HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-9-18 ENR Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Monday, September 18, 2023
7:00 p.m.
Maplewood City Council Chambers
1803 County Road B East
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes:
a. August 21, 2023
5. New Business
a. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
6. Unfinished Business
a. Climate Mitigation Planning
b. Green Building Code
7. Visitor Presentations
8. Commissioner Presentations
9. Staff Presentations (oral reports)
a. Fall Clean Up Campaign – Throughout October
b. November Volunteer Open House
10. Adjourn
Agenda Item 4.a.
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Monday, August 21, 2023
7:00 P.M.
1.CALL TO ORDER
ChairpersonBryan called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission to order at 7:05 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Emma Broadnax, CommissionerPresent
Rebecca Bryan, ChairpersonPresent
Nancy Edwards, CommissionerPresent
Benjamin Guell, CommissionerPresent
David Lates, CommissionerPresent
Mollie Miller, CommissionerPresent at 7:13 p.m.
Ted Redmond, CommissionerPresent
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
Taylor Mathison, Gold Leaf Intern
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Guell moved to approve the August 21, 2023, Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Broadnax Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.June 22, 2023
Commissioner Lates moved to approve the June 22, 2023, Environmental and
Natural Resources Commission minutes as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Edward Ayes – Commissioner Broadnax,
Chairperson Bryan, and
Commissioners Edwards, Guell,
Lates
Abstain – Commissioner Redmond
The motion passed.
b.July 17, 2023
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Commissioner Redmond moved to approve the July 27, 2023, Environmental
and Natural Resources Commission minutes as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Broadnax Ayes –Commissioners Broadnax,
Lates, Redmond
Abstain –Chairperson Bryan, and
Commissioners Guelland Edwards
The motion passed.
5.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a.Climate Mitigation Planning
Taylor Mathison presented the Climate Mitigation Planning including the Climate
Action Survey, outreach opportunities, and newsletter and social media posts.
The Environmental Commission gave the following feedback:
The City should offer additional incentives for completing the survey when
released in two additional languages.
The school district offers translation software. The City could look into
that opportunity to help with the survey translation.
Does the survey ensure that there are no duplicate e-mail responses?
Staff -yes, each e-mail can submit one survey.
b.Green Building Code
Taylor Mathison presented her findings on cities with EV charging station
ordinancesand the new state building code update that includeEV charging
station requirements.
Environmental Planner Finwall discussed challenges the City has faced with the
existing Green Building Code. That code is based on the 2012 International
Green Construction Code. Additionally she discussed the comparison of the
existing code with the 2021 International Green Construction Code, and other
cities’ Green Codes(based on meeting LEED and other established codes).
The Environmental Commission gave the following feedback:
EV Charging Stations –
o The City should consider accessibility when creating EV charging
station parking requirements.
o How does a City determine how many EVcharging stations are
needed in a development? Commissioner Redmond stated there are
three ways to consider the need: with no state or federal incentives
then the City should require additional EV charging stations, with state
or federal incentives 15 percent, to improve on those goals 30
percent.
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Green Building Code
o Does the City offer education to builders on the Green Building Code?
Staff – more so during the roll out of the code in 2013, but when a
development is required to build under the code that is when the City
works with the builders.
o What is the difference between a code and certification?
Commissioner Redmond stated a code must be followed as written,
certification allows flexibility to achieve the goal.
o The new state building code requiring EV charging stations includes
zoning requirements. It would be helpful to understand how that is
possible in a building code.
o Builders are already using the established Green Codes such as
LEED.
o Who certifies the buildings when they are LEED certified?
Commissioner Redmond explained the certification is through a
separate council, or outside third party.
o It would be helpful to have the Building Official attend an ENR
Commission meeting to discussthe Green Building Code.
o Based on challenges the City has had with the existing Green Building
Code how the 2021 updates do not fully address those challenges,
the City should consider adopting a different form of Green Building
Code.
o It appears that the City of Edina has a very clear Green Code.
o The City should also review Bloomington Indiana’s Green Code.
o The City should add greenhouse gas reduction and emission
predictions based on the SB2050 step down targets. This can be
accomplished through solar or energy efficiency.
6.NEW BUSINESS
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
8.COMMISSIONERPRESENTATIONS
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
Environmental Planner Finwall updated the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission on the followingoutreach opportunity:
a.August Celebrate Summer – August 23 (Edgerton Park)
10.ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner LatesAyes – All
The motionpassed.
Chairperson Bryan adjourned the meeting at 8:15p.m.
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Agenda Item 5.a.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date September 18, 2023
REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
REPORT FROM:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
PRESENTER:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
AGENDA ITEM:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist
states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce
fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.
Recommended Action:
Review the EECBG Program and offer comment and feedback on Maplewood’s grant application.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship
Integrated CommunicationOperational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment
The EECBG will help the City of Maplewood reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become a
more climate-resilient community: 1) aligns with the City’s energy and climate goals as outlined in
the Comprehensive Plan – Sustainability Chapter and the Climate Adaptation Plan; 2) will involve
education and outreach to ensure community inclusiveness and integrated communication; 3) will
help the city reduce waste and save money.
Background:
Grant Details
The EECBG program was created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Act
provides $149,600,000 to eligible units of local government in the 35,000 and over population
category. Maplewood is eligible for a formula grant for $76,530. Local governments can apply
through January 31. Grants will consist of a 2-year project and budget period. Funding is awarded
60 to 90 days after the application is submitted and approved.
Blueprints
The EECBG Program Blueprints are model projects and programs designed to help local and tribal
governments achieve high impact results with limited grant dollars. Blueprints offer ideas in energy
efficiency, renewable energy, transportation electrification, clean energy finance, and workforce
development. EECBG Program grantees are encouraged to consider blueprints as inspiration for
ways they could use their grant dollars.There are several Blueprint categories as follows:
1.Energy Planning
2.Energy Efficiency
a.Efficient Buildings
b.Energy Audits and Building Upgrades
c.Energy Savings Performance Contracts – Energy Efficiency and Electrification in
Government Buildings
d.Building Electrification Campaign
e.Building Performance Standards and Stretch Codes
3.Renewable Energy
a.Solar and Storage – Power Purchase Agreements and Direct Ownership
b.Community Solar
c.Solarize Campaign
d.Renewable Resource Planning for Rural and Tribal Communities
4 Electric Transportation
a.Electric Vehicle and Fleet Electrification
b.EV Charging Infrastructure for the Community
5.Finance
a.Unlock Sustainable Financing Solutions for Energy Projects and Programs with
Revolving Loan Funds
6.Workforce Development
Grant Application Guidance
To help guide the grant application discussion the ENR Commission should review the Climate
Action and Project Priorities Report drafted by the Commission in 2022 (attached). In addition, Ted
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Redmond, ENR Commissioner and co-founder of paleBLUEdot, LLC, has offered the following
Blueprint suggestions for the City of Maplewood:
1.Building Electrification and Solarize Campaign (community-wide)
With a combined project approach, a Maplewood targeted program could seek to advance
both on-site solar installations as well as electrification upgrades (heat pump heating, heat
pump dryers, split system heat pump plus high efficiency furnaces, etc) while leveraging the
improved federal incentives established for both. The program design and approach could
be similar to past solarizeprograms Maplewood has participated in (competitively selected
contractor(s) with discounted rates established and sliding scale rewards for all participants
as program goals are achieved). This program, however, could be entirelyfocused on the
Maplewood community with the intent of increasing participation.
2.Renewable Energy Resource Planning (community-wide)
This project focuses on researching resources, community engagement, anddevelopment
of a renewable energy action plan. The project could include site-specific example solar
feasibility assessments combined with identification of potential financial incentives,
particularly highlighting recent incentives established by the Inflation Reduction Act.
This project could be combined and support both the above Solarize Campaign as well as
support the City’s pending Climate Mitigation planning effort. The community engagement
and example solar feasibility assessments and incentive information could be handled as a
direct feed-in to the solarize campaign while the community engagement and Renewable
Energy Action Plan could directly augment the city’s Climate Mitigation Plan.
3.Building Performance Standards and Stretch Code (community-wide)
This Blueprint project could provide additional support to the City as it explores revising and
updating performance standards/stretch codes. Support through the grant could include
research support, community engagement support, goal recommendations, and policy
review support.
4.City Fleet Electrification (municipal operations)
This project could provide evaluation and assessment of the City’s vehicle fleet,including
monitoring and use-case evaluation, and establish recommendations on fleet transition
timelines and fleet purchase policies. Using a current paleBLUEdot project, the following
description gives a sense of how the City might approach this project:
a.Alternative Fuel Assessment -
The Alternative Fuel Suitability Assessment (AFSA) guides the Community in
transitioning to low-emission vehicles, recognizing suitable travel distances, and
cost-effective changes. This is foundational for the Preliminary Green Fleet
Pathway, emphasizing budget-friendly electrification. Utilizing vehicle-monitoring
technology, data from telematics of select vehicles is analyzed for three months to
inform transition strategies. Community staff training for these installations may offer
long-term monitoring for efficiency. This data refines EV recommendations based on
usage, costs, and environmental factors.
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b.Green Fleet Pathway -
Informed by the Assessment, the Green Fleet Pathway centers on effective
transitions to alternative fuels, aiding decision-makers in understanding annual
financial effects. It pinpoints conversion-ready vehicles, weighing costs against
emissions, and underlining market choices.
c.Policy Recommendation -
Post Pathway creation, the project may research peer municipal purchasingpolicies,
recommending policies to back the fleet transition.
Attachments:
1.Climate Action and Project Priorities Report
Links:
1.www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program
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Attachment 1
Climate Action and Project Priorities Report
October 2022
Background
The City of Maplewood strives to improve
upon the natural and built environment by using best practices for sustainability. On June 23,
2008, the City Council adopted the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The
Agreement commits the City to reducing emissions and pollution in City operations and the
community.
In December 2010, the City began engagement in
the sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. Greenstep Cities is a challenge, assistance, and recognition program
supporting cities in achieving sustainability and quality-of-life goals.
In August 2019, the City Council adopted the 2
energy and climate
goals:
Goal 1: The City will follow the state energy goal guidelines of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions to 20 percent of the City’s 2015 baseline levels by 2050 (an 80 percent
reduction).
The City will establish interim goals every 5 to 10 years to assure City emission
reductions track against the primary goal outlined above, and to adjust policies and
strategies as needed.
Future interim goals will be established by the City at the completion of the first interim
timeframe.
Goal 2: The City will encourage and support renewable energy.
The City will obtain a minimum of 50 percent of all electric energy from renewable
sources by 2040. This includes having a minimum of 20 percent in on-site solar
photovoltaic generation within the City, with the balance being met through Xcel
Energy’s 31.5 percent renewable portfolio requirement.
City facilities will be powered by 100% renewables by 2040.
In May 2021, the City Council adopted the
(CAP). The CAP includes an implementation framework designed to achieve community-wide
goals for climate adaptation and resilience. It is organized around a unifying framework of eight
sections: 1) Health and Safety, 2) Extreme Heat and Weather, 3) Air Quality, 4) Flooding and
Water Quality, 5) Greenspace and Ecosystem Health, 6) Local Food and Agriculture, 7) Climate
Economy, and 8) Adaptation Capacity. Each sector has over-arching strategic goals and
detailed actions for implementation.
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Climate Project Priorities
The Climate Committees researched opportunities for climate project priorities within our City
operations for year one. They recommend the City show progress at the local level in order to
develop a shared vision that guides residents on their individual and collective contributions.
Maplewood should lead by example, ensuring our City operations are as green as possible.
The Greenhouse Gas Assessment (GHG) reflects that transportation and buildings are the
biggest contributor to GHG in our City operations. Based on this information the Committees
are recommending the following Climate Project Priorities to be implanted as soon as possible,
specifically budgeted in the 2023 City budget and/or grant opportunities:
1.Climate Mitigation Plan: Undertake a Greenhouse Gas mitigation planning effort to map
climate mitigation strategies as a companion to the Climate Adaptation Plan. The
strategies will assist the City in identifying short and long-term climate action projects
that will reduce GHG, including strategies that can be taken at a City-operation level. In
early 2022, the City applied for a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) resiliency
grant to complete the study. The MPCA did not award the City the grant funds. The City
should continue to look for grant opportunities and other funding strategies for the
creation of a Climate Mitigation Plan.
Budget - $32,000 estimated
2.City Facility Rooftop Solar - Feasibility and Funding Study and Install: There are two
new City buildings where rooftop solar is most feasible – Wakefield Park Community
Building and the new North Fire Station. The City should review solar and financial
options for installing solar on these two buildings in the short term. There are two ways
for the City to finance rooftop solar on these buildings: 1) outright purchase - the City
owns the equipment and retains the renewable energy credits; and 2) power purchase
agreement - the City leases the equipment and the renewable energy credits go to the
utility company. Long-term the City should review opportunities for adding solar on other
City buildings.
Budget –
Study - $0
Phase I Solar Projects –
Purchase –
Wakefield - $80-$100,000 estimated for 30 kWh of solar
North Fire Station - $425,000 estimated for 200,000 – 225,000
kWh of solar
Solar Agreements – Options Vary
3.City Fleet Study: The City should conduct a study to determine how to create a greener
fleet. The study will review and make recommendations on the City’s existing fleet and
usage, management and maintenance strategies, and a timeframe for converting to
more fuel efficiency and electric/hybrid vehicles. The City has had fleet studies
conducted in the past. But never a study to determine how the vehicles can be
converted to a greener fleet over time.
Budget –
Study - $30,000 estimated
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4.Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Feasibility and Funding Study and Install: There are
three new City facility parking lots where electric vehicle charging stations are most
feasible – Wakefield Park Community Building (constructed to be electric vehicle ready),
the new North Fire Station, and a future parking lot at Goodrich Park. The City should
review electric vehicle charging station options at these parking lots in the short term. In
addition, the City should conduct a City-wide charging station study to determine existing
locations, areas of need, and funding strategies.
Budget –
Study - $0
Phase I EV Stations - $12,000 estimated install cost (infrastructure upgrades not
included)
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Agenda Item 6.a.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date September 18, 2023
REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
REPORT FROM:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
PRESENTER:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
AGENDA ITEM:
Climate Mitigation Planning
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
A Climate Mitigation Plan is the critical and final piece needed in the City’s climate resilience
planning, fulfilling the energy resilience-planning goal of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and
addressing a key implementation strategy of the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan. The planning
process will result in strategic goals across multiple sectors with concrete short-, mid-, and long-
term actions to advance climate resilience and capacity.
Recommended Action:
Review the Climate Mitigation Plan details presented during the September 18 Environmental and
Natural Resources Commission meeting and offer comment and feedback.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship
Integrated CommunicationOperational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment
Taking climate actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the City become a more
climate-resilient community: 1) aligns with the City’s energy and climate goals as outlined in the
Comprehensive Plan – Sustainability Chapter and the Climate Adaptation Plan; 2) will involve
education and outreach to ensure community inclusiveness and integrated communication; 3) will
help the city reduce waste and save money.
Background:
The Climate Mitigation Plan will serve as a compliment to the 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan by
guiding the City toward reduced emissions. Phase one of the project includes outreach and
education to be conducted this summer and fall, followed by the creation of a draft plan with
Maplewood stakeholders.
Staff will give an update and take comments on the following:
Climate Action Survey
o results to date
o gift card incentive
o translation to Hmong and Spanish
Future Outreach Opportunities
Climate Mitigation Plan Timeline and Budget
Attachments:
None
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Agenda Item 6.b.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date September 18, 2023
REPORT TO:
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
PRESENTER:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Green Building Code
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
The purpose of the Green Building Code is 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.
Recommended Action:
Review the Green Building Code research and offer comment and feedback.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship
Integrated Communication Operational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment
The Green Building Code helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s built environment
and aligns with the City’s energy and climate goals as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan –
Sustainability Chapter and the Climate Adaptation Plan.
Background:
All City-funded buildings must be constructed under the 2013 Green Building Code. It includes
additional energy efficiency strategies and other green building elements above the state’s building
code. The base document for the code is the 2012 International Green Construction Code. Any
municipality can adopt this code, and sections of the code can be applied or exempt, depending on
the municipality’s goals. The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission will review
the Green Building Code to ensure it is meeting the City’s sustainability goals and review options for
electric vehicle (EV) parking requirements and other green building initiatives.
Minnesota Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rulemaking
As part of an updated Green Building Code, the ENR Commission is recommending EV parking
requirements. Staff has conducted additional research on the proposed state building code EV
charging infrastructure requirements. The State Legislature has given the Department of Labor and
Industry the authority to mandate the minimum EV charging spaces for multi-family developments
with four or more units and commercial developments in the state building code. Additionally, they
are now required to update the state’s energy code every three years, rather than every six years.
The Department of Labor and Industry is undertaking an EV parking space rulemaking process. A
technical advisory group is meeting to draft the new rules, which will then be open for public
comment prior to adoption by the Legislature. It has been determined that the EV parking space
rules will be rolled into the updated energy code. The energy code is scheduled to be updated on
January 5, 2024, and will be based on the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (AHRAE) Standards Building Code. This means the state may not
adopt the new EV parking space requirements until the next energy code update in 2026.
The new rules would not supersede zoning codes by requiring a certain number of EV parking
spaces. Instead, they will require a certain percentage of the City’s required parking spaces for
multi-family and commercial developments to be EV-installed, EV-ready, or EV-capable. The
technical advisory groups draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping and Technical Criteria document,
based on the US Department of Energy’s model codes, is attached for review.
International Green Construction Code
After reviewing challenges the City has faced with the existing Green Building Code and a
comparison of the 2012 to the updated 2021 International Green Construction Code, the ENR
Commission is recommending the City adopt a performance-based policy based on existing green
frameworks such as LEED or B3 guidelines.
The attached Minnesota Municipal Sustainable Building Policies guide drafted by the Center for
Energy and Environment in 2022 identifies best practices and recommendations for creating a
framework and implementing a mandatory sustainable building policy. The intent of the guide is to
provide a resource for cities considering sustainable building policies and to encourage
standardization across cities. Standardization has many benefits including improving efficiency and
cost-effectiveness across the region, facilitating the adoption of sustainable building practices, and
reducing competition among cities for development.
Green Building Policies
The GreenStep Cities Program identifies seven Minnesota cities that have some type of formal
sustainable building approach: Duluth, Edina, Maplewood, Rochester, St. Louis Park, and Saint
Paul. Minneapolis also has a sustainable building approach but is not part of the GreenStep Cities
program due to their size. The ENR Commission reviewed and recommended St. Paul’s and
Edina’s sustainable building approach as good models. Staff is also suggesting a review of St.
Louis Park’s sustainable building approach, and Commissioner Redmond has suggested a review
of Bloomington, Indiana’s sustainable building approach. Those four policies are attached for
review.
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Review
These issues will be reviewed during the September 18, 2023, ENR Commission meeting for
discussion.
Attachments:
Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping & Technical Criteria
Minnesota Municipal Sustainable Building Policies Guide
St. Paul Minnesota Sustainable Building Policy
Edina Minnesota Sustainable Building Policy
Bloomington Indiana Sustainable Building Policy
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Attachment 1
Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping & Technical Criteria
Definitions:
Electric Vehicle (EV): Any vehicle for on-road use that is powered by an electric motor which may utilize
building electrical service as a fuel source.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): Electrical circuitry and equipment dedicated to EV charging including
conductors, connectors, attachment accoutrements, personnel protection, power outlets, apparatus and
equipment installed specifically for the purpose of transferring electricity from building to electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installed Space: A parking space provided with EVSE equipment for
vehicle charging.
EV Ready Space: A parking space provided with an electrical circuit dedicated to EV charging. The circuit shall
include a 240-vold outlet with 50 amps of maximum amperage located within 3 feet of the EV Ready parking
space.
EV Capable Space: A parking space provided with electrical conduit or raceway to a junction box within 3 feet of
the parking space. The raceway or conduit shall lead to an electrical panel with circuits dedicated and identified
specifically for electric vehicle charging and sized for Level 2 charging.
Section 8.9 Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities
8.9.1 Scoping. In each location where parking is provided, the number of parking spaces equipped as EVSE-
Installed, EV-Ready, and EV-Capable shall be provided in accordance with this section. Where more than one
parking facility is provided on a site, EVSE-Installed, EV-Ready, and EV-Capable Spaces shall be calculated
separately for each parking facility. Fractions shall be rounded up to the next higher whole number.
8.9.1.1 Mixed occupancies and shared occupancies. Where a parking facility is shared by multiple
occupancies, the required number of electric vehicle charging facilities shall be provided in proportion to
the gross building area of each occupancy classification.
8.9.1.2 Installed Spaces Exceeding Minimums. EVSE Installed spaces that exceed the minimum number
of required EVSE Installed spaces may be used to satisfy requirements of EV-Ready and EV-Capable
Spaces. Installed EV-Ready spaces that exceed the minimum number of required EV-Ready spaces may
be used to satisfy requirements of EV-Capable Spaces.
8.9.1.3 Identification. EVSE Installed spaces shall be identified by permanent signage reading “Electric
Vehicle Parking for Charging Only.” EVSE Ready spaces shall be identified by permanent signage reading
“Electric Vehicle Parking Only.” Signs shall be installed at the head end of the designated parking stall
and mounted such that the sign is between 60 inches and 66 inches above the parking surface. A
permanent and visible label shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the service panel to identify each
panel space reserved for future EVSE equipment as required for EV-Capable and EV-Ready spaces.
Raceway termination points for EV-Capable and EV-Ready spaces shall be labeled as reserved for EVSE
Equipment.
Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping & Technical Criteria 1
8.9.2 Number of Dedicated parking stalls. EVSE-Installed, EV-Ready Spaces and EV-Capable Spaces shall be
provided in quantities in accordance with Table 8.9.2. Where the calculation of percent served results in a
fractional parking space, it shall round up to the next whole number.
Table 8.9.2
1, 2
EVSE-Installed, EV-Ready and EV Capable Space Requirements
Minimum number Minimum number or % Minimum number or %
Use
or % of EVSE-of EV-Ready spaces of EV-Capable spaces
Installed spaces
Commercial (Groups A, B, E, F, 3% EVSE Installed 15% EV-Ready 7% EV- Capable
I-2, I-3, I-4, M, S)(50+ spaces)
Multi-family (R-1, R-2, R-4, I-1) 5% EVSE Installed 15% EV-Ready 15% EV-Capable
(20+ spaces)
Footnotes:
1.Parking spaces dedicated to commercial, or emergency vehicles are exempt. Parking for non-commercial vehicles at the facility
are not exempt.
2.Parking serving mixed occupancies on the same property shall be provided with electric vehicle charging facilities as required
and in proportion to the building area of each occupancy classification.
8.9.3 EV Capable Spaces. Each EV capable space used to meet the requirements of Section 8.9.2 shall comply
with the following:
1.A continuous raceway or cable assembly shall be installed between a junction box or outlet located
within 3 feet (914mm) of the EV capable space and electrical distribution equipment.
2.Installed raceway or cable assembly shall be sized and rated to supply a minimum circuit capacity in
accordance with Section 8.9.6
3.The electrical distribution equipment to which the raceway or cable assembly connects shall have
dedicated space for an overcurrent protection device and electrical capacity to supply a calculated load
in accordance with Section 8.9.6.
4.The junction box or outlet and the electrical distribution equipment directory shall be marked “For
electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).”
8.9.4 EV Ready Spaces. Each branch circuit serving EV ready spaces used to meet the requirements of Section
8.9.2 shall comply with the following:
1.Terminate at an outlet located within 3 feet (914 mm) of each EV ready space it serves.
2.Have a minimum system and circuit capacity in accordance with 8.9.6.
3.The electrical distribution equipment directory shall designate the branch circuit as “For electric vehicle
supply equipment (EVSE)” and the outlet or enclosure shall be marked “For electric vehicle supply
equipment (EVSE).”
Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping & Technical Criteria 2
8.9.5 EVSE Installed Spaces. An installed EVSE with multiple output connections shall be permitted to serve
multiple EVSE spaces. Each EVSE installed to meet the requirements of Section 8.9.2, serving either a single
EVSE space or multiple EVSE spaces, shall comply with the following:
1.Have minimum system and circuit capacity in accordance with Section 8.9.6.
2.Have a nameplate rating not less than 6.2 kW.
3.Be located within 3 feet (914 mm) of each EVSE space it serves.
4.Be installed in accordance with the equipment manufacturers recommended instructions.
8.9.6 System and circuit capacity. The system and circuit capacity shall comply with this section.
8.9.6.1 Circuits for electric vehicle charging. The service panel shall provide sufficient capacity and
space to accommodate the circuit and over-current protective device for each EVSE, EV-Ready and EV-
Capable space. Circuits for EVSE, EV-Ready and EV-Capable spaces shall have no other outlets.
Termination points for EV-Ready and EV-Capable spaces shall be located where proposed future
equipment for such purposes is intended to be installed.
8.9.6.2 System Capacity. The electrical distribution equipment supplying the branch circuit(s) serving
each EV capable space, EV ready space, and EVSE space shall have a calculated load of 7.2 kVA or the
nameplate rating of the equipment whichever is larger, for each EV capable space, EV ready space, and
EVSE Installed space.
8.9.6.3 Circuit Capacity. The branch circuit serving each EV capable space, EV ready space, and EVSE
Installed space shall have a rated capacity not less than 40 amperes at 208/240-volt capacity or the
nameplate rating of the equipment, whichever is larger.
8.9.7 Accessibility. Not fewer than 5% of the EVSE Installed spaces but not less than one shall be accessible.
Not fewer than 5% of EVSE Ready Spaces but not less than one shall be accessible. Accessible vehicle spaces
shall comply with the requirements for an accessible parking space where the EVSE is located at the head end of
the access aisle.
Additional information and suggested model code language is available at:
https://www.energycodes.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/TechBrief_EV_Charging_July2021.pdf
https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/21-20604_COMM_EV_Strategy_RPT_v5.pdf
Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Scoping & Technical Criteria 3
EVSE Requirements from Other Midwest Jurisdictions
EVSE-Installed, EV-Ready and EV Capable Space Requirements
Occupancy Classification Minimum number Minimum number or % Minimum number or %
or % of EVSE-of EVSE-Ready spaces of EVSE-Capable spaces
Installed spaces
Madison, WI- Commercial 1% EV- Installed 10% EV Ready (increase -
(increase by 1% 10% every 5 years, 2021)
every 5 years)
Madison, WI- Multi-Family 2% EV- Installed 5% EV Ready (increase -
10% every 5 years, 2021)
Iowa- 2015 IECC, Holding - - -
North Dakota - - -
South Dakota - - -
Michigan 10% EV- Installed 5% EV Ready 10% EV Capable
20% EV Ready @ 30+
Illinois (Chicago)- Commercial
spaces (2020)
Illinois (Chicago)- Multifamily 20% EV Ready @ 5+
spaces (2020)
-
Nebraska - -
Missouri (St Louis)
2% EV- Installed 5% EV Ready
Commercial
Missouri (St Louis) Multi-2% EV- Installed 5% EV Ready (increases
Family to 10% in 2025)
Colorado (Denver) 5% EV- Installed 10% EV Ready
10% EV Capable
Commercial
EVSE-Installed, EV-Ready and EV Capable Space Requirements
Colorado (Denver) Multi-5% EV- Installed15% EV Ready
80% EV Capable
family
Colorado (Lakewood) 2% EV- Installed 13% EV Ready 18% EV Capable
Commercial (10+ spaces)
Colorado (Lakewood) Multi-
2% EV- Installed 18% EV Capable
-
family (10+ spaces)
IEGC- Commercial 4% of total spaces or 8%
of employee spaces
(where 20+ on-site
parking spaces)
IEGC- Multi-Family 20%
(R-1, R-2, R-4)
Attachment 2
NJOOFTPUB!NVOJDJQBM!TVTUBJOBCMF!
CVJMEJOH!QPMJDJFT!HVJEF
Policy Framework and Implementation Recommendations
Upd a tedFeb ruary, 2022
O r igi na ll y p u blished January, 2021
Prepared by
Katie Jones, Marisa Bayer
Center for Energy and Environment
Inc o ll abora ti o nwith
Hennepin County
OVERVIEW
Cities throughout Minnesota seek to improve public health,
environmental justice, and environmental and economic
Sustainable Building Policy
sustainability. As cities set targets to reduce carbon
Defined
emissions, reduce waste, protect natural areas, and mitigate
Sustainable building policies
stormwater runoff, many are turning tobuilding-related
establish minimum
strategies to help achieve these goals.
sustainability criteria that go
beyond existing state code for
Generally, cities have three main levers to create change:
new construction or
mandatory requirements, process incentives, and financial
significantly renovated
incentives. Because the State of Minnesota sets the building
developments. Included criteria
code, cities are unable to establish building requirements that
typically target areas for
are more strict than existing code; however, with financial
pollution reduction and
levers and authority over land use, cities have tremendous
resource conservation. Also
potential to use sustainable building policies as a tool to make
known as green building
progress toward sustainability goals.
policies.
To date, Minnesota cities have taken three approaches in the
application of sustainable building policies, listed below in
order of impact:
1.Mandatory approach (Recommended).This policy
approach identifies default sustainability requirements
Existing Policies
for funding programs and land use variances above
As of 2022,eightMinnesota
certain thresholds. These requirementsarein addition
cities have some type of
to other program and land use requirements.
formal sustainable building
2.Scoring approach.Buildings are scored on a set of
approach: Duluth, Edina,
criteria and those with the highest scores qualify for
Maplewood, Minneapolis,
city program funding and approval.
Northfield, Rochester, St.
3.Suggestion approach.Developers arestrongly
Louis Park, and Saint Paul.
encouraged to consider sustainability in construction
througha sustainability questionnaire.
The affected building types,
Based on research of existing policies and interviews with
triggers, and criteria vary by
Minnesota cities, we identified best practices and
policy, although some
recommendations for creating a framework and implementing
standardization is taking
a mandatory sustainable buildingpolicy.
shape. See the Appendixfor
detailed comparison of the
The intent of this guide is to provide a resource for cities
policies.
considering sustainable building policies and to encourage
standardization across cities. Standardization has many
benefits including improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness
across the region, facilitating the adoption of sustainable
building practices, and reducing competition among cities for
development.
1
POLICY FRAMEWORK GUIDE
what does the
policy cover, who does this apply to, who manages the policy, and what happens with non-
compliance.
Identify City Overlay and Applicable Rating Systems
1
The first step is to understand the universe of existing third-party green building rating systems.
Such r
systems are often similar but not identical. For that reason, the city should note the strengths
and weaknesses of the rating systems relative to one another and make a list of priority impacts
the city wants to target. That list,along with considerations of other city goals,becomes a city
overlay a set of specific measurable minimum requirements that go beyond the base
requirements.
City Overlay:
Rating System: MN
Single Family
Green Communities
Water
conservation,
DOE Zero
ENERGY
waste
®
Energy
STAR
diversion,
Ready
certification
indoor
Homes
environmental
quality,
etc.
Figure 1: Example relationship between the city overlay and an existing rating system for a single-
family home new construction. A development must comply with everything in the city overlay.
However, as this example shows the city is specifically targeting higher building performance with
DOE Zero Energy Ready certification.
Applicable rating systems and the overlay should both be included in a policy. The two work in
tandem, giving the city high-level policy customization, while giving developers flexibility in how
to meet the targets. One benefit for the city is that using such rating systems lessens the need
for specialized staff. In addition, leveraging existing rating systems that are wellknown in
-effectiveness of
implementation.
1
Green building rating systems sets of sustainability criteria with detailed and proscriptive pathways for
meeting the criteria. They are generally broad covering many sustainability areas (e.g.,water, energy, waste,
materials) and can include topic focused standards (e.g.,Sustainable Buildings 2030 energy standard).
2
Leverage existing third-party rating systems
Cities with existing sustainable building policies recognize the value of standardization
across the region the more ubiquitous the rules, the more practiced the industry
becomes at complying with them and the more cost-effective implementation becomes.
Because of the unique characteristics of different building types, policy requirements
should specify the appropriate rating system for each building type. The table below
shows the most common and recommended minimum rating systems and their
associated levels by building type.
Municipal, LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations;
Commercial, Mixed-Certified Silver or higher
Use, Industrial
B3 Guidelines
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations;
Certified Silver or higher
Multifamily B3 Guidelines
GreenStar Homes; Certified Silver or higher
Green Communities *
LEED for Homes; Certified Silver or higher
Single-family
MN GreenStar; Certified Silver or higher
Green Communities*
Parking
Park Smart Silver
*For projects with MHFA funding, it is recommended that the MN Overlay version be used.
Establish City Overlay Criteria
Below we lay out the most common overlay criteria. Where possible, criteria are
performance-based, which gives developers flexibility, and drives innovation and cost
efficiencies. Cities should prioritize criteria for adoption that balance needs for
implementation with city goals to ensure policy success.
It is also important to note that as environmental and economic conditions change,
flexibility within each criterium is valuable. For that reason, it is recommended that a
department director be charged with promulgating the detailed overlay requirements. It is
also critical to include a third-party verification component in the policy. Verifiers should
be proposed by the developer and acceptable to the city.
3
Recommended Overlay Criteria Recommended Rule
Meet SB 2030 Energy Standard through
design and operation; for 1-3-unit buildings,
Predicted and actual energy use
standard.
Predicted greenhouse gas Calculate and report.
emissions
Predicted and actual use of Achieve 30% below the water efficiency
potable water standards of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Predicted use of water for Achieve 50% reduction from consumption of
landscaping traditionally irrigated site.
Evaluate 2% of on-site renewables; install if
Utilization of renewable energy
cost-effective using SB 2030 guidance.
Electric vehicle charging Install conduit that allows charging stations to
capability (if parking is be installed at a future date.
included)
Diversion of construction waste Achieve 75% diversion rate
from landfills and incinerators
Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds)
materials including paints, adhesives,
Indoor environmental quality
sealants, flooring, carpet, as well as ASHRAE
thermal and ventilation minimums.
Adhere to quantity and quality requirements,
Stormwater management including infiltration rate, suspended solid,
and phosphorous reductions.
Document a design response to several
identified potential shocks and stressors such
as utility interruption, extreme rainfall and
Resilient design
transportation interruption. Design Team shall
integrate the identified strategies into the
design of the project.
Ongoing monitoring of actual Benchmark using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio
energy and water use Manager annually.
4
Policy Triggers
Given the regional competition for development, cities often balance priorities of encouraging
development while achieving community-wide goals, such as sustainability targets. For this
reason, we 1) encourage the greatest number of cities to adopt similar sustainable building
policies to standardize the practice across a region, and 2) recommend cities consider their
unique leverage points for the greatest impact. Cities can use the following triggers to activate a
sustainable building policy:
1. Funding incentives. The most straightforward trigger is a
Funding Sources
developer request for public funding. To date, several cities
have successfully used a minimum trigger of $200,000 in
Comprehensive policies count all
cumulative public funding. The types of qualifying funding
public dollars toward the
sources vary. We recommend maximizing public funding
threshold that triggers
sources for the greatest impact. (See examples below.)
compliance including:
1. Community Development
2. Land use incentives. Though there is little track record of this
Block Grants (CDBG)
approach for sustainability in Minnesota, it is used in other
2. Bonds
areas of the country. For cities with established zoning rules,
3. Tax Increment Financing
we recommend cities consider three types of land use triggers:
(TIF)
4. HOME Investment
a. Planned unit development (PUD). Where a city has a
Partnership Program
large tract of land for development, it can set high-level
5. Housing Redevelopment
density and other rules, such as a sustainable building
Authority funds
policy, for the site, while giving the developer flexibility
6. Land write-downs
in how that is accomplished.
7. Low-Income Housing Tax
b. Premiums. Setting clear expectations for developers
Credits (LIHTC)
can reduce costs and encourage specific types of
8. A dedicated Sustainable
development. We recommend cities consider codifying
Building Policy fund
sustainability premiums as an incentive for density and
9. Any other Federal, State,
height bonuses.
Regional (e.g., Met
c. Variance. Where not codified as premiums, cities Council), or City funding
source
should consider applying a policy when more intense
variances are requested.
3. Process incentives. Cities can create faster approval processes and higher prioritization in
permit and inspection reviews for developments that adhere to the sustainable building
policy. This has not yet been tried in Minnesota but has been done elsewhere.
4. Building size. Because larger building developments have the greatest environmental
impact and more sophisticated design teams, we recommend that a policy apply to buildings
that meet the following size thresholds. This trigger is only activated when a project receives
a funding, land use, or process incentive.
a. New construction of 10,000 square feet and greater.
b. Significant renovation of buildings 10,000 square feet and greater that include a new
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
5
Enforcement
Enforcement can be approached from two angles either for financially incentivized projects or
for those triggered by land use and process incentives.
The financial incentive is often needed to encourage and make such developments viable in the
first place, making a financial penalty for non-compliance challenging to employ. For that
reason, the best practice is to be proactive on the front end, providing sufficient resources and
check-ins during the design development process to ensure compliance along the way.
For projects triggered by land use and process incentives, the city could enact a fine for
violation, which has been done in other American cities with some as high as $500 per day for
non-compliance. In either case, compliance with the sustainable building policy should be
included in the development agreement and loan documents.
Evaluation
als. A
best practice is to build a framework for these components within the policy itself by requiring an
annual progress and impact report and setting a reassessment timeline (e.g., every 3-5 years)
for overlay criteria and the approved third-party rating systems.
Codify the Policy
After the city council or board adopts the sustainability building policy, it is important to codify
the policy within or near zoning- and planning-related chapters in city code because a
sustainable building policy concerns land development.
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
Before approval, it namely, how to
operationalize the policy. Policy adoption alone will not ensure a sustainable building policy will
be successful. Additional steps are needed to create structure, ownership, and awareness of
the policy.
Identify Leaders and Collaborators
Policies are often managed by departments that are responsible for education, awareness, and
enforcement. In some cases, these responsibilities may fall across departments, so it is
important early on to identify the department and individual who will take primary ownership for
the policy. Below is a list of key stakeholders to involve:
Sustainability Staff
As topic specialists, sustainability staff should either lead or play a significant part in
policy development and assist in policy implementation. Such staff can advocate for the
policy internally and educate external stakeholders. In addition, any initial meetings with
6
qualified individuals who can speak to the technical nature of sustainability requirements.
Planning Department
City planning departments should be involved in the management of the sustainable
building policy. City planners are responsible for reviewing project applications, engaging
document holding a project developer accountable for following policies and codes.
External Collaborators
External partners can provide technical assistance to project teams to meet policy rating
systems. These generally fall into two categories:
Specific: A partner that develops and manages an individual rating system is best
equipped to answer questions regarding pathways for compliance for their rating
system (e.g., USGBC for LEED).
Broad: A partner that can answer questions across multiple rating systems.
Community Highlight: St. Louis Park, MN
applications as well as financial incentives for development, it is a natural fit for the
sustainable building policy to be managed by that department. Sustainability staff, who are
in a different department, remain engaged by attending project meetings with developers to
an architecture and engineering firm on retainer for more detailed review beyond
to help developers meet the goals of the policy.
Increase Awareness of the Policy
A key question to ask is: how do developers, architects, and contractors know the policy exists?
If the policy is new, or if major changes have been made to an existing policy, cities should take
proactive steps to inform their development community about how this policy will impact future
projects. At minimum, cities should post the policy cle
Additional engagement would build support and acceptance of the policy. We recommend cities
offer trainings, networking events, and building tours, as well as engage building associations to
spread the word about the policies. Cities could also partner on outreach initiatives to increase
reach and minimize cost.
Community Highlight: Rochester, MN
The City of Rochester hosts green building tours to showcase successful implementation of
their policy in new development. Developers and architects can tour new buildings, ask
7
Identify Projects Subject to the Policy
Although a policy itself specifies minimum requirements for subject developments, the city must
create a process to easily identify incoming projects that meet those requirements. This is
accomplished by leveraging existing development review processes. Planners also often use
checklists and review guides to ensure projects meet required development policies and codes.
For that reason, we recommend cities use this process to integrate a review for the sustainable
building policy. Cities should make sure someone with sustainability expertise, either
sustainability staff or other designated reviewers, attend development review meetings.
Educate Project Teams
Once the city has identified an eligible project, the policy should be reviewed
development team to ensure they understand all the components of the policy. This is a great
opportunity for development teams to ask questions and for city staff to champion their policy.
Community Highlight: Saint Paul, MN
The City of Saint Paul uses funding and size minimums to determine the projects subject to
their sustainable building policy. After public project funding is requested and before it is
approved, the staff member responsible for managing the policy is notified of the project.
Staff send a letter to the project team detailing compliance requirements for the project, and
soon after they hold a meeting involving the project team to review these requirements.
Sustainability staff leverage this opportunity to walk through the policy step by step to make
sure there are no surprises for the project team.
This meeting should be scheduled after a project application or funding application is received
to ensure policy criteria can be incorporated as early as possible in the design process. Having
the right people at the meeting will ensure that the policy expectations are clearly
communicated, and any questions are addressed.
include those involved in managing the policy, such as sustainability and planning staff. If the
city is working with an external collaborator to help with technical assistance, including them in
this meeting would be advantageous
representative should be invited so that the team responsible for designing and funding the
project understand the expectations.
Ensure Compliance
A best practice for compliance is for cities to connect project teams with external collaborators
who are technical experts in both the development process and sustainability requirements.
Cities then track compliance with the list of requirements. Because most projects that have been
subject to sustainable building policies in Minnesota have been commercial, mixed use, or large
multifamily, city staff have relied on the B3 Tracking Tool to monitor compliance for most
recommended overlay criteria and then have separate manual tracking mechanisms to track
any remaining criteria.
8
Another best practice is to leverage other existing processes for front end-confirmation of
ar
utility programs that incentivize energy modeling to meet building performance criteria.
Enforce the Policy
Enforcement comes into play once a project receives the necessary approvals to start
construction. In most cases, following the previous steps will ensure that a project adheres to
the policy; however, if the project does not meet minimum standards, enforcement may be
necessary. Formal enforcement should be codified in the policy, so developers understand the
implications of not complying. Informally, city staff can communicate with project teams about
the negative impact to their relationship and concerns over future projects following city policies.
Community Highlight: Rochester, MN
The City of Rochester structures their Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements as pay-as-
you-go disbursements, giving the city the opportunity to withhold future disbursements if a
project does not adhere to certain policies or codes. The city has used this approach for
projects in the Destination Medical Center and throughout the municipality.
Evaluate Impact
Evaluating the impact helps city staff and city decision-makers understand if the policy
achieved the intended goals. Project reports should detail the size, cost, and anticipated savings
compared to actual performance. A summary of these along with the collective environmental
benefits (e.g., gallons of water and greenhouse gas emissions saved compared to code) should
be shared with city council, staff, and the public. In addition, annual or biennial reviews with
project teams, city staff, and external collaborators give valuable input into the effectiveness of
the policy. Cities should talk to project teams about what worked and what could be improved
about the sustainable building They should also talk to external
collaborators and sustainability experts about the latest trends and best practices for
sustainable buildings. Having both quantitative and qualitative data on the
be useful during future policy updates to strengthen its impact.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Going forward, these policies should evolve as new sustainability standards become available
and as city goals around reducing structural racism and ensuring equity become clearer and
more focused. As cities find alignment on these issues, they should continue to exchange best
practices and evolve together. We recommend cities check in on at least a biannual if not
quarterly basis. This could be led by cities themselves or by an external coordinator.
Areas that may warrant further exploration include:
Compliance tracking tool. Cities currently lack a holistic method for tracking
compliance for all property types and may benefit from the development of one.
9
Additional compliance strategies. Another possible route to ensure compliance is by
leveraging permitting and inspections processes. However, because construction code
is prescriptive and most sustainability criteria is performance-based, there has been no
attempt in Minnesota thus far to take either of these two routes:
o During permit approval. Because cities approve permits that give the green
light for construction, they could explore issuing permits only once design models
adequately indicate that sustainability requirements will be met. Incorporating
permit approvals that are based on modeled designs of performance would
necessitate thorough consideration of expertise and permitting staff needs.
o During inspections. Building inspectors could take a bigger role in ensuring
sustainability criteria are incorporated during construction. Similar to design
review for permits, inspectors evaluate a building based on prescriptive code. For
that reason, inspector scope would need to expand to include evaluation against
a performance-based model design.
A one-stop-shop for expertise on sustainable building policies. An external
collaborator would not only consult on multiple rating systems, but also serve as a single
point of communication for technical questions and compliance monitoring for project
teams and cities, respectively. This type of group has not yet been established to serve
Minnesota cities. However, such a partner with broad expertise, design review
experience, and implementation support ability could serve multiple cities while reducing
sustainability staff needs.
Although sustainable building policies have been around more than a decade in Minnesota,
there remain great opportunities for more cities to leverage such policy tools and for better
standardization among cities to ease implementation. As cities actively invest in new
developments or receive developer requests outside existing zoning rules, they can use these
policies to achieve sustainability goals. In the end, the built environment has strong impacts on
environmental health and livability, and sustainable building policies are an important tool to
build the physical environment that cities want and need.
APPENDIX
See a table summary of current Minnesota municipal sustainable building policies here:
https://www.mncee.org/minnesota-municipal-sustainable-building-policies-guide
10
11
Attachment 3
City Hall and Court House
City of Saint Paul
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Phone: 651-266-8560
Legislation Text
File #:Ord 17-60,Version:2
Establishing sustainable building regulations for buildings owned, operated, or funded by the City.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DOES HEREBY ORDAIN
Section 1
Forthepurposeofcreatingnewregulationspertainingtosustainablebuilding,SaintPaulAdministrativeCode
Chapter 81 is hereby created as follows:
Chapter 81. Sustainable Building.
Sec. 81.01. Declaration of Policy.
Thepurposeofthischapteristoprovideforpublichealthandwelfarebyincreasingtheenvironmentaland
financial sustainability of future development projects within the City of Saint Paul.
Sec. 81.02. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
(a)CityFunding meansfundsprovidedforNewConstructionorMajorRenovationsprovidedbyagreement
from the City of Saint Paul or the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), including:
(1)Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
(2)Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
(3)HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
(4)Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds
(5)Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
(6)Any other Federal, State, or Metropolitan Council (Met Council) funding source
(7)Any other City of Saint Paul funding source
(8)Any other HRA funding source
(9)Notwithstanding the above, City Funding does not include the following:
a.DepartmentofEmploymentandEconomicDevelopment(DEED)Cleanupand
Investigation Grants
b.Met Council Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA) Contamination Cleanup Grants
c.Met Council TBRA Site Investigation Grants
d.Conduit Bonds issued for the benefit of qualified 501(c)(3) entities
(b)Developer meanstheentity,whetherpublicorprivate,thatundertakesNewConstructionorMajor
Renovation, and to whom the provisions of this chapter apply.
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File #:Ord 17-60,Version:2
(c)Director meanstheDirectoroftheDepartmentofPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentortheir
designee.
(d)MajorRenovation meansrenovationworkperformedonabuildingorportionthereofconsistingofat
least10,000squarefeet,andrequiringinstallationofnewmechanical,ventilation,orcoolingsystems,
or the replacement of such systems.
(e)NewConstruction meanstheplanning,design,constructionandcommissioningofanewbuilding,or
anadditiontoanexistingbuildingifsuchadditionrequiresinstallationofnewmechanical,ventilation,
or cooling systems.
(f)SaintPaulOverlay meansspecificmeasurablestandardsthatNewConstructionandMajor
Renovationsmustmeet,andwhicharetobepromulgatedbytheDirector.TheSaintPaulOverlay
must include requirements for the following:
(1)Predicted and actual energy use
(2)Predicted greenhouse gas emissions
(3)Predicted and actual use of potable water
(4)Predicted use of water for landscaping
(5)(5)Utilization of renewable energyUtilization of renewable energy
(6)(6)Electric vehicle charging capabilityElectric vehicle charging capability
(7)Diversion of construction waste from landfills and incinerators
(8)Indoor environmental quality
(9)Stormwater management
(10)Resilient Design
(11)Ongoing monitoring of actual energy and water use
(g)Sustainable Building Standard means any of the following:
(1)For commercial projects:
i.LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation; Certified Silver, Gold or Platinum
ii.State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines; Certified Compliant
iii.Saint Paul Port Authority Green Design Review (if applicable)
(2)For residential projects:
i.LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation; Certified Silver, Gold or Platinum
ii.State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines; Certified CompliantState of Minnesota B3 Guidelines; Certified Compliant
iii.GreenStar; Certified Silver, Gold or PlatinumGreenStar; Certified Silver, Gold or Platinum
iv.Green Communities; Certified
(3)For parking structures:
v.Parksmart; Certified Silver or Gold
IntheeventthatanyoftheabovestandardsisdeterminedbytheDirectortobeobsolete,equivalent
substitutestandardsmaybeutilizedatthediscretionoftheDirectoruntilsuchtimeasthischaptermay
be updated to include new standards.
Sec. 81.03. Applicability.
This chapter applies to:
(a)NewConstructionortheMajorRenovationoffacilitiesownedoroperatedbytheCityofSaintPaulor
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the HRA.
(b)NewConstructionortheMajorRenovationofanyfacilitiesofwhichtheCityorHRAare,orwill
become, the sole tenant.
(c)NewConstructionorMajorRenovationofanyfacilitieswithintheCityofSaintPaulreceivingmorethan
$200,000 of City Funding.
Sec. 81.04. Requirements.
(a)NewConstructionorMajorRenovationstowhichthischapterappliespursuanttoSection81.03are
requiredtobecertifiedunderaneligibleSustainableBuildingStandardatthelistedratinglevel,and
must meet the standards set forth in the Saint Paul Overlay.
(b)ForanyprojectstowhichthischapterappliesunderSec.81.03(c),compliancewiththischaptermust
be a condition of receipt of City Funding.
Sec. 81.05 Waiver.
Therequirementsofthischaptermaybewaived,inwholeorinpart,bytheSaintPaulCityCouncil,or,
in the event that the expenditure of City Funds is approved by the HRA, the HRA Board of Commissioners.
Section 2
ThisordinanceshalltakeeffectandbeinforceonJuly1,2018,andapplytoallprojectsforwhichschematic
design is initiated on or after July 1, 2018.
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Attachment 4
!!Djuz!pg!FejobQpmjdz
City CouncilApproved: Click here to enter a date.
City-WideRevised: Click here to enter a date.
Department
Sustainable Building Policy
The Edina community is dedicated to building a sustainable environment where current and future generations
benefit from clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, and access to nature, as reflected in City
Council value statements. In particular, the City recognizesthe risks of climate change and has set a goal of
reducing greenhouse gasemissions 30% by 2025. Since the built environment is a significant contributorto Edina’s
greenhouse gasfootprint, it is important that new developments are built to minimize emissions and
environmental impact during construction as well as the operation of buildings. Developments that seek City
funding or land use incentivescan join the City in these goals and meet set sustainable building requirements. As
such, the City of Edina adopts the following Sustainable Building Policy:
POLICY REQUIREMENTS
1.New Construction or Major Renovations to which this policy applies are required to be certified under
an eligible Sustainable Building Rating System at the listed rating level, and must meet the standards set
forth in the Edina Overlay. Applicants may choose one Sustainable Building Rating System with which to
comply, and must comply with the full Edina Overlay. Applicable versions of Sustainable Rating Systems
and Overlay standards include the most recent or current iteration of a rating system in existence at the
time of development application.
1.“Sustainable Building Rating System” means any of the following:
i.US Green Building Council’s LEED building construction or operations; Certified Silver,
Gold or Platinum,
1.US Green Building Council’s SITES Certification can be used in tandem with LEED
for suitable public facilities
ii.State of Minnesota’s B3 Guidelines; Certified Compliant
iii.Enterprise’s Green Communities; Certified
iv.Green Business Certification Inc.’s Parksmart; Certified Silver or Gold
b.Equivalent substitute standards may be utilized at the discretion of the Sustainability Division.
2.“Edina Overlay” means specific measurable standards that New Construction and Major Renovations must
meet regardless of sustainable rating system. The Edina Overlay requires:
a.Building greenhouse gas emissionpredictions using agreed upon methodology
i.Calculateand reportto Sustainability Division.
b.Electric vehicle charging capability for at least 15% of parking stalls
“Level 2” electric vehicle charging capability means chargers with voltage greater than 120
and includes 240.
i. 5% of parking stalls must install Level 2 or higher charging stations at the time of
construction –AND-
ii. Install conduit that allows 10% of spaces dedicated to Level 2 or higher charging
stations, which could be installed at a future date
c. Energy efficiency standard
i. For 1-4 unit residential projects:
1. Follow US Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes
ii. For all other residential and commercial projects:
1. Follow B3 Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Standard
d. Bird-safe glazing
i. For projects seeking LEED certification:
1. Achieve bird collision deterrence point
ii. For projects seeking all other Sustainable Rating Systems:
1. Follow B3 Guideline S.9: Bird-Safe Building
APPLICABILITY
1. This Policy applies to all of the following New Construction and Major Renovation Projects. For the purpose
of this policy, the definitions of “Major Renovation” and “New Construction” shall be:
a. “Major Renovation” means renovation work performed on an existing building or portion thereof
consisting of at least 10,000 square feet (gross) for non-municipal buildings and 2,500 square feet
(gross) for municipal buildings, and requiring installation of new mechanical, ventilation, or cooling
systems, or the replacement of such systems.
b. “New Construction” means the planning, design, construction and commissioning of a new building, or
an addition of at least 10,000 square feet to an existing building if such addition requires installation of
new mechanical, ventilation, or cooling systems.
2. Public Facilities owned or operated by the City of Edina or the HRA.
3. Facilities of which the City or HRA are, or will become, the sole tenant.
4. Facilities rezoned with Planned Unit Development (PUD) District zoning.
5. Private Facilities receiving Financial Assistance.
a. “Financial Assistance” means funds provided for New Construction or Major Renovations projects
provided by agreement from the City of Edina or the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA), including:
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i. Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
ii. HRA Funds
iii. Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Grant
iv. Housing Improvement Area
v. Affordable Housing Trust Fund
vi. Conduit Bonds
vii. Land write-downs below market value
viii. Other funds that are available to the City of Edina and Edina HRA
Notwithstanding the above, Financial Assistance does not include environmental remediation funds such as the
following:
i. Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Cleanup and Investigation
Grants
ii. Met Council Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA) Contamination Cleanup Grants
iii. Met Council TBRA Site Investigation Grants
COMPLIANCE
1. For any projects to which this policy applies, compliance is a condition of receipt of Financial Assistance or
Planned Unit Development approval.
2. Buildings will demonstrate ongoing compliance with this Policy to advance to the next stage of construction or
operation, including necessary permit issuance.
3. The requirements of this Policy may be waived, in whole or in part, by the City Council after consideration of
the advantages and disadvantages of a waiver, and upon demonstration by the Sustainability Division of a
compelling public purpose. Applicable portions of this Policy are contingent upon availability of programs at
participating utility companies. This Policy may be amended or discontinued without prior notice.
Effective date: April 1, 2022
Originally adopted: November 16, 2021
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Attachment 5
City of St. Louis Park Green Building Policy
The City of St. Louis Park has long been a faithful steward of its natural resources and has a considerable
history of environmental consciousness. Through the years, City officials have worked diligently to create
52 parks, 35 miles of trails, the 160-acre Westwood Nature Center, plant thousands of trees, promote
native landscaping and shoreline restoration, improve water quality, manage wildlife, partner with area
schools on environmental education, along with a host of other initiatives.
One of the Strategic Directions listed within Vision St. Louis Park is that the City “is committed to being a
leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in
all areas of city business”. This “stewardship” applies not only to natural landscape elements but to the
built environment as well. As a fully developed suburb, the City encourages redevelopment opportunities
that enhance the community’s economic and social vitality as well as complements its natural
surroundings.
Projects that incorporate “green” or “sustainable” development practices positively impact the
environment. Sustainable development is defined as “development that maintains or enhances economic
opportunity and community wellbeing while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which
people depend. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable buildings incorporate numerous
strategies that result in improved energy efficiencies, reduced water usage as well as increased
employee productivity. Sustainable site design promotes natural settings and results in improved storm
water management and reduced water usage. Together these efficiencies result in cost savings which are
beneficial for both the private and public sectors. To these ends, the City will actively encourage the
design and development of sustainable buildings and sites. In addition, the City will pursue policies and
practices that advance sustainability using techniques that produce significant measurable results and
true return on investment.
In the United States, buildings account for approximately:
72% of total electricity consumption
39% of total primary energy use
38% of all carbon dioxide emissions
170 million tons of construction and demolition waste
14% of total potable water consumption, or 15 trillion gallons per year
(source: US Green Building Council)
The built environment has a substantial impacton the natural environment, human health, and the
economy. By adopting green building strategies, cities can maximize both economic and environmental
performance. Potential benefits of green building include:
Economic Benefits
Reduce operating costs
Create, expand, and shape markets for green products and services
Improve occupant productivity
Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Reduce municipal infrastructure costs
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Environmental Benefits
Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
Improve air and water quality
Reduce solid waste
Conserve water and restore natural resources
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Social Benefits
Enhance occupant comfort and health
Minimizestrain on local infrastructure
Improve site and building aesthetics
Improve overall quality of life
Demonstrate environmental stewardship
In sum, the goal of thisGreen Building Policy is to promote buildings that are energy efficient, economical
to operate, environmentally responsible, and healthy places to live and work to further enhance the
quality of life in St. Louis Park.
Applicability
The following building construction projects receiving or using City financial assistance should be required
to comply with this Policy:
1.Municipal, Commercial, Hotel, Industrial, and Mixed-Use
a.All new municipal buildings or additions (designed for ongoing occupancy) 15,000
square feet or greater (gross) and renovations 50,000 square feet or greater (gross).
b.All new commercial, industrial, hotel, and mixed-use construction projects, additions
(designed for ongoing occupancy) 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*.
2.Residential
a.All new and renovatedmultifamily residential buildingsreceiving $200,000 or more in
City financial assistance.
b.All new and renovateddetached single family home projectsreceiving $10,000 or
more in City financial assistance.
*City financial assistance is defined as funds derived from the following sources:
City of St. Louis Park
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Housing Improvement Area Loans
Housing Rehabilitation Fund
Reinvestment Assistance Program
Revenue Bonds (private activity bonds are negotiable)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) & Tax Abatement
Housing Authority (HA) Funds
Land Writedowns
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Assistance to Developers and Property Owners
To guide developers and property owners through the development process, the City will offer the
services of staff and experts with in-depth sustainable design experience without charge. These
resources will be made available to answer questions, provide clarifications, make suggestions,
coordinate with area utility company energy efficiency programs,and assist with specific issues related to
meeting Policy requirements.
Green Building Review
The most significant benefits of sustainable buildings and site design are obtained when project design
andconstruction teams take an integrated approach at a project’soutset. Therefore, projects subject to
this Policy shall undergo a Green Building Review at the pre-design or early schematic design stage.
Such a Review requires one or more coordination meetings with staff and consultants to review Policy
requirements and to ensure that a building’s proposed design and equipment are appropriate and
integrated together so as to meet energysavings targets.
Energy Savings and Water Conservation Targets for Municipal, Commercial,Hotel,Industrial &
Mixed-UseBuildings
Municipal, commercial, industrial,hotel, andmixed-use buildings covered by the Green Building Policy
must fulfill the following requirements:
1.Use LEED or B3Guidelinesas a design tool and submit a checklist of creditslikely to be
achieved prior to final TIF, planning and/or permit application. (These tools provide the
framework for assessing proposed building performance and meeting sustainability goals.
They also provide a common language and standard of measurement among all team
players, provide for clear goalsetting and tracking, and inform the City what energy strategies
are to be employed in the project.)
2.Submit an energy model and predicted EUI (energy use intensity) for the project. This can be
completed through participation in an energy efficiency program offered through area utilities
(depending on program funding and eligibility requirements). Such programs provide
customized energy modeling which predicts energy usage, suggests potential energy savings
strategies and estimates energy-cost savings. This process ensures that the building owner
is informed as to what energy-cost savings options exist so as to fully evaluate the life cycle
costs of various building components. This Policy requires projects to meet the MN
Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Standard (SB 2030). The conditions for meeting the
“Energy Standards” are subject to the “Cost Effectiveness” Protocol of SB 2030.
3.Conduct building commissioning per LEED or B3Guidelinesto ensure that newly installed
operating systems are functioning at their maximum capacity and according to their design
efficiencies.
4.Reduce potable water use in building, at least 30% below EPA Policy Act 1992 to conserve
water and water-related costs.
5.Reduce water use for landscaping, at least 50% less than a traditionally irrigated site using
typical water consumption for underground irrigation system standards.
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6.Recycle at least 75% of actual solid waste of construction materials, excluding demolition
waste, or such materials must be otherwise diverted from landfills or incineration.
7.Improve indoor environmental quality by implementing five or more of the following developer
selected strategies:
a.outdoor air delivery monitoring
b.construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management plan
c.low-emitting materials (adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpeting, and
composite woods)
d.indoor chemical & pollutant source control
e.controllability of systems (lighting and thermal comfort)
f.thermal comfort (design and verification)
g.daylight 75% of spaces
h.views for 90% of spaces
8.Implement current Best Management Practices for handling stormwater on-site to meet
current Cityand local watershed management organization requirements. The use of roofs
and tanks for management and treatment is encouraged. The collection and reuse of
stormwater for irrigation is also encouraged. Stormwater management and treatment should
be designed to allow for ongoing maintenance and operation as well as efficiency and
aesthetic appearance.
9.Report to the City actual energy use(kBtu/SF/year) for 3 years (new buildings) or 1 year prior
and 2 years followingrenovation ofexisting buildings, through the B3 Benchmarking system.
(In order to reduce energy usage it is critical that building owners be fully cognizant of how
much energy they are actually consuming. Tracking these results will help monitor the results
from the measures taken above as well as incent building owners to seek additional energy
efficiencies.)
10.Report to the City actual water use(gallons/occupant/day) for 3 years (new buildings) or 1
year prior and 2 years following renovation of existing buildings, through the B3
Benchmarking system.
11.Obtain a written cost estimate for achieving “green” certification by at least one third party
sustainable building program so as to enable building owners to more fully determine the
cost/benefit of such certification.
Energy Savings and Water Conservation Targets for Residential Buildings
The range of single family and multifamily renovations and new construction varies significantly as do the
funding sources for projects. The desire is that principles of green building: integrated design process;
energy efficiency and water conservation measures; resource efficiency - materials that are beneficial to
the environment; indoor environmental quality; and sustainable operations and maintenance be
incorporated in residential projects where practical.
Residential projects receiving City assistance are subject to the Green Building Policy and arerequired to
meet the following:
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Single Family Renovations
1.Owners of single family homes undergoing renovation that receive City financial assistance are
required to have an audit conducted by a utility company or independent approved Home Energy
Rating System (HERS) auditor. An audit conducted within the past five years will be accepted.
Utility sponsored audits are available for a nominal fee and provide residents information to
conserve energy.
2.Low-Income homeowners undergoing home improvements using City funds will be directed to the
local Department of Energy Low-Income Weatherization Provider which provides “no cost” audits.
The audit must be scheduled before the work proceeds, and conducted as soon as possible by
the local Department of Energy Low-Income Weatherization Provider. In emergencies, the work
atthese homes may proceed before the audit is actually conducted.
Multifamily New Construction/Renovation
1.New Construction and/or renovation of multifamily buildings are required to participate in one of
the multifamily design assistance programs offered through area utilities. Maintenance rehab
projects will be reviewed to determine if the design assistance programs are applicable to the
scope of work. Such programs provide developers with customized design assistance on how to
increase the energy efficiency of their proposed buildings.
2.Affordable housing projects and/or housing rehabilitation projects that leverage City funds with
MN Housing and its funding partners are required to comply with MN Green Communities
standards which are reviewed by MN Housing.
3.Multifamily buildings with individually metered units must include in the tenant lease authorization
for the release of utility bills to the landlord to facilitate building energy use reporting
requirements.
4.Obtain a written cost estimate for achieving “green” certification by at least one third party
sustainable building program so as to enable building owners to more fully determine the
cost/benefit of such certification.
5.New construction and/or renovation of multifamily buildings are required to authorize release of,
or submit actual energy use(kBtu/SF/year) and actual water use(gallons/occupant/day). New
construction is required to report for three years. Renovated multifamily buildings arerequired to
report for one year prior to and twoyears following project completion.Energy and water use
shall be reported through the Green Building Policy tracking spreadsheet or EnerChange
program (for non-profit developers).
Coordination with City Financial Assistance Programs
In order to coordinate this Policy with the City’s financial assistance programs:
Additional points will be awarded to projects that meet any of the following within the EDA’s Tax
Increment Finance and Redevelopment Assistance criteria:
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1.United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) standards (New Construction or Core and Shell) – Silver level or higher (3 pts),
Certified (2 pts) or
2.State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines (3 pts)
Preference will be given to projects that meet any of the following within the City’sHousing Improvement
Programs:
1.Minnesota Green Communities - Compliant or
2.Minnesota GreenStar – Silver, Certified or
3.LEED for Homes (H) –Silver, Certified
Green Building Certification
Many redevelopment projects lend themselves to green certification by independent third parties and the
City strongly encourages the projects it completes and financially supports to pursue such certification to
verify that the buildings meet the highest green building and performance measures.
The City recognizes, in certain cases, that the cost of obtaining the actual certificate may not provide an
adequate return on investment. Redevelopment projects, by their very nature, often have their own
unique set of circumstances. Therefore, the City will encourage certification or third party review but will
be flexible in requiring it. This measured approach is designed to be both environmentally proactive and
economically practical.
Community Outreach
In order to further the goal of this Policy, the City will also implement community outreach efforts to further
educate the public as to the benefits of green building practices, techniques, and resources. Such efforts
will utilize the City’s existing staff and promotional resources. Specific audiences to be targeted will be
single family homeowners, neighborhood organizations, and multifamily housing owners as well as
businesses and private developers.
All projects subject to this Policy, and which incorporate green improvements as a result, will be highly
encouraged to showcase those projects upon completion so that others may benefit from lessons learned
and be encouraged to make similar sustainable improvements.
Other Provisions
The requirements of this Policy may be waived, in whole or in part, by the EDA &/or City Council after
consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of a waiver, and upon demonstration by the
developer of a compelling public purpose. Applicable portions of this Policy are contingent upon
availability of related energy savings and design programs at participating utility companies. This Policy
may be amended or discontinued without prior notice.
Adopted by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and the City of St. Louis Park February
16, 2010. Updated September 16, 2014
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