Dakota County knows its compact fluorescent lights from its incandescents. It not only knows what a carbon footprint is, but is dedicated to reducing it.

Those were the findings of a report just released by the North Star Section of the Sierra Club.

"Greening Dakota County Cities," the result of a year-long study, gives businesses and city leaders in the county high marks for finding ways to be more energy efficient.

"This report shows how local communities are taking action to re-energize their communities while saving taxpayer dollars, reducing global warming pollution and creating family-supporting, clean-energy jobs," said Carol Keyes-Ferrer, chair of the Northern Dakota County Sierra Club. "The Sierra Club applauds these steps and urges local leaders' continued leadership to advance renewable energy and efficiency, and promote transit and other transportation alternatives for our region."

According to the report, buildings account for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings could cut dependence on fossil fuels by 30 percent.

Six Dakota County cities -- Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights and West St. Paul -- were cited for their use of geothermal technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

One of Dakota County's most recent green projects is a 50,000-square-foot maintenance facility in West St. Paul that will be shared by the city and the county. The building will have a geothermal heating and cooling system that is projected to save $55,000 in annual energy costs. The installation of pervious pavement and a rain garden also will help the environment.

In Inver Grove Heights, a $688,000 geothermal heat pump system has been installed at the new city hall. It is projected to pay for itself in 10 years.

Ice rinks in Burnsville and Eagan also are employing geothermal systems.

A liquor store built last year in Apple Valley should be able to cut utility bills by 75 percent due to its geothermal heating and cooling system.

And Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College have signed on to a program called the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Both schools are studying the use of wind power in an overall campaign to reduce their carbon footprints.

Homeowners are encouraged to create energy savings by taking part in "residential green remodeling.'' A website detailing the program can be found at www.tinyurl.com/23694uu.

Dean Spiros • 952-882-9203