University of Minnesota to Hold A UMore Park Public Forum in April

The University of Minnesota is hosting a public forum focusing on sustainability goals for the future residential development of UMore Park.

The April 7 forum is described this way: "The forum will begin with a brief presentation to highlight sustainability linkages to health, sense of community, culture, job creation, energy, water and the landscape. Following a brief presentation, attendees are asked to contribute ideas and aspirations for the future on a variety of topics during an informal 'open house' session."

The University of Minnesota is working with the international non-profit BioRegional to identify standards for economic, social and environmental sustainability that can be applied to the UMore Park project. The goal is to qualify UMore for BioRegional's One Planet Community program, which is a recognized sign of the highest achievement in sustainable design and operation.

According to the One Planet program guidelines, these are the ten principles of a participating community:

• Zero Carbon—making buildings more energy efficient and delivering all energy with renewable technologies;
• Zero Waste—reducing waste, reusing where possible, and ultimately zero waste to landfill;
• Sustainable Transport—encouraging low carbon modes of transport to reduce emissions;
• Sustainable Materials—using sustainable and healthy products, such as those with low embodied energy, sourced locally, made from renewable resources;
• Local & Sustainable Foods—choosing low impact, local and seasonal and organic diets and reducing food waste;
• Sustainable Water—using water more efficiently in buildings and in the products we buy; tackling local flooding and water course pollution;
• Land Use & Wildlife—protecting and restoring existing biodiversity and natural habitats through appropriate land use and integration into the built environment;
• Culture & Heritage—reviving local identity and wisdom, supporting and participating in the arts;
• Equity & Local Economy—creating bioregional economies that support fair employment, inclusive communities and international fair trade;
• Health & Happiness—encouraging active, sociable and meaningful lives to promote good health and well-being;Through BioRegional’s One Planet Community action plan process UMore Park can become the premier sustainable development in the Midwest.

Click here to see a map of One Planet Communities around the world.

The goal of the April 7 public forum is to introduce the concept to the audience and begin to determine the best methods for setting and meeting sustainability goals for the UMore Project.

The public forum takes place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail.

Click here to register for the forum or call (612) 626-3976.