Make New Minnesota Buildings and Developments Environmentally Sustainable

 

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota are from

buildings, both residential and commercial. The buildings are already regulated under the B3 regulations, but this bill

proposes that any new construction projects over 150 feet tall, and or over 5,000 square feet need to be regulated under

the LEED certification system. This would be enforced and all designs wouldn’t be approved unless they met these

regulations.

 

In a world where the population is constantly growing, new housing is constantly required. This doesn’t mean that those

buildings need to be harming the environment. In Minnesota's goal to have carbon free electricity by 2040, it is

essential to balance the need for building and development projects with environmental sustainability. As both

residential and commercial properties are large contributors to the type of emissions the state is attempting to

eliminate, changing and increasing regulations would be an extreme help. Not only would the LEED certification systems

affect greenhouse gases, but it also enforces rules about water, materials, and indoor air quality.

 

“LEED regulations” shall be defined as a national set of regulations, standing for Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design, that require buildings to demonstrate efficient energy use, including the correct HVAC system, and

sustainable energy sources such as solar panels. It also requires environmentally sound materials, such as those with

highly recycled contents or sourced regionally and ethically. Another LEED requirement is the indoor air quality

control, needing proper ventilation or material selection.

“B3” shall be defined as a Minnesota system of building regulations standing for Buildings, Benchmarks & Beyond. It is

only enforced for state funded projects but other private developments may choose to follow these guidelines if they

wish. They aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, improve occupant health, and enhance the environment

overall. These regulations are much the same as LEEDS only they are tailored to Minnesota's climate and they are not

always enforced.

“The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry” shall be defined as a state run agency that deals with workplace safety

and conditions, youth and apprenticeship programs, and construction permits and licensing.

“Greenhouse Gases” shall be defined as gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, create the greenhouse effect and warm the

planet’s climate. Buildings and other construction projects release a lot of these, especially carbon dioxide.

“Buildings” shall be defined as a permanent structure requiring permits and designs approved by a government, either

city, county, state, or federal.

“Emissions” shall be defined as greenhouse gases put out into the atmosphere due to artificial human influence.

 

The funding for these construction changes and new materials will come from the building's funders, whether that be

state funded buildings which are already required to have environmental laws, private builders, or local governments.

Even though this may make large buildings cost more, it will drastically reduce emissions which would be raised by the

new construction. Builders and designers will be responsible to make sure the building meets these requirements, as a

building of this scale needs to be environmentally sustainable.

 

This bill will be enforced by those who approve and issue building permits. The Minnesota Department of Labor and

Industry handles much of that, but mainly local governments, such as cities or counties each receive the design for the

new building, make sure it meets LEEDS guidelines, and approve the design accordingly.

 

This bill would go into effect in two years, January of 2028. This gives ample time to put these regulations into permit

procedures and new projects to accommodate the requirements.