City of Northfield
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2015-2017)
Reporting Period: 2015-2017
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:208,000 tCO2e in 2017 (decreasing slightly since 2015)
Total Energy Consumption:2.7 million MMBtu in 2017
ESG Focus Areas
- Energy
- Climate Change
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced energy-related greenhouse gas emissions slightly since 2015; Commercial and industrial sector reduced emissions by almost 4% since 2015.
- Increased renewable energy production from three college-owned wind turbines, 81 solar panel installations, 145 community solar garden subscribers, and almost 26 million kWh of purchased green energy.
Social Achievements
- Increased energy literacy among residents and businesses through workshops and outreach programs.
- Engaged over two dozen volunteers from various sectors of the community to develop the Energy Action Plan.
Governance Achievements
- Established a Climate Action Plan Advisory Board and an Energy Subcommittee to develop and implement the Energy Action Plan.
- Utilized Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy offering for collaboration and support.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Achieve 100% carbon-neutrality no later than 2050.
Medium-term Goals:
- Achieve a 50% reduction in energy-related carbon emissions from 2015 levels by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
- Achieve 100 Home Energy Squad visits in 2020
Environmental Challenges
- Reducing community-wide carbon emissions while maintaining a high quality of life.
- Ensuring all citizens have access to clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable energy systems.
- Addressing energy burden for under-resourced households.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed an Energy Action Plan with strategic priorities focused on education, policy, innovation, and support.
- Partnered with Xcel Energy and community organizations to implement the plan.
- Proposed hiring a full-time energy coordinator to provide leadership and support.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Opportunities
- Expansion of renewable energy generation
- Development of energy-efficient buildings
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
- Goal 13 (Climate action)
The Energy Action Plan aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase renewable energy use, and improve energy efficiency, contributing to these SDGs.