Agenda - Council - 06/28/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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* Develop, collect, and disseminate information about climate change, including energy and climate data, GreenStep Cities best practices, and the next generation of the Regional Indicators data. * Give funding consideration in Livable Communities Act grants to projects that meet and exceed the policies and requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for surface water management. Local opportunities * Plan land use patterns that facilitate groundwater recharge and reuae, and reduce per capita water use toprotect the region\awater supply. * Identify and pursue local measures that would result in household reductions in water use, energy consumption, and air emissions. * Participate in programs that evaluate and share city practices and provide technical support, such as the GreenStep Cities program and the Regional Indicators Initiative. Encourage and prQDlQft eDvirQ0DleDffY||y-s0sfa'Dable and hefYlt buildings and construction tec,11111-niques While compact development patterns can improve environmental auatainabi|it/rnuch of housing's impact on sustainability happens at the individual building level, whether through the use of sustainable construction techniques or efforts to ensure healthy building operations. A critical challenge is a housing stock free from harmful toxic materials such as lead -based paint, asbestos -containing materials, and radon gas. When chewed or swallowed by children under seven, lead -based paint can cause brain damage, slow growth and development, and lead to learning and behavioral problems. Asbestos fibers, once commonly used to manufacture building materials, can potentially cause lung cancer, scarring of lung tissue, or mesotheliorna (cancer of the lining of the lung cavity) if not handled, controlled, or removed properly. Radon gas, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas found in nearly all soils, can, with long-term exposure, damage the cells that line human lungs. The Twin Cities metropolitan region falls into the EPA'a highest risk category for radon exposure. The building industry inthe last few decades has increasingly used auatainab|ymanufactured and environmentally friendly building materials, and aaaresult these products are becoming more widely available and more cost effective. The use ofnontoxic and auatainab|y produced materials can produce healthier indoor air environments. Construction practices can reduce HOUSING POLICY PLAN "TWo:omwcomq*