Building energy emissions 

Building energy emissions make up roughly 48% of Minnetonka-wide emissions. Data collected by RII shows that CO2 emissions from building energy consumption is down significantly in Minnetonka. Since 2007, building energy emissions have fallen more than 69 percent. This is largely due to renewable energy sources being added to the energy grid and the use of more energy efficient products by residents and businesses in Minnetonka. While electricity emissions are trending down, data shows that CO2 emissions from gas and propane used to heat homes and businesses have remained relatively stable, with slight variations year-to-year based on warmer or cooler winter seasons.

What you can do

Residents and businesses can continue to reduce their home or business carbon footprint by investing in energy efficient appliances, converting gas powered appliances to electric powered, and participating in renewable energy programs. Find energy savings programs and rebates through Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy.  Additionally, committing to home energy actions such as completing an energy audit and improving insulation can greatly reduce your energy use over time. Learn more about discounted Home Energy Squad visits available to Minnetonka residents. Businesses can contact EnergySmart for free energy savings consultations.

Vehicle travel emissions

As building energy emissions continue to trend down, travel emissions have become the largest source of CO2 emissions in Minnetonka. Roughly 49 percent of all CO2 emissions are from vehicles on roads and highways in Minnetonka. Fortunately, vehicle travel in Minnetonka is down nearly 6 percent since 2007, and travel emissions are still below pre-pandemic levels.

What you can do

To continue reducing travel emissions, consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle for your next vehicle. You can also choose to bike or e-bike, walk, carpool or use transit when running errands or commuting to work. For more resources on how to make your commute or your employees’ commutes more sustainable, visit Commuter Services.

Waste emissions

Waste emissions make up 3% of Minnetonka-wide emissions. Since 2007, CO2 emissions from waste have decreased by 10.5% due to recycling rates increasing. Right now, about 6 pounds of CO2 are released per-person per-day through waste. Although waste makes up only a small portion of Minnetonka-wide emissions, reducing waste also helps to reduce emissions and other environmental impacts that result from the production of household goods.

What you can do

Buying local, buying only what you need, and buying used goods instead of new all reduce waste emissions and environmental impact. You can try secondhand clothing swapping for free at Minnetonka's upcoming Earth Day Clothing Swap on April 26.  Additionally, recycling and composting at your residence or business significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Residents can turn food scraps into locally made compost by participating in Minnetonka’s curbside organics program. Business can find organics collection resources through Hennepin County.

RII Report

The full report from the Regional Indicators Initiative provides further details on the community’s progress in reducing greenhouse gases.

To view the data, visit the RII website and select the Minnetonka from the “select community” dropdown.

Dive in deeper to the results by selecting Minnetonka from the “select community” dropdown. From there, hit the large white arrow in the bottom right corner to progress. To navigate through the slide deck, scroll to the top of the screen and use the gray number toolbar.