Northfield is a member of Minnesota GreenStep Cities, “a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The Northfield City Council voted to become part of the GreenSteps Cities Program in 2011 and has since been using pursuing the green “steps” matrix to develop more sustainable practices on the part of the City.This free continuous improvement program is sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and based upon 28 best practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3-star level, from a list of four to eight actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation.” (http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/)