Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish energy performance standards for certain buildings in Minnesota to significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2045.

Main Provisions

• Energy Performance Standards: The bill sets numeric energy use intensity (EUI) standards that covered buildings must meet by 2045. These standards aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 90%.
• Building Types: The standards apply to various building classes, including public and large private buildings.
• Interim and Final Goals: Interim performance metrics must be met every five years, starting in 2028, to ensure gradual progress toward the final 2045 targets.
• Reporting and Compliance: Building owners must report compliance with these standards, and failure to meet them might result in penalties.
• Exceptions and Extensions: Building owners can request extensions, exemptions, or adjustments under certain conditions, such as financial distress or other exceptional situations.
• Technical and Financial Assistance: A technical and financial assistance hub will be created to help building owners meet these requirements. The hub will offer resources like technical guidance and financial support options.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Proposes adding new sections to Minnesota Statutes, specifically, chapter 216C, to codify these energy performance standards.
• Creates a new building energy performance standards program, including a financial assistance grant system to support building owners in achieving energy efficiency targets.

Relevant Terms

• Energy Performance Standards
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
• Interim Performance Metrics
• Multifamily Affordable Housing
• Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• Energy Conservation
• Building Performance Advisory Committee
• Technical and Financial Assistance Hub
• Building Energy Performance Improvement Grants