EQC Meeting Date: December 17th, 2025
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator / Staff Liaison
Title
Staff Update
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting
• MPCA Planning Grant: Geothermal Feasibility Study for the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC)
Staff is preparing to submit an application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Planning Grant program to evaluate the potential for a geothermal system at the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC). The NCRC is a key community facility that provides essential services which includes senior programming, Head Start, a food pantry, health and wellness programs, and several social support services.
Given the building’s age and energy demands, the City is exploring long term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs, and improve energy resilience for this critical facility. A geothermal feasibility study would assess ground conditions, system design options, projected emissions reductions, and financial considerations for converting the building’s heating and cooling systems to a geo-exchange system.
This planning work would help the City determine the most efficient and cost effective path forward for modernizing the NCRC’s energy systems while supporting community resilience and the City’s climate goals.
<https://www.pca.state.mn.us/grants-and-loans/local-climate-action-grants>
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA