EQC Meeting Date: September 16, 2020
To: Members of the Environmental Quality Commission
From: Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator
Title
Staff Updates & Commissioner Comments
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives update from staff and Commissioner Comments
Summary Report:
Staff Report
• Staff have been reviewing Turn Key building audits and Solar for Northfield report to determine next steps. Solar for Northfield report completed - presentation was provided earlier to EQC. Findings will be considered as budget and Capital Improvement Plan is finalized.
• Staff continued to explore best options for tracking energy use, cost savings, greenhouse gas emissions that fits our capacity and will allow for communication with the community. It was decided to use the no-cost B3 system for public buildings for 2021 and then evaluate again for the 2022 budget. This system has made some recent upgrades that will allow for more functionality than in the past. This decision was based on: system costs and upgrades to utility meters, staff capacity to review and act on findings, and need to think more about what a community outreach strategy would be before purchasing a system with a robust public dashboard.
• Fleet Study is underway with all data trackers installed. Tracking will take place for 90 days with a report to follow.
• Carleton summer intern projects wrapping up. Three projects - draft Zero Waste Plan, Sustainability Podcast series, Electrification. The students all made good progress and their work will continue through work groups. The podcast series is planning to launch in later September and this student will continue recording sessions through the fall.
• St. Olaf Environmental Studies - Integration and Application class projects are starting. Focus on developing virtual sustainability tours and EV/PV language for Land Development Code.
• Planning a webinar on Multifamily New Construction for builders and developers - tentative date Oct 20 at Noon. Working with PiE and City of Faribault on this event.
A summary of work group activities is attached and Commissioners will provide information during the meeting.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA