Best Practice Action 3.1
GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
New Green Buildings No. 3
Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 1
Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.
- The St. Paul sustainable building policy was developed to serve as a model for other cities. It governs both buildings the city builds itself and private construction when a city is a financial participant. See also a list of green building frameworks, which include codes, standards, rating systems with certification and guidelines with verification. For green garage certification see Parksmart, which assesses 50 elements of parking facility sustainability, including management practices, encouraging alternate modes of transportation and community engagement, and efficient and sustainable technology and structure design (so garages can be reused as warehouses, offices or other uses due to having flat floors and high ceilings).
- One of the frameworks - the State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines - is for new construction and substantial renovation of government buildings. These Guidelines have been developed for and are required on State-funded projects in Minnesota, and they are easily applied to any project to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials and waste. The SB 2030 Energy Standard is automatically included, as are detailed sustainability standards such as bird-safe buildings.
- The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. Fitwel, created by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a related standard designed for commercial interiors and multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings. Fitwel has twelve sections: location, building access, outdoor spaces, entrances and ground floor, stairwells, indoor environment, workspaces, shared spaces, water supply, cafeterias and prepared food retail, vending machines and snack bars, and emergency procedures.
- Use the International Dark-Sky Association Lighting for Policy Makers guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
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Require use of a green building standard or certification or code or city-determined list of sustainability features for some but not all city buildings; third-party verification not necessary. Note solar orientation requirements. Report under BPA 1.5 new/existing city buildings with green features that were NOT built under a green building policy; report school buildings under BPA 3.2, park buildings under BPA 18.7, and private buildings under BPA 2.4; report construction recycling/reuse under BPA 22.8. |
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Require either all buildings to use a green building framework, or that some buildings be certified/rated under a green building framework. |
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Require either the SB 2030 energy standard or that all buildings be certified/rated under a 3rd-party green building framework. |
Who's doing it
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
In November of 2021, Edina City Council adopted the Sustainable Buildings Policy, which went into effect on April 1st, 2022. In this Policy, all public/city-owned buildings which are operated by the City of Edina or the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) are required to be built following the B3 Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Standard.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
2013 - Maplewood adopted the 2012 version of the International Green Construction Code for commercial buildings and the National Green Building Standards for residential buildings. The code is interpreted as the Green Building Code in place to safeguard the environment, public health, safety and general welfare through the establishment of requirements to reduce the negative impacts, and increase the positive impacts, of the built environment on the natural environment and building occupants. It includes energy and green building standards above state code and requires that all city-funded buildings comply with the requirements.
2023 - Maplewood began a review of the buildings built under the code since that time. The City found the following issues:
Based on the City’s review and approval of several buildings under the Green Building Code, the following concerns have been identified:
1. Large portions of the green building code are difficult to enforce.
2. There are a variety of requirements for assessments and studies.
3. The building life cycle assessment requirement is confusing.
4. The code is difficult to work with from a design standpoint.
5. Architects are not as familiar with the Green Construction Code as other green codes such as LEED certifications. One of the reasons for this is no other Minnesota city has adopted the Internation Green Construction Code.
6. Developers express concern that building under the code costs more money, so they ultimately ask for additional public funding or reduce the number of units.
7. Currently multi-family residential buildings of four stories or less are exempt from the code.
8. There are no electric vehicle charging station or renewable energy requirements in the 2012 version of the International Green Construction Code.
2024 - The International Green Construction Code has been updated three times since 2012, and the City could feasibly adopt the newer versions. However, because of additional changes that have been made to the International Construction Code since that time, and the above-mentioned concerns, Maplewood will begin to draft a new green building framework in 2024 that will be based on existing performance-based policies such as LEED or B3 guidelines.
2023 - Maplewood began a review of the buildings built under the code since that time. The City found the following issues:
Based on the City’s review and approval of several buildings under the Green Building Code, the following concerns have been identified:
1. Large portions of the green building code are difficult to enforce.
2. There are a variety of requirements for assessments and studies.
3. The building life cycle assessment requirement is confusing.
4. The code is difficult to work with from a design standpoint.
5. Architects are not as familiar with the Green Construction Code as other green codes such as LEED certifications. One of the reasons for this is no other Minnesota city has adopted the Internation Green Construction Code.
6. Developers express concern that building under the code costs more money, so they ultimately ask for additional public funding or reduce the number of units.
7. Currently multi-family residential buildings of four stories or less are exempt from the code.
8. There are no electric vehicle charging station or renewable energy requirements in the 2012 version of the International Green Construction Code.
2024 - The International Green Construction Code has been updated three times since 2012, and the City could feasibly adopt the newer versions. However, because of additional changes that have been made to the International Construction Code since that time, and the above-mentioned concerns, Maplewood will begin to draft a new green building framework in 2024 that will be based on existing performance-based policies such as LEED or B3 guidelines.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://maplewoodmn.gov/756/Green-Building-Program
For more information contact:
Shann Finwall (City Staff) | shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2304
Partners:
Apple Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Apple Valley has two Green Globes certified city-owned buildings: the Hayes Senior & Community Center and Liquor Store #3
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
As of January 1, 2024, the City of Eden Prairie implemented a Sustainable Building Standard that applies to all new construction or major addition building projects that request either financial or land use incentives from the city, and includes all public buildings operated by the City or HRA. The standard requires certification under an eligible rating system (LEED Silver, B3, Enterprise Green Communities, or equivalent) and meeting Eden Prairie overlay requirements for greenhouse gas emissions calculations, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Oakdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Since 2001, city policy has been that any new construction or major remodel of a city facility is required to be built using Oakdale's own Generation Green building program standards. As a result, an addition at public works, a new fire station, and the Discovery Center at Oakdale Nature Preserve were all built to the Generation Green standard. Some of the green building strategies implemented included: increased wall/roof insulation standards, use of recycled construction materials, native habitat landscaping, upgraded HVAC equipment and controls.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners:
Saint Louis Park -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
On February 16th 2010, the City of Saint Louis Park Economic Development Authority adopted a city wide Green Building Policy. This policy affects new municipal, commercial, hotel, industrual and mixed use construction, additions 15,000 square feet or greater (gross) and renovations 50,000 square feet or greater (gross) receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance. This policy also affects new and renovated multifamily residential buildings receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance and all new and renovated detached single family home projects receiving $10,000 or more in City financial assistance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Saint Paul Sustainable Building Policy was adopted by Mayor Chris Coleman and the City Council and became effective July 1, 2010. It applies to new city-owned buildings and all privately developed new construction projects receiving more than $200,000 in public funding. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted Saint Paul funds to develop this policy, with the intent of creating a model policy that other cities and counties could adopt.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: www.stpaul.gov/sustainablebuildingpolicy
For more information contact:
Kurt Schultz (City staff) | Kurt.Schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6530
Partners: City of Saint Paul, MPCA, MN State Energy Sector Partnership, US Dept. of Labor, U of M Center for Sustainable Building Research, Xcel Energy/District Energy/The Weidt Group
Woodbury -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In October 2009, Woodbury City Council passed a resolution adopting a sustainable building standard for new and renovated municipal buildings in the city. The resolution states that the city will utilize the B3-State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines in the planning, design, construction and commission of new buildings and major renovations greater than 5,000 square feet that are owned by the City of Woodbury. The resolution also states that city staff will consider the feasibility of pursuing Energy Star or LEED certification for the same. Since the resolution was passed, the city has utilized the B3 guidelines and documented the renovation and expansion of the Public Safety Building and the Bielenberg Sports Complex.
In addition, Woodbury City Hall is Energy Star certified.
In addition, Woodbury City Hall is Energy Star certified.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Fergus Falls has recently completed the design development phase for a renovated/new construction project at our Public Library. The city and BTR has reviewed the design to incorporate green building framework standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Leech Lake encourages a list of Green Initiatives depending on construction and building infrastructure that may be implemented, taking into account budget constraints. For example, use of energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling, high r-value insulation, passive solar/lighting and orientation of building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
Partners:
Mankato -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Mankato's policy is to look for opportunities to maximize energy-efficiency and sustainability in locating and constructing new City facilities, and when renovating existing faciliies. Strategic planning of facilities allows efficient use of public funds and opportunities for leadership in sustainable practices.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Orness Plaza renovations, the City's first LEED-certified facility, have saved $27,000 annually in water and fuel expenses by using a geothermal system, EnergyStar appliances, water-conserving fixtures, and updated insulated siding.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/City-Manager-monthly-topic-October-2013-LEED-building-sustainability.pdf
For more information contact:
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Most major City building construction and rehabilitation projects will require financing (typically bonds) from the State. As such, the projects will comply with the Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines, which are designed to exceed the State energy code by at least 30 percent and achieve the lowest possible lifetime costs.
The sustainability policies in the City's Parks Master Plan states, "That all new park and facility improvements include in the planning or process criterion that improves sustainability of materials, energy use, operating cost and lifecycle replacement and natural environmental impact. Best practices for stormwater retention. That innovative stormwater retention techniques be utilized in new park development and in the renovation of existing parks, such as permeable paving and rain gardens.
The sustainability policies in the City's Parks Master Plan states, "That all new park and facility improvements include in the planning or process criterion that improves sustainability of materials, energy use, operating cost and lifecycle replacement and natural environmental impact. Best practices for stormwater retention. That innovative stormwater retention techniques be utilized in new park development and in the renovation of existing parks, such as permeable paving and rain gardens.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Partners:
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Subd. 7. The City of Rochester is a signatory to the 2005 US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA), which has been endorsed by the US Conference of Mayors, and signed by more than 900 US Mayors and 40 Minnesota cities as of February, 2009. Under the agreement, cities commit to the following: (1) urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing greenhouse gas emission levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; (2) promote land use and transportation policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; (3) increase the use of clean, renewable energy and make energy efficiency a priority; (4) adopt purchasing and building construction and operation practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; (5) increase recycling rates and urban forest cover; and (6) support education efforts about how to take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Public Works practices addressing 4) Support of Olmsted Countys Solid Waste Policy and location of Waste to Energy Facility within the City limits; (5) Implementation of Inflow and Infiltration Policies to reduce the capacity and operational impacts and costs on the public sewer collection and wastewater treatment system; (6) Construction of sustainable, durable, long lasting public buildings and infrastructure that increases life cycles, conserves energy, reduces long-term operating costs, and minimizes construction materials waste. (7) Incorporation of smart technologies in transportation infrastructure that increases public safety and reduces pollution due to congestion;
Public Works practices addressing 4) Support of Olmsted Countys Solid Waste Policy and location of Waste to Energy Facility within the City limits; (5) Implementation of Inflow and Infiltration Policies to reduce the capacity and operational impacts and costs on the public sewer collection and wastewater treatment system; (6) Construction of sustainable, durable, long lasting public buildings and infrastructure that increases life cycles, conserves energy, reduces long-term operating costs, and minimizes construction materials waste. (7) Incorporation of smart technologies in transportation infrastructure that increases public safety and reduces pollution due to congestion;
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Ellerbusch (City staff) | ellerbusch.jeff@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US | 507-328-7132
Partners:
Warren -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Planning was done in 2013 and construction began winter 2013 and completition in July 2014. Reducing electric usage for heating apartments from using PTack units to using mini split cold temperature heat pumps with natural gas boiler heat for floor heat in new addition.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Cheaper electric operating costs along with more energy effiecent heating and cooling for the building as a whole along with management of individual apartment thermastats from a master computer monitoring system.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: Warren Assisted Living Building Project
For more information contact:
Shannon Mortenson (City staff) | shannonm@warrenminnesota.com | 218-745-5343
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Melissa Wenzel, Built Environment Sustainability Administrator, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 651/757-2251, melissa.wenzel@state.mn.us