Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to soon sign a bill that would change the state’s commercial building code so that new structures would use 80% less energy when compared to a 2004 baseline standard.
The legislation aims for full implementation of the new code by 2036. The bill had been debated for several years before clean energy groups, unions, utilities, and industry representatives coalesced to support it this legislative session.
Minnesota’s commercial code covers larger multifamily projects but not single-family homes or smaller residential properties. Upgrading commercial energy codes is expected to unlock federal aid for state energy efficiency initiatives.
The legislature is also considering numerous climate and clean energy proposals that include major investments in weatherization, public transit, and electric vehicle incentives.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | Dec 5, 2018
Apartment community connects friends and neighbors through indoor-outdoor amenities
Hubbard Place is a 44-story, 450-unit apartment community in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, an established tech hub in the downtown area. The building has an entire floor dedicated to communal and entertainment amenities.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 26, 2018
Yarn works: Neverending yarn
111-year-old mill becomes a mixed-income multifamily community.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 20, 2018
Designs unveiled for new residential tower in Honolulu
Studio Gang pays homage to sugarcane plants that were once prevalent in this area.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 14, 2018
BIG’s ‘wooden hillside’ residential building in Stockholm officially opens
The building spans 270,000 sf.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2018
A new Joint Center report finds aging Americans less prepared to afford housing
The study foresees a significant segment of seniors struggling to buy or rent on their own or with other people.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 26, 2018
Future proofing multifamily housing amenities for Generation Z
How does a multifamily property developer or operator make a smart investment in amenities that will give the project long-term value?
Multifamily Housing | Oct 23, 2018
A threesome of transit-oriented projects
Developers and their project teams are recognizing the value of walkability, convenient neighborhood services, and transit access, as these three TODs demonstrate.
Wood | Oct 19, 2018
Design revealed for mass-timber residential tower in Milwaukee
The developer is confident that the city will approve construction, which is scheduled to start next year.
Mixed-Use | Oct 15, 2018
35-story mixed-use tower will be tallest residential building in Long Beach
Studio One Eleven designed the tower.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 10, 2018
Affordable treasures
This year’s prestigious Gold Nugget Awards honor four projects that provide affordably priced housing for homeless families, seniors, and veterans.
