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

The county has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from county operations by: 

  • Assessing current greenhouse gas output
  • Implementing mitigation programs and policies
  • Coordinating energy efficiency efforts with Minnesota state department
  • Supporting federal emission reduction legislation

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.

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.

Our Cool County goal

In 2007 the county board resolved (R7-334R2) to:

  • Create an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from county operations.
  • Implement policies and procedures to achieve significant and measurable emissions reductions of at least:
    • 15 percent by 2015
    • 30 percent by 2025
    • 80 percent by 2050
  • Coordinate with state and other government agencies to achieve goals.
    Establish a telecommuting goal for Hennepin County employees.

What the county is doing

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

Cool County projects

Cool County events

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

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