2020 Sustainability Plan
As an update to the City of Burnsville’s 2009 Sustainability Guide Plan, this plan lays out the foundation for the City’s continuing sustainability efforts over the coming decade. The goals, strategies, and actions included in this plan guide continuing improved sustainability for the City of Burnsville’s municipal operations as well as citywide sustainability. This plan should be viewed as a living document, with progress on actions and impacts occurring regularly and adjustments to the plan being made based on actionable data. The Sustainability Plan 2020 continues to be aligned with the city’s environmental end statement and the Council’s commitment to sustainability, which states:
Burnsville is committed to environmental stewardship through creative and innovative approaches to natural resource conservation.
People find Burnsville to be an attractive, clean city and want to preserve that.
We value natural water bodies and green spaces and recognize the importance of preserving them.
Development occurs in an environmentally sensitive manner, preserving and restoring natural resources.
Partial funding for this project was provided through a 2018 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Environmental Assistance Grant, along with in-kind matching funds provided by paleBLUEdot team members, to support the climate adaptation planning portion of this plan.
The dynamism of cities represents a major sustainable development opportunity . Transformation of our energy system is essential in order to stop burning fossil fuels. This transition presents an opportunity for Burnsville. Directing our energy investments into renewable sources will make them more decentralized and resilient and provide for local job creation. Innovation, technology, and collective social change inherent in sustainability action can also support greater community abundance and shared equity.
The Burnsville Sustainability Plan includes a Climate Resilience Vision as well as a GHG reduction goal. These goals are designed to support and relate to the overall State of Minnesota goals and fit with current science based recommendations:
Our Vision
The City of Burnsville is committed to long-term environmental sustainability through multiple projects that help reduce greenhouse gases and energy use; protect water sources and nature; and promote the benefits of "being green”.
Our Carbon Reduction Goal
To reduce community-wide GHG emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
GreenStep Cities
Burrnsville is a participant in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. This planning effort meets the Best Practice Action 29.2 requirements. Learn more about Albert Lea’s GreenStep Cities accomplishments here.
The 2020 Burnsville Sustainability Plan
The final deliverables provided for the 2020 Burnsville Sustainability Plan include the plan document and the Sustainability Plan Policy Database including example municipal policies and ordinances relevant to the Sustainability Plan.
The Plan
MPCA Climate Adaptation Plan Toolkit
Dakota County
Based on the Burnsville Sustainability Planning process and plan, the following has been developed as a Climate Adaptation Plan Toolkit for use by other communities in Dakota County or the surrounding region. This Toolkit is provided, in part, by the 2018 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Environmental Assistance Grant.
Educational Content
Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact
An Introduction to Climate Change
(Cedar Rapids Presentation)