The Cool County Initiative

Hennepin County is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050 as part of the Cool County Initiative.

The initiative will rely on reduced and cleaner energy consumption through energy efficiency and the generation of renewable energy. The effort will include green building design, more efficient vehicle fleet management and transportation practices and other targeted greenhouse gas emission reduction programs.

Hennepin County is a founding member of a coalition of counties across the United States that are taking action to eliminate the causes of global climate change.

2012 update report

The 2012 Cool County Report highlights major accomplishments made under the Cool County Initiative in 2012 and describes future activities that are planned to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy use and resulting greenhouse gas emissions.

The problem

Changes in the climate poses significant environmental and economic threats to communities in Minnesota and throughout the world. Increased greenhouse gas emissions and warmer temperatures could have an impact on natural resources, wildlife and weather in Minnesota.

Find out more about what climate change means for Minnesota.

What the county is doing

Find out what the county is doing to reduce greenhouse emissions in:

• County buildings
• Employee programs
• Transit
• Vehicle fleet

Cool County projects

• Power Check energy meters
• Recommissioning county buildings
• Spotlight Conversation on Climate Action
• Solar array
• Steam line
• Sustainable Buildings - Maple Grove and Plymouth libraries

Reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions

Everyone plays a role in reducing the impact of climate change. Find out what you can do!

• What residents can do
• What county employees can do
• What businesses can do
• What local governments can do