Greetings,
In his recent State of the City address, Mayor Chris Coleman laid out a bold vision for a greener, more sustainable Saint Paul. We applaud this vision and the Mayor's efforts to encourage environmental stewardship, knowing that Saint Paul has a unique responsibility as the headwaters capital of one of the greatest rivers in the world. |
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Going Green |
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Green is catching on in Saint Paul. We've seen it along the banks of the Mississippi as groups like Great River Greening plant trees in the river valley and the Saint Paul Port Authority greens and redevelops former riverfront industrial sites. Hundreds of volunteers, organized by Friends of the Mississippi River, have stenciled stormwater drains -- reminding us that what goes into the curbside drain goes into the river. New buildings are being designed and built to the highest environmental standards, including Flannery Construction's headquarters off I-94 and the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation's new Wilder Center, currently under construction at the corner of Lexington and University.
Our fascination with "all things green" reflects a growing, collective understanding of how human activity impacts climate -- and irrefutable proof that "going green" is good for business. From forerunners in the sustainable movement to those who are just realizing the benefits of going green, Saint Paul is on a path to sustainability. |
| Looking Back |
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In 1994, District Energy's Board of Directors decided to pursue renewable energy. Today, District Energy owns the largest hot water district heating system in North America and brings "green energy" to downtown Saint Paul from a combined heat and power plant fueled by clean, renewable wood waste. In a time of rising fuel costs, District Energy has been able to hold its Demand Charge for heating customers steady, with no increase, for ten consecutive years.
In 1998, we launched the revitalization of Harriet Island with the Mississippi River top of mind. We placed a high priority on preserving green space and to bringing a natural river valley environment back to the park. Bioswales were created to collect and manage stormwater runoff from buildings, streets and parking lots, preventing pollutants from entering the river. Native plantings enhance the Island and provide erosion control during floods. |
| Looking Forward |
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For a glimpse of the future, visit the Science Museum's "Science House" this summer. Located along the river in the Museum's outdoor science park, this zero emissions building (or ZEB) produces all the energy it needs each year, and in fact has been producing more energy than it uses on an annual basis since 2004. Science House proves that even in Minnesota's climate, buildings can be constructed to generate much, if not all, of their energy needs. Considering that buildings account for about 35 percent of the world's energy consumption, this is an exciting development right in the Science Museum's "Big Back Yard".
The recently adopted Park Dedication Ordinance is another example of Saint Paul's commitment to sustainability. As Saint Paul continues to grow and become more dense, the ordinance will ensure a balance of public green space, adding to Saint Paul's quality of life for the long term - an important factor for businesses when deciding where to locate and expand.
And perhaps the best indicator of where Saint Paul is on the path to sustainability is the National Great River Park concept, which we are actively developing with the City of Saint Paul. The initiative compels us to find the balance between being more natural and more urban. This balance will bring continued benefits to Saint Paul -- for our businesses, for our neighborhoods, for our citizens and for our greatest natural resource, the Mississippi River. |
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See you on the river, 
Patrick Seeb Executive Director Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation
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Did you know?
In Minnesota, the Mississippi River has 700 miles of shoreline -- more than in any other state. | | |
| Tell us what you think |
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Should Saint Paul strive
to be a national leader
in green, sustainable
urban living?
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| Millard Fillmore Dinner |
Presented by: 
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| EVENT CALENDAR |
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Mayor Chris Coleman's
Sustainable Saint Paul
Award Ceremony
Wednesday, April 18
3:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
3rd Floor, City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
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"Experience the Lure
of the River"
Mintahoe Hospitality Group
invites you to an open house at the historic Minnesota Boat Club on Raspberry Island, featuring appetizers, cocktails and spectacular views of the city.
Friday, April 20
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
RSVP by April 17 to
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| EARTH DAY 2007 |
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Wishes for the Sky,
Promises to the Earth
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Sunday, April 22
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
A thousand blue kites will fill the air and wind chimes will sound throughout the day on the banks of the Mississippi River. Local artists, along with environmental, arts and cultural organizations, have teamed up to create a free, contemporary public art event inspired by the ancient Asian tradition of flying wishes on kites. All are welcome at this zero-waste, nature-inspired Earth Day Celebration.
For more information, call
651-729-1270 or visit
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