Sustainability & Environment

Environmental Stewardship is one of the City of Rochester's Foundational Principles. Explore these pages to see how the City prioritizes sustainability in our work across the organization.

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Air Quality

Explore Rochester’s air quality efforts, data dashboards and community partnerships focused on cleaner air.

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Certifications & Recognitions

Learn about Rochester’s sustainability certifications and honors for energy, clean tech, active transportation and urban forestry.

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City Facilities Energy Benchmarking

See how the City of Rochester uses B3 benchmarking to track energy and water data for better building performance.

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Garden Grants

Apply for Rochester Garden Grants to fund pollinator and rain gardens. Learn eligibility, timelines, and how to support sustainability and water stewardship.

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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals

View Rochester’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and inventory reports to track progress toward lower emissions and sustainability.

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Minnesota GreenStep Cities

See Rochester’s Minnesota GreenStep Cities involvement and access data on energy, waste, emissions and other sustainability measures.

Renewable Energy

Explore Rochester’s renewable energy efforts, resources and programs to cut emissions and increase clean energy use.

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Sustainability E-Newsletter

Stay informed with Rochester’s quarterly sustainability e-newsletter featuring programs, events and local sustainability stories.

Rochester's Sustainability Goals & Plans

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

In September 2022, the Rochester City Council adopted updated, science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals, signaling a more ambitious approach to combating climate change. These goals supersede previous targets set in the 2017 Energy Action Plan (EAP) and reflect the City's commitment to aligning with global efforts in addressing climate change. The goals include a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and complete elimination by 2050.

With initiatives such as transit-oriented development, fleet electrification, and energy-efficient infrastructure already underway, Rochester has made significant progress in reducing emissions. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change on the community, including threats to food production, infrastructure, economy, and public health. Through focused strategies on building efficiency, electrification, and sustainable development, Rochester aims to play its part in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.

Sustainability & Resiliency Community Work Plan

Sustainability & Resiliency Community Work Plan

Municipal Sustainability

The City of Rochester is committed to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We lead by example by improving energy efficiency in City facilities, increasing renewable energy use and transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles.

These actions reduce environmental impact while also supporting economic and community benefits. By focusing on people, planet and prosperity, we work with residents, businesses and partners to build a more resilient and thriving Rochester.