In 2018, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a Climate Action Plan with the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality — having a net zero carbon footprint — by 2040. The plan provides guidance for residents, businesses and the city on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and impacts of climate change. 

Progress towards the Climate Action Plan goals can be viewed on the Environmental Stewardship dashboard. Additional sustainability resources, maps and dashboards can all be viewed here. 

The plan was created by the St. Louis Park Environment and Sustainability Commission in partnership with the youth of St. Louis Park.

Midterm goals

Along with three kick start projects, the Climate Action Plan describes seven midterm goals that will reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions by 55% by 2030:

1. Reduce energy consumption in large commercial buildings by 30%.
2. Reduce energy consumption in small- to mid-size commercial buildings by 30%.
3. Design and build all new construction to be net-zero energy.
4. Reduce energy consumption in residential buildings by 35%.
5. Achieve 100% renewable electricity.
6. Reduce vehicle emissions by 25%.
7. Reduce solid waste by 50% from business as usual.

2021 Greenhouse Gas Inventory 

To assess how much progress is being made to reach the 2030 goals above, staff worked with LHB, Inc. to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and analysis for 2015 through 2020. The report and accompanying slides presented to city council in Nov. 2021 show citywide carbon emissions decreased 5% from 2015 to 2019, and an additional 17% in 2020. However, some reductions were due in part to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued bold city efforts will be needed to sustain climate action. Visit the energy efficiency page to see how you can get involved. 

City initiatives

To achieve the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan, the city has implemented energy efficiency practices, increased renewable energy usage and made other operational improvements.

Learn more about city initiatives that have been done to reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.

How can I help?

Interested in participating in the Climate Action Plan? Visit the energy efficiency and renewable energy pages to see ways you, your business or your organization can participate in energy savings programs, increase renewable energy use and help the city reduce overall emissions.

News releases

• Climate Action Plan adopted by St. Louis Park City Council
• Climate Action Plan iMatter Press Release

Stay informed

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