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.

The graph below shows City Municipal Emissions of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, which are represented as carbon dioxide (CO2 equivalent or CO2e). We use CO2e so we can easily compare our emissions from year to year. The calculations are based on Duluth's energy use data (electricity, natural gas, and gasoline/diesel use) that is uploaded into the Clear Path greenhouse gas calculator from ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability). Clear Path employs emissions standards set by the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC). By combining GPC with our unique city data, Clear Path ensures the City of Duluth has the most accurate emissions calculations possible.

2008 is our baseline emissions year and was calculated by Wenck Associates, Inc. This baseline is what we compare current emission levels to, to measure the success of our carbon reduction strategies. The 1996 carbon inventory was also calculated using ICLEI's Clear Path tool, and it reveals that the City of Duluth's greenhouse gas emissions remained relatively steady until establishment of an energy fund and prioritizing emissions reductions.

GHG Emissions graph

Comparison of CO2e by sector and year over all official inventories

Year	Buildings and Facilities	Street Lights and Traffic Signals	Vehicle Fleet	Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities
1996	9,849	6,485	4,097	18,612
2008	9,869	5,884	3,330	19,983
2016	5,530	3,440	4,345	7,762
2017	5,818	5,041	4,346	8,754
2018	5,845	3,893	4,270	7,672
2019	5,563	2,254	4,346	7,540

Past Projects

Duluth Energy Systems Modernization

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/

Duluth Natural Areas

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/

Stormwater Program

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

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

Solar Projects

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

Plastic Bag Fee

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/

Conceptual Hybrid Energy System, Duluth Water Plant

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