduction of
4.28 million kWh of electricity and 22,120 therms of thermal energy.
This reduction would achieve an annual GHG reduction of (6,677) met-
ric tons by 2030.
Edina Commercial Building Stock Energy Efficiency Potential (based on 2018 US Census Data)
Existing High Performance Buildings in Edina
ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings: 33
LEED Certified Buildings: 6
Certified Net Zero Buildings: 0
Existing Green Roofs, Known: 1
Sources: US EP New Buildings Institute, A ENERGY STAR, US
Green Building Council, Greenroofs.com, Rooftop Sedums LLC
3-6 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Edina Homes with No Fuel Used Edina Homes with Electric Heat Edina Homes with Utility Gas Heat
(for year 2018)
Buildings and Energy
Residential and Commercial Building Heating Fuel Switching Potential
According to the US Census, approximately 78% of residential heating
is provided by natural gas, 17.7% by electricity, 1.5% by propane gas,
1.5% by “other”, and 0.5% by fuel oil. Approximately 0.5%, or 162
households, have no heat of any type in their home.
As Edina’s electric grid nears carbon neutrality, building heating fuel
will become an increasingly important target for emission reductions.
Reduction, and ultimately the elimination of all fossil fuel heating (oil,
propane, natural gas) will be required in order to achieve community
wide carbon reductions.
Buildings and Energy
Heating fuel switch options include:
• Conversion to electric heat (e.g. heat pump).
• Conversion to solar thermal systems.
• Switching fuel oil or diesel fuels to biofuels.
The charts below outline the potential annual GHG reductions with achieving a
heating fuel switch for 10% of Edina households and commercial establish-
ments by 2030. These reductions would achieve a reduction in GHG emissions
equal to (10,460) metric tons for residential and (6,939) metric tons for com-
mercial and industrial.
3-7 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
(based on 2018 US Census Data)
Buildings and Energy
Residential and Commercial Building Electricity Fuel Switching Poten-
tial (on-site renewable) Community Wide
Due to Xcel Energy’s “Carbon Free by 2050” commitment (https://
www.xcelenergy.com/carbon_free_2050 ), the GHG emissions associ-
ated with electricity use will continue to reduce over the years. Gener-
ally, however, increasing utilization of on-site renewable energy has
multiple benefits for a community beyond GHG emissions reductions.
The range of community benefits of increased on-site renewable ener-
gy include energy cost savings and increased energy resilience poten-
tial. For these reasons, we still recommend inclusion of strategic goals
to increase on-site renewable energy.
paleBLUEdot has assessed the rooftop solar PV potential throughout
the City of Edina. This assessment has been conducted based on com-
munity-wide satellite data (sources: NREL, NOAA, and NASA). Gener-
ating capacity was calculated by roof orientation and tilt category. The
projected potential for roof characteristics likely to result in economi-
cally viable solar arrays were then summarized—see “Total County-
wide Optimized Rooftop Solar PV Potential” chart on following page.
City of Edina’s Solar Share Based on
2021 Data:
State Edina Edina's
Share
Population 5,640,000 51,746 0.92%
Number of Solar Installations 7,544 91 1.21%
Average Solar Installations / 1,000
households 1.35 4.17 308.98%
Estimated Solar Generating Capac-
ity (MW) 1,507.93 1.74 0.12%
Average Array Size (KW) 199.88 19.09 10%
Solar Industry Businesses 146 3 2.05%
3-8 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Total City Wide Optimized Rooftop Solar PV Potential
3-9 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Solar PV Market Absorption Scenario
paleBLUEdot then explored potential new solar
PV market absorption scenarios building on the
existing 1.74 MW of installed capacity within
the county through 2030. The market projec-
tion we recommend using for guidance on po-
tential new solar installations within Edina uses
Edina’s current leading adoption rate per 1,000
households (3x State average) and applies that
to the statewide new solar PV projections. sim-
ple. The resulting scenario outlined to the right
anticipates a 36% initial growth rate, steadily
reducing to a 7.5% growth rate by 2040. This
scenario would result in approximately 5% of
current citywide electrical consumption being
met through rooftop solar PV.
Buildings and Energy
GHG emissions reduction associated with increased solar projection by 2030: (1,630) Metric Tons based
on projected electric grid emission factors (-4,531 metric tons based on current grid emission factors).
3-10 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
3-11 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
The Need to Focus on Low and Moderate Income Solar Potential
Solar PV systems provide a wide range of potential benefits, including long-term energy cost sav-
ings, energy resilience, and reductions in air pollution including particulate matter and greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions – with positive implications for environmental and human health. Currently,
most of the solar customers in the United States are in the same demographic -middle to upper
class, middle-aged, and usually male. “Rooftop Solar Technical Potential for Low-to-Moderate In-
come Households in the United States”, a recent study by NREL, found that the median income of
households that install solar panels in some states was roughly $32,000 higher than the median
household income in those states.
The growth of solar in the United States provides a tremendous opportunity to address some of the
greatest challenges faced by lower-income communities: the high cost of housing, unemployment,
and pollution. Solar can provide long-term financial relief to families struggling with high and unpre-
dictable energy costs, living-wage jobs in an industry where the workforce has increased 168% over
the past seven years, and a source of clean, local energy sited in communities that have been dis-
proportionately impacted by traditional power generation. Yet, access to distributed solar power
remains elusive for a significant slice of the U.S. population, particularly low- and moderate-income
(LMI) communities— households whose income is 80% or less of the area’s median.
Although solar PV costs have dropped significantly in recent years, upfront installation costs are still
persistently out of reach for most LMI populations, which, by definition, have less disposable in-
come. Beyond having limited cash-on-hand for solar power purchases, LMI populations face other
obstacles in pursuing distributed solar systems, including:
• frequently lower credit scores, making it difficult to attain a loan for solar investments;
• insufficient tax burden to benefit from state and federal solar tax incentives; and
• lower rates of homeownership and higher likelihood of living in multifamily housing
units—making for limited control over decisions about utilities, especially rooftop solar.
The solar potential for LMI communities is a critical market that must be developed within any com-
munity seeking to significantly advance renewable energy, energy resilience, or Climate Action goals.
Increasing access for LMI communities is important not only in order to help address some of the
challenges outlined above, it is likely necessary in order to meet long-term community-wide renewa-
ble energy goals. Half of all residential solar potential is on LMI households. Solar capacity on LMI
households could total 320 GW—over thirty times the total new solar in 2017.
Low Income Households In Edina (based on 2019 US Cen-
sus Data)
Income Distribution of Households In Edina (based on
2019 US Census Data)
3-12 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Energy Burden In Edina
A household’s energy burden—the percentage of household
income spent on energy bills—provides an indication of energy
affordability. Researchers define households with a 6% energy
burden or higher to experience a high burden. Factors that may
increase energy burdens include the physical condition of a
home, a household’s ability to invest in energy-efficient up-
grades, and the availability of energy efficiency programs and
incentives.
The charts on the right illustrate the distribution of households
with high energy burden based on:
• Renter vs Owner by Income Level
• Building Age by Income Level
These charts indicate that both renter and home owner low
income community members are far more likely to live under
high energy burdens regardless of building age. This data can
be used to design energy efficiency and renewable energy pro-
grams to reduce energy burden while reducing GHG emissions
within the community.
Energy Burden by Building Age and Income Level
Potential total households living with high energy burden
(See Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study for more):
6,589 (29%)
in Communi-ty:
High Energy Burden
High Energy Burden
Energy Burden by Occupant Ownership and Income Level
3-13 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Strategic Goal Recommendations— Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City
of Edina explore establishing the following Buildings and Energy Strate-
gic Goals:
Pathway 1—Reduction
BE 1: Improve total Community wide residential, commercial,
educational, and industrial building energy efficiency by 10% for
electricity and 10% for Natural Gas by 2030.
BE2: Increase adoption of high performance building construc-
tion technology, achieving 1/2% Net Zero households and com-
mercial properties community wide by 2030.
BE3: Reduce share of population living in high energy poverty
from 29% to 24% by 2030.
Fuel Switching
BE 4: Achieve 10% residential and commercial and industrial
building "fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to
electrification by 2030.
BE 5: Increase renewable energy from 0.4% to 5% of citywide
residential and commercial electric use by 2030.
Projected Sector Emission Reductions Achieved by Draft Strategies
3-14 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Buildings and Energy
Strategic Goal Recommendations—Municipal Operations
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City
of Edina explore establishing the following municipal operations
Buildings and Energy Strategic Goals:
Pathway 1—Reduction
BE 6: Improve total municipal building energy efficiency by 12% for
electricity and 12% for natural gas by 2030.
Fuel Switching
BE 7: Achieve 10% municipal building thermal “fuel switching"
from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030.
BE 5: Increase on-site renewable energy from 0.2% to 7.5% of
city operations electricity consumption by 2030.
Note approximately 60% of City operations electric use is met through com-
munity solar garden subscriptions (CSG). Though CSG subscriptions have a
wide range of benefits, they do not provide GHG reduction benefits unless
renewable energy credits (RECs) are retained. Installation of on-site renewa-
ble energy or purchase of RECs is required to support GHG reductions of City
operations.
4-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
04 S e c t i o n
Waste
Management
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Waste Management
Citywide municipal solid waste (MSW) handled has been estimated based on the city’s pro-rata share
of Hennepin County-wide solid waste collected. In 2019, citywide MSW totaled 54,041 tons. Of the
MSW handled an estimated 17,263 tons (31.9% of total) were recycled, 5,775 tons (10.7%) were or-
ganics collection, 18,927 tons (35%) were managed as refuse derived fuel (RDF), and the remaining
12,076 tons (22.3%) were landfilled.
Edina Solid Waste Per Capita Trends
Based on Hennepin County and State of Minnesota data, total community-wide MSW handled in
2013 was equivalent to 4.83 pounds per person per day with landfilled waste comprising 1.2 pounds
(24.8%). By 2019 the community-wide MSW handled increased to 5.6 pounds per person per day
due in large part to increased organics and recycling collection, however, landfilled waste share of
the total increased to 1.25 pounds per person per day. Though this 2019 landfilled waste share is a
lower percentage of the total (22.3% down from 34.8%), the estimated increase in landfilled volume
per person indicates a potential trend resulting in increased GHG emissions.
Minnesota Waste Stream Changing
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) commissioned a statewide study to determine the
characteristics of statewide waste streams. The project studied garbage from six facilities throughout
the state and separated it into nine primary categories. The study found that Minnesota waste has
changed since the last study was conducted in 2000. Paper, plastics, and organics are still the top
three components of our garbage, but the proportions have changed—plastic is up, food is up, but
paper is down. This indicates great potential for increased organics recycling opportunities.
4-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Waste Management
Minnesota’s Waste Hierarchy
Following the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group’s initial rec-
ommendations on statewide GHG emissions reductions, the MPCA con-
ducted a study to identify the most promising potentials for reduction
of solid waste emissions. The report produced the hierarchy of waste
management (below) to achieve the best environmental results. This
hierarchy illustrates the potential strategy prioritization Edina may con-
sider for the waste management sector.
Hennepin County Waste Characterization Study
In 2015, Hennepin County initiated a comprehensive, quantitative eval-
uation to understand the make up of the current waste stream
(materials not diverted through recycling or organics collection) and
how it may be possible to achieve the 75% state-mandated diversion
goal. In the graph to the left, the findings of the composition of the
waste characterization study are shown. This graph groups the classifi-
cations of waste defined in the 2015 study into broad categories based
on their diversion potential including: Compostables, Potential Recycla-
bles, Potential Recoverables, and Other.
Waste Diversion Potential
Based on the Hennepin County Waste Characterization Study, there
may be waste diversion potential of up to 78.7% in the current land-
filled materials (idealized maximum). Below is the breakdown of the
estimated total maximum potential waste diversion (excluding waste
reduction):
Compostables 29.1%
Potentially Recyclable Materials 35.0%
Potentially Recoverable Materials 14.7%
Other Materials (remaining landfill waste) 21.3%
Potential
Recoverables: 14.7%
Other: 21.3%
Potential
Recyclables: 35%
Compostables:
29.1%
35
%
Re
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a
b
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e
29
.
1
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Co
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o
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t
a
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l
e
21.3%
Remaining
(78.7% Diversion
Potential)
14
.
7
%
Re
c
o
v
e
r
a
b
l
e
4-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Waste Management
Strategic Goal Recommendations
Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City
of Edina explore establishing the following Waste Management Goals:
Pathway 1—Reduction
WM 1: Decrease total per capita municipal solid waste handled
by 5% by 2030.
WM 2: Achieve 30% organics landfill waste diversion by 2030
(10% of total MSW).
WM 3: Increase recycling from 32% to 35% of total MSW han-
dled by 2030.
WM 4: Increase diversion of potential recoverables by 15% by
2030 (decreasing from 14.7% of city mixed waste to 12.5%)
Projected Sector Emission Reductions Achieved by Draft Strategies
4-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
5-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
05 S e c t i o n
Water and
Wastewater
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Water and Wastewater
Water and Energy Nexus
Water and energy are fundamental components
of our 21st century life. Production, distribution,
consumption, and treatment of water consumes
energy. Production of energy - particularly those
generated through fossil fuel use - consumes wa-
ter. The water-energy nexus is the relationship
between how much water is used to generate
and transmit energy, and how much energy it
takes to collect, clean, move, store, and dispose
of water. Both fresh water production and waste
water treatment are typically the highest energy
and carbon emission sources within a communi-
ty’s operations. Reduction of water demand
saves energy not only in the production and dis-
tribution of fresh water but also in the collection
and treatment of wastewater.
Regional Water Stress
By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people will live
in areas plagued by water scarcity, with two-
thirds of the world's population living in water-
stressed regions. Since 1985 the Edina region has
had a reduction in water yield of approximately
10%. Through 2050, the City can anticipate an
increase in water demand of 20%.
(Sources: “Adaptation to Future Water Shortages in the Unit-
ed States Caused by Population Growth and Climate
Change”, World Resources Institute, USGS).
Change in Water Yield Since 1985
Projected Change in Water Demand by 2050
5-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Water and Wastewater
Mitigating Flood Impacts
According to the US National Climate Assessment, the ten rainiest days can contribute up to 40%
of the annual precipitation in the Minnesota region. By 2070, the Edina area can anticipate an
increase of up to 15% in the total annual precipitation. In addition, the timeframe between rains
is expected to continue to increase, (source US National Climate Assessment). Under this scenar-
io, it is likely that certain periods of the year, like spring, may be significantly wetter with storms
producing heavier rains. In anticipation of that, it is appropriate to review the areas of the City
with flood risk and to review current storm water management capacity against future extreme
rainfall event projections.
The map shows the flood risk areas throughout the City as defined by FEMA . Flood risks illustrat-
ed relate to water surface elevations for 1% chance annual floods (“100 year flood event”). Areas
shown relate to existing bodies of water as well as potential “flash flood” zones in low-lying areas.
The charts to the left show the number of properties in the city currently at risk of flood damage,
the projected change in properties at risk due to climate change, and the historical flood damage
value reported in Edina.
(Source: FEMA, FM Global, National Flood Services )
Source: Floodfactor.com
5-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
For a City the size of Edina,
reducing water leaks by 50%
alone could save:
236 Million
gallons of water
annually.
Water Conservation Potential
Water and Wastewater
Water Conservation Potential
Based on Edina Public Works data, water consumption citywide decreased 18.9% from 2013 to
2019. Wastewater generation, however remained essentially constant showing a modest 1.1%
reduction over the same period. Though the reported water reduction is significant, there is likely
additional water conservation potential. According to the Water Research Foundation, on average,
12% of municipal water distribution is lost through leaks in water mains and water pipes on private
property. For Edina, this could represent up to 236 million gallons of water annually.
For every 1% of water and wastewater consumption reduction made, citywide GHG emissions can
be decreased up to 100 metric tons annually. Perhaps more importantly, increased water conser-
vation can help maintain healthy aquifers as the region’s water demand increases and improve re-
silience through precipitation variations exacerbated by climate change.
Water and Wastewater Trends in Edina
5-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Water and Wastewater
Strategic Goal Recommendations
Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we
recommend the City of Edina explore establish-
ing the following Water and Wastewater Strate-
gic Goals:
Pathway 1—Reduction
W 1: Promote increased water conserva-
tion citywide with a targeted reduction of
6% by 2030.
W 2: Reduce wastewater generation City
Wide with a targeted reduction of 12% by
2030.
W 3: Mitigate the projected increased
flood hazards and impacts due to climate
change.
W 4: Update design standards and plans to
meet projected climate change flood miti-
gation requirements.
Projected Sector Emission Reductions Achieved by Draft Strategies
06 S e c t i o n
Local Food and
Agriculture
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Transporting food across long distances burns
fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases. The ex-
tended period of time of long-distance transport
increases the need for refrigeration. Refrigera-
tion is carbon-intensive. The less transportation
and refrigeration needed to supply us our food,
the more sustainable it becomes.
Buying food from local sources can reduce the
carbon intensity of our diet while also supporting
your small business local economy. Studies have
indicated that nearly 32 jobs are created for eve-
ry $1 million in revenue generated by produce
farms involved in a local food market, compared
to only 10.5 jobs for those involved in wholesale
channels exclusively. Meanwhile, the outdoor
and social activity supported by community gar-
dens and increased gardening in neighborhoods
have social and community benefits like increas-
ing social cohesion, providing multi-generational
activity, supporting outdoor low-impact exercise,
and support of plant/animal/pollinator habitat)
6-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Community Gardens In Edina
Yorktown Park
NOT EDITED
Community Gardens Per 100,000 Residents
United States:
18,000 Total (est)
Twin Cities Metro:
600 Total
City of Burnsville:
600 Total
City of Edina:
1 Total (City operated)
(Sources: American Community Gardening Association, Star
Tribune, City of Burnsville, City of Edina)
Farmer’s Market
Locations in Edina:
5.5
18.3
4.9
1.9
1
6-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Local Food and Agriculture
A robust local food system establishes additional supply chains and re-
silience to distribution disruptions. Healthy local food systems can also
play a critical role in addressing food access vulnerability and food inse-
curity within neighborhoods of higher vulnerability. Increased local
food systems also tend to increase diversity and long-term food system
resilience in food crops cultivated.
Strategic Goal Recommendations
Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City
of Edina explore establishing the following Local Food and Agriculture
Strategic Goals:
LF 1: Increase production of local food, particularly serving low
income and food insecure individuals.
LF 2: Increase access to local food (potentially through the devel-
opment of local Farmer’s Markets, establishment of permaculture
“food forests” and increased access to community gardens).
LF 3: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a 50% reduction in
food insecurity community-wide by 2030.
LF4: Increase local agricultural resilience to climate shocks.
Trees and natural ground covering play a central
role in supporting community health, improving
air and water quality, helping to reduce building
energy use, and supporting climate mitigation.
Recent studies have shown that sometimes,
going to a park, or even looking a single tree can
significantly improve a person’s health and
stress levels. Our understanding of the value of
trees has been expanded to include mental and
physical health benefits. Trees are critical in
filtering air, removing harmful pollutants, such
as Carbon Monoxide, particulate matter, and
Ground-level Ozone - pollutants that can be
toxic at high levels and which can cause asthma
and other respiratory impacts.
Conversely, higher levels of impervious surfaces
(pavement and buildings) within a community
will increase the heat island of the community.
Heat island refers to the phenomenon of higher
atmospheric and surface temperatures occur-
ring in developed areas than those experienced
in the surrounding rural areas due to human
activities and infrastructure. Increased heat
indices during summer months due to heat is-
land effects raise human discomfort and health
risk levels in developed areas, especially during
heat waves. Based on a 2006 study done by
Minnesota State University and the University
of Minnesota, the relationship between imper-
vious surface percentage of a City and the cor-
responding degree of heat island temperature
increase can be understood as a ratio. (see
“Impervious Surface Reduction Potential” for
more)
7-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
07 S e c t i o n
Greenspace and
Trees
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7-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Greenspace and Trees
Community-wide Land Cover Characteristics
Based on the Ground Cover Survey and Car-
bon Sequestration Study, the city’s land cover
characteristics are:
Tree Canopy Coverage
City Average: 35.9%
Census Tract High: 46.7% Tract: 236
Census Tract Low: 12.6% Tract: 240.05
Lawns and Grass Coverage
City Average: 21.2%
Census Tract High: 34.1% Tract: 239.01
Census Tract Low: 10.0% Tract: 240.05
Dark Impervious Surface
Coverage (buildings+pavement)
City Average: 25.5%
Census Tract High: 46.6% Tract: 240.04
Census Tract Low: 18.4% Tract: 240.05
7-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Ground Cover
Breakdown by Type
Mo
r
e
L
M
I
Le
s
s
L
M
I
Trend Line Trend Line
Greenspace and Trees
Review Criteria - Green Infrastructure
Prioritization of locations for increased green
infrastructure included in this report is based
on an equity approach. This approach reviews
a range of land cover and demographic charac-
teristics of each neighborhood in an
“Environmental Equity Index”, based on proce-
dures developed by the USDA Forest Service.
To determine the best locations to plant trees,
tree canopy and impervious cover maps were
used in conjunction with U.S. Census data to
produce an index of priority planting areas by
neighborhood. Index values were produced for
each neighborhood with higher index values
relating to higher priority of the area for tree
planting. This index is a type of “environmental
equity” index with areas with higher human
population density, higher economic stress,
lower existing tree cover, and higher total tree
canopy potential receiving the higher index val-
ue. The criteria used to make the index were:
Ground Cover Characteris-
tics by Census Tract
Organized by Share of Low In-
come Population (LMI)
The bar chart provides a
side-by-side comparison of
the of land cover by Cen-
sus Tract. The trend lines
indicate census tracts with
more lower income resi-
dents have less tree and
grass coverage and more
dark impervious surfaces.
7-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
• Priority Tree Canopy Increase Based on Tree
Stock Potential Levels.
• Priority Tree Canopy Increase Based on Eco-
nomic Stress Density.
• Priority Tree Canopy Increase Based on Tree
Population Density.
• Priority Tree Canopy Increase Based on Heat
Island Mitigation Potential.
Weighted Priority Tree Canopy Increase
The weighted prioritization for tree canopy in-
crease looks to balance the potential for increased
tree canopy with the opportunity to improve tree
canopy benefit equity, potential to positively im-
pact as many households as possible, and the
need for mitigation of heat island impacts. The
priorities above are weighted as follows:
• Potential for new trees: 20%
• Population density: 20%
• Low Income Population (equity adjustment):
30%
• Heat Island mitigation need: 30%
Greenspace and Trees
Weighted Priority Tree Canopy Increase
To improve environmen-
tal equity, the darker
green areas of this map
with higher numbers in
the legend below should
be prioritized for new
tree plantings.
Greenspace and Trees
Calculating Tree Canopy Coverage Goals
Total tree canopy coverage goals are central to long-range land cover goal recommendations for
the city. In support of an “Environmental Equity” approach to tree canopy goalsetting, as outlined,
identification of long-term tree canopy coverage goals includes consideration of each neighbor-
hood’s Tree Stock value (the amount of existing tree canopy compared to available land for tree
canopy coverage), population densities, economic stress densities, and heat island mitigation
need. As a long-term focus, we are using 2040 as a goal calculation date reflecting the time for
planted tree to reach maturity, however, final and refined goals can be established for 2030 or any
other interim year. Goals are established with a progressive percentage increase goal based on
neighborhood prioritization. As the total Tree Stock area (potential tree canopy) varies by neigh-
borhood, the resulting Tree Canopy percentage varies for each neighborhood.
The recommended Tree Stock increase goals are:
For neighborhoods in the top 1/3rd Neighborhood Priority Ranking: 10%
For neighborhoods in middle 1/3rd Neighborhood Priority Ranking: 6.3%
For neighborhoods in bottom 1/3rd Neighborhood Priority Ranking: 2.5%
7-5 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Tree Canopy In-
crease in Absolute
Land Cover %
Tree Canopy In-
crease Over Existing
Tree Canopy Area
7-6 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
New Tree Planting Annual Target to Meet 2040 Tree Canopy Goal
Community-Wide Total (Note, Acreage represents the canopy cover-
age at year of planting, with an assumed new tree crown radius of 5’):
1,976 New Trees 16 Acres
Other Ground Cover Goal Potentials
In addition to opportunities to expand and improve the city’s tree can-
opy, the findings of the ground cover study as outlined in the the Edi-
na Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Sequestration Study may
be used to identify additional opportunities for increased heat island
mitigation and increased native grass installations.
*Comparison of impervious surface area and normalized difference vegetation index
as indicators of surface urban heat island effects in Landsat imagery. Fi Yuan and
Marvin Bauer, February 2007
New Tree Planting Annual Target by Census Tract
(in number of new trees planted annually)
Greenspace and Trees
Turf Reduction Potential
As illustrated in the chart to the right, 93% of grass lands in Edina are
manicured lawns—representing a great opportunity for turf reduction.
Turf reduction can increase stormwater uptake, reduce potable water
use, and increase soil carbon.
Impervious Surface Reduction
Potential
The city’s experiences of heat island
are directly impacted by the level of
impervious surface coverage—
particularly dark roofs and pavement.
Based on a 2006 study done by Min-
nesota State University and the Uni-
versity of Minnesota*, the relationship
between impervious surface percent-
age of a City and the corresponding
degree of heat island temperature
increase can be understood as a ratio.
This chart illustrates dark pavements
make up 50% of all impervious surfac-
es, followed by dark roof surfaces at
30%. These represent significant op-
portunities for decreasing heat island
impacts in the community. For every
1% decrease in impervious surfaces in
a neighborhood of Edina, that area’s
likely experience of summer time heat
island temperatures may decrease
0.17° F
See Edina Ground Cover Survey and
Carbon Sequestration study for more
information: https://cutt.ly/AvHFqVW
Existing Grass Coverage in
Edina by Type
Existing Impervious Surface
Coverage in Edina by Type
7-7 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Greenspace and Trees
Strategic Goal Recommendations
Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we
recommend the City of Edina explore establish-
ing the following Greenspace and Trees Strategic
Goals:
GC 1: Increase tree cover from 35.9% to
37.8% by 2030 and 39.7% by 2040.
GC 2: Increase pollinator supportiveness of
lawns and grasslands in City of Edina and
achieve a 5% turf replacement with native
grasses and wildflowers by 2030.
GC 3: Reduce heat island effect through
citywide “dark” impervious surface reduc-
tion of 2.5% by 2030 and 5% by 2040.
GS 4: Reduce, repurpose, and reimagine
lawn space.
7-8 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
8-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Climate Health and Safety
There is a strong relationship between human health and environmental health. From the air we
breathe to the water we drink and use, life here on Earth depends on the natural resources and the
environment around us. This link between the environment and human health is a critical consid-
eration of the impacts of climate change. As outlined in the City’s 2020 Climate Vulnerability As-
sessment, changes in climate, such as higher average temperatures and increased storm frequency
and intensity, can intensify public health stressors. These climate change impacts endanger public
health and safety by affecting the air we breathe, the weather we experience, our food and water
sources, and our interactions with the built and natural environments. As the climate continues to
change, the risks to human health continue to grow.
In the same way local governments and the health care industry promotes healthy behaviors such
as eating right and exercising; agencies should recognize the relationship between climate action,
environmental stewardship and community health since the health of our environment affects
public health.
Edina Vulnerable Populations Risk Sensitivity Chart
The following identification of Edina population climate vulnerabilities is excerpted from the Edina
Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Please see that report for additional information:
(https://cutt.ly/dvHHyMU).
08 S e c t i o n
Climate Health
and Safety
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8-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Climate Health and Safety
Health Risks to Population
Review of Climate Risks for the City of Edina
A “Climate Risk” is the potential for negative conse-
quences and outcomes for human health, systems,
or communities. The most common way of evalu-
ating the level of risk associated is “likelihood of Oc-
currence” x “Impact Level” or vulnerability, and con-
sidered within the likely timeframe of occurrence.
Two charts are provided to the right. The first re-
views the expected impacts, likelihood of occur-
rence, impact level based on Population vulnerability
reviewed in the Climate Vulnerability Assessment.
The second reviews the infrastructural and institu-
tional Climate Risks to the Community. Each chart
includes a brief review of the expected impacts.
Priority Climate Risks for Edina
The priority climate risks to the population of Edina
include Flooding, Nutrition Security, Extreme Heat,
and Vector Borne Disease Impacts while the priority
climate risks to infrastructure/institutions include
Land Use Planning, Buildings, Roads, Energy, and
Agriculture and Forestry impacts.
See Edina Climate Vulnerability Assessment for
more information: https://cutt.ly/dvHHyMU .
Climate Risks to Infrastructure and Institutions
8-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Climate Health and Safety
Strategic Goal Recommendations— Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City of Edina explore es-
tablishing the following Climate Health and Safety Strategic Goals:
HS 1: Educate, engage, and empower the public on health and safety risks of climate
change impacts.
HS 2 : Assist the City’s Extreme Heat, Air Quality, Flooding, Power/Infrastructure Fail-
ure, and Food Insecurity vulnerable population in preparing for and mitigating climate
change impacts.
HS 3: Establish and update plans to address climate risks and impacts.
HS 4: Strengthen community response capacity and support networks.
8-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
9-1 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Climate Economy
Climate change and the economy are inexorably linked. Left unabated, the impacts of human-
made climate change through the end of this century will cost the United States billions of dollars.
According to a 2019 study by two EPA scientists, the difference in economic impact between the
mid-range climate model (RPC6) and the high range climate model (RPC8.5) may account for as
much as $224 billion in economic impact annually by 2090. According to a 2019 World Bank report
on trends in carbon pricing, a carbon price range of $40-$80 per ton is necessary as of 2020 to
reach the goals set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, while other studies have placed the full cost of
carbon at $200-$400 per ton. Using the calculation outlined in Section 10 of the Edina Climate Vul-
nerability Assessment (Projected localized annual economic impacts of climate change divided by
annual community-wide GHG emissions), an estimate minimum localized cost for carbon is $47 per
metric ton.
The economy is also directly linked to climate action as well. One common concern is that climate
action damages the economy. However, climate action today avoids the future costs associated
with unmitigated climate change. Further evidence is building a clear case that acting on climate
change, and reducing fossil fuel emissions can be done without weakening the economy. Since
2013, Edina has seen community-wide GHG emissions drop 1.5% while during that same period the
community’s GDP has increased 16.8%.
Climate Action and Economic Development
Rather than weakening the economy, climate action can support economic development. Transi-
tioning away from fossil fuel use, improvements to public transit systems, and growth of local food
industries are all, in part, a transition to local energy and labor sources. These transitions represent
opportunities for communities to reduce the community wealth that is being exported and in-
crease the percentage of community wealth that remains in the community in the form of local
jobs. Additionally, many of the jobs potentials in Climate Action redirect funds away from less la-
bor intensive (but more material resource intensive) sectors of the economy to support greater
overall employment combined with less resource utilization. In general, economic opportunities
include:
09 S e c t i o n
Climate
Economy
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9-2 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Jobs
Increases in City-wide energy efficiency, fuel switching, and renewable energy installations all
require energy retrofits and renovations within existing building stock. This construction effort
provides new opportunities for construction laborers, efficiency experts, and testing agents. The
specialty niche also provides opportunities for new businesses to be created to address the de-
mand. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy illustrated that a $15
million investment in energy efficient City facilities, when compared against “business-as-usual”,
would increase local employment by 45 jobs in year one and have on-going impacts creating up
to 20 additional jobs annually for 20 years.
For the City of Edina, a program increasing residential energy efficiency targeting households
constructed before 1980 (similar to potential outlined in the Buildings and Energy section of this
report) and achieving upgrades for 100 households annually could result in 5 jobs or more. Simi-
larly, a program increasing commercial building energy efficiency combined with a program fo-
cusing on commercial building retrocommissioning and achieving a coverage of 2-5% of the com-
mercial building stock annually could result in up to 12 jobs.
Public Transit Jobs
Transit is key to both creating jobs and increasing access to existing jobs. A study by Smart
Growth America found that investments in public transit created almost twice the number of
jobs than the same level of spending in auto-centric transportation systems. Cities with better
public transportation systems also have lower levels of unemployment, and greater reductions in
unemployment, among young people - likely because public transit links areas with entry-level
jobs to neighborhoods where people live. According to the American Public Transit Association,
for every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 in economic returns are generated. Investing in
more buses and drivers both creates jobs directly and makes local labor markets function better.
Economic Savings
Investments in energy efficiency, public transportation, renewable energy, and many other cli-
mate action strategies ultimately result in cost savings for community businesses and residents.
These savings contribute to an increase in the quality of life for residents and will largely be
spent within the community on goods and services, providing indirect and induced economic
development potential for the City.
Climate Economy
Graphic Source: American Council for an Energy-
Efficient Economy
9-3 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Climate Economy
Unemployment in Edina
According to the US Census, in 2019,
citywide unemployment averaged
3.2%. When viewed at the census
block level, portions of the City had
unemployment levels as high as 17%.
Since that time, the impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic have almost cer-
tainly increased those numbers—
particularly among the most vulnera-
ble populations in the city. As noted
earlier, the potential of local job crea-
tion associated with climate action
strategies may provide a meaningful
avenue for increasing employment
opportunities and quality of life po-
tential among Edina’s most vulnerable.
Strategic Goal Recommendations— Community Wide
Based on the reviews outlined in this section, we recommend the City of Edina explore es-
tablishing the following Climate Economy Strategic Goals:
CE 1: Capture local economic potential of climate action.
CE 2: Increase workforce development for the climate economy.
CE 3: Build marketplace climate resilience.
CE 4: Establish sustainable financing for the City’s climate action implementation.
9-4 Edina Climate Action Baseline and Strategic Goals
Prepared by: 2515 White Bear Ave, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
Contact:
Ted Redmond
tredmond@paleBLUEdot.llc