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City of Arden Hills – 2030 Comprehensive Plan Approved: 12-1 12. RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY Goal: Promote resiliency and sustainable design practices in the preservation, development, redevelopment, and maintenance of the City’s natural and built environment. To achieve this resilience and sustainability goal, the following policies are proposed: o Promote best practices for sustainable design in the construction and operations of new development, additions, and building renovations. o Evaluate energy use that contributes to energy and climate uncertainty. o Encourage the use of site sensitive planning and design to protect significant natural features throughout the City. o Support the use of renewable energy. o Support the efficient use of land and development that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. o Work to reduce carbon emissions at City facilities, from City vehicles, and overall City design. o Work to protect air, water quality, and healthier indoor environment. o Encourage programs that reduce waste and increase recycling. o Ensure the stability of public infrastructure systems in consideration of changing climate trends. The need for communities to address environmental sustainability, green building practices, energy efficiency, and conservation is becoming more apparent in the face of energy uncertainty and climate change. While Arden Hills has a relatively small impact, the City does play a role in protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable development and redevelopment. If more cities adopt environmentally sustainable practices, the combined impact is substantial regardless of city size. Resiliency and sustainability incorporates a range of techniques, such as environmentally sensitive site planning, using resource efficient building materials, enhancing indoor and outdoor air quality, enhancing the use of daylight, reducing the need for automotive travel. In addition to the environmental benefits associated with implanting these practices, they also bring benefits to the community in terms of improved public health and economic competitiveness. The City joined the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program in 2016. This voluntary program is managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and is designed to assist cities achieve sustainability and quality-of-life goals. Many of the goals outlined in this chapter are also identified as best practices by the GreenStep Cities program. The City is committed to continuing its participation in this program. Draft 03/07/2018