July 21, 2025 – Rochester, MINN – The City of Rochester has been recognized once again as a Steps 4 and 5 city in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. Rochester is one of 154 participating cities and Tribal nations in this voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program, now in its 15th year.

“This recognition shows our community and our peers across Minnesota that Rochester is serious about building a sustainable, resilient future,” said Kayla Betzold, Sustainability Coordinator and GreenStep program lead for the City of Rochester.

Adopted by the City Council in 2022, Rochester’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals target a 50% reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Approximately 80% of the community’s emissions come from building energy use, while transportation accounts for most of the remainder, with solid waste making up about 2%.

To help meet these goals, the City has made meaningful progress in several key areas over the last reporting cycle:

• Decreased energy use per square foot across City facilities,
• Increased fuel efficiency of the City’s vehicle fleet,
• Expanded the number of electric vehicle charging stations available to the community,
• Added more renewable energy generation sites throughout Rochester, and
• Increased open space and tree canopy coverage, which helps capture carbon and improve air quality.

“Rochester’s GreenStep work is a great example of how local actions add up to significant progress,” Betzold added. “By investing in energy efficiency, clean transportation, and green spaces, we’re not only cutting emissions but also improving quality of life and saving money for taxpayers.”

The Minnesota GreenStep program helps cities and Tribal nations implement best practices that save money, reduce energy use, conserve natural resources, and encourage civic innovation. More information about Rochester’s sustainability efforts can be found at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/city-detail/12396 and at RochesterMN.gov/Sustainability.

About GreenStep: Minnesota GreenStep is a free, voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program based on 29 best practices designed specifically for Minnesota communities. More at www.MnGreenStep.org.