Coon Rapids Sustainability

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Sustainable Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids works to create an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable city for everyone to enjoy. 

  • We support long-term ecological balance and the preservation and restoration of natural resources. 
  • We want our current residents to thrive and we want to ensure future generations of residents have the same ability to thrive. 
  • We strive to be responsible stewards of the city’s economic resources by finding efficient ways to do our work.  

Learn more about our sustainability initiatives, our resident advisory commission,  and what steps you can take to help us advance this work by exploring the pages in the menu to the left. Have questions about Sustainability in the city? Email the Sustainability Planner.

Planning for Sustainability

Coon Rapids uses a variety of planning documents to guide its sustainability work. 

Sustainability Reports

B3 Energy Use Reporting

Coon Rapids reports public building energy consumption data as part of the B3 Benchmarking program which helps the City monitor and improve energy consumption at our facilities. Visit the B3 website to learn more about the initiative and view Coon Rapids' energy data here.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The Metropolitan Council has a Greenhouse Gas Inventory tool for all communities in the Twin Cities metro area. Visit the inventory online to learn more about what sectors emit greenhouse gases in Coon Rapids and how we compare to our neighbor cities. 

Sustainability Scorecard

Coon Rapids compiles an annual scorecard of City sustainability metrics to help capture how we are performing in the areas of energy, transportation, natural resources, and waste. 

Recognition

GreenStep CitiesGreenStep Cities Logo

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. As one of over 100 participating cities, the City of Coon Rapids is helping to lead the way in sustainability across the State of Minnesota.

  • March, 2014 - Coon Rapids reaches Step 1
  • June, 2015 - Coon Rapids reaches Step 2
  • June, 2021 - Coon Rapids reaches Step 3
  • June, 2022 - Coon Rapids reaches Steps 4 and 5

These achievements recognize Coon Rapids' continued focus on cost savings, energy use reduction and encouragement of civic innovation. The City has undertaken sustainability programs including efficient lighting and street signals, sustainable mobility options, urban forestry programs, stormwater management and efficient city growth.

View Coon Rapids' GreenStep City Resolution.

View Coon Rapids' most recent GreenStep City Assessment.

Tree City USAlogo-tree-city-usa-color

Coon Rapids has been recognized as a Tree City for 42 years. Recognition requires meeting four overarching standards:

  1. Maintaining a tree board or department
  2. Having a community tree ordinance
  3. Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
  4. Celebrating Arbor Day

Learn more about Coon Rapids Forestry Department and annual Arbor Day Tree Sale. 

SolSmartSolSmart Silver

Coon Rapids has been recognized as a SolSmart Silver community for implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.

Learn more about renewable energy in Coon Rapids on our solar energy resource page. 

Sustainability Events

There are a variety of sustainability-related events in Coon Rapids throughout the year. Learn more at the links below.