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.

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.