Sustainability

City Projects & Commitments

When it comes to addressing climate change and pollution, Duluth aims to lead by example. Mayor Larson has committed the City of Duluth to meeting the standards set through the Paris Agreement, which means that by 2050, the city plans to make an 80% reduction in our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, based on our 2008 levels. This will be accomplished through:

  • Energy conservation
  • Renewable energy implementation
  • Adapting our infrastructure to our changing climate
  • Supporting multi-modal transportation
  • Care of natural areas and open spaces

Duluth’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations are led by the Sustainability department in collaboration with the Energy Team. Learn more about city initiatives in the tabs on the left and get a snapshot of our GHG emissions and projects below.

Past Projects

 

Transitioning the steam plant to a hot water plant will have a host of environmental benefits, including: 

  • Increases efficiency = less energy, less water
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
  • Positions the system to integrate renewable energy, such as biomass (wood chips or renewable fuel oil sourced from biomass or agricultural crops)
  • Conserves 20 million gallons of Lake Superior water every year

Check out the graphics to learn more!

http://www.duluthenergysystems.com/whats-happening/

 

The Duluth Natural Areas Program designates certain lands with environmental value as permanently protected natural places. Duluth citizens have long recognized the value of these places to provide both natural resource protection and human sanctuary. Designating these lands ensures everyone in Duluth will always have access to these special places where they can appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors. In doing so, Duluth preserves its natural heritage.

https://duluthmn.gov/parks/natural-resources/dnap/

Managing stormwater runoff properly in Duluth helps protect our streams and Lake Superior. 

https://duluthmn.gov/public-works-utilities/utilities/stormwater/

Solar Spotlights

Canal Park Solar Data

Canal Park are a result of cooperation between Minnesota Power, Enbridge and the City of Duluth. The installation went live in late June 2017, and comprises 45 kilowatts of solar panels that shade parking spaces with access to EV chargers, including one DC fast charger. Live production data from the Canal Park charging station is available at the link below:

http://s39722.mini.alsoenergy.com/Dashboard/2a566973506457374341304b772b714d3d

In an effort to reduce litter and the harmful environmental impact caused by single use carryout bags, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance requiring retailers to collect a fee from customers for each plastic carryout bag provided.

https://duluthmn.gov/city-clerk/plastic-carryout-bag-fee/about-plastic-carryout-bag-fees/

In 2017, the City of Duluth hosted a mechanical engineering masters student from the University of Siegen, Germany. Max Schuessler took this opportunity to complete his internship and research in Duluth, coordinated through the Climate Smart Municipalities. Max’s research was to develop a concept hybrid energy system for the City’s water treatment center and main pump house.

View Live Production Data

 

Contact

Sustainability Office
411 West First Street
Room 418
Duluth, MN 55802
218-730-5334