Green Business

The City of Edina has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by the year 2025. Here are resources to help businesses make the better choices for the community, the environment and the bottom line.

Did you know 60 percent of electricity used in Edina is at commercial and industrial facilities? Did you know that an estimated 20 percent of energy that we use in buildings is wasted in Minnesota?

Large Building Benchmarking


Own or manage a building 25,000 square feet or larger? Edina is starting a large building benchmarking program to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for owners and tenants. Two informational meetings were held in March and April; check out a recording of one of those meetings below.


For more information, check out the Large Building Benchmarking Fact Sheet.


Why Take Action?

• Save money
• Improve efficiency
• Utilize new technologies
• Be a leader and a good corporate citizen in your community

Want support in taking the next step and be recognized as a leader?
Join Edina and take the Go Green Pledge

Ready To Act?


  • To reduce electricity use, contact Xcel Energy’s Business Solutions Center at 855-839-8862 and they will guide you through the process of finding the right programs and rebates for your business.
  • To reduce natural gas use, contact CenterPoint Energy’s Business Customer Hotline at 877-809-3803 to discuss rebate programs and services.

Edina Emerald Energy Program


The Edina Emerald Energy Program (EEEP) provides business property owners with financing options for renewable energy or energy efficient building improvements through partnership with the St. Paul Port Authority (SPPA) Program called Pace of MN.

Example: The Grandview Tire & Auto location on 70th Street has installed 27-kilowatt solar panel system made possible by EEEP funding. This makes Grandview one of the most energy-efficient auto repair facilities in the Midwest.

For more information on the EEEP program, contact Sustainability Coordinator Tara Brown or visit the SPPA website.

Recycling


Recycling not only reduces our landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions, but it has the potential to save businesses money. As of January 1st, 2016, businesses that contract for four cubic yards or more of trash per week must be recycling at least three materials. Learn more at MPCA’s recycling at your business.

Don’t know where to start? Need help taking your waste reduction to the next level? Hennepin County has free assistance, signage, and grants available for recycling and organics at your business.

Water


What happens on your property can impact our waterbodies. Leaves, grass clippings, and sidewalk and parking lot salt are common sources of pollution from commercial sites. Businesses can work with service providers to make sure they’re following best practices.

This Winter, do your part for clean water by making sure that your service provider is Smart Salting certified. View of the list of certificate holders.

Recognition


Has your business implemented some of the above recommendations? Be recognized for your efforts!

Edina launched a Green Business Recognition Program to celebrate green and sustainable actions promoted by local businesses in Edina. The program is one step toward recognizing businesses and community members who employ green practices.

Businesses of all types are encouraged to apply. Businesses earn points for taking green actions within their daily operations in the areas of solid waste, recycling, purchasing, energy use, landscaping and water conservation, transportation and more. Businesses can earn recognition as a gold, silver or bronze Green Business and will be able to post their recognition level publicly. Apply online at EdinaMN.gov/Sustainable.