GreenStep Cities

https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by city elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3-star level, from a list of four to eight actions.

Locations Served: Entire State

Contact: Kristin Mroz

Email: kristin.mroz-risse@state.mn.us

Types of Resources Offered:

Connections/Network, In-Kind Time (various)

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free

Best Practices Areas for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

1. Green Team: Participating districts and schools form a green team made up diverse roles and stakeholders., 2. GreenStep School Resolution: The district passes a resolution to participate in GreenStep, signed by particpating schools., 3. Widespread Communication: District/School communicate activities and accomplishements to families, students, staff, and stakeholders., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

7. Community Spaces: Schools and schoolyards include areas that the community can use., 9. Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool or bus to school., 11. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

None of the Above

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

5. Community Projects: Students conduct environmental community engagement projects ., 6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional Detail:

The GreenStep Cities program works with over 100 cities and tribal nations in Minnesota who are advancing sustainability and quality-of-life best practice actions. The program has 145 best practice actions available at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/best-practices. Best practice actions include community engagement and partnerships that coordinate well with many school/district activities. GreenStep Cities staff and partners can help facilitate conversations and connections with participating communities in our program.