Green building case studies
On This Page
Minnesota case studies
These links provide examples of the many buildings in Minnesota designed and constructed using green building guidelines, standards, rating systems and/or certification programs.
Commercial, institutional, multi-family and single family residential
U.S. Green Building Council – Minnesota Chapter Case Studies
The Minnesota Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has developed a series of high-quality, printable PDF fact sheets about buildings in Minnesota which have received LEED certification under the new construction, existing buildings operations & maintenance, commercial interiors, schools, or homes rating systems. Additional case studies are being developed and added frequently.
Energy Innovation Corridor Project Showcase
Read case studies about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects along the 11-mile corridor from downtown Minneapolis to downtown Saint Paul.
Passive House Alliance Minnesota Projects
Learn more about a sampling of Passive House projects built in Minnesota and the surrounding region.
Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 Case Studies
Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 (SB 2030) was initiated by the Minnesota Legislature in the spring of 2008 and modeled on the national Architecture 2030 program. SB 2030 outlines specific performance targets (Energy Standards) for Minnesota buildings until 2030. Every five years, the total carbon emissions from the operations of buildings is to be reduced so that in 2030 a 100% reduction (net zero carbon) is achieved. Projects that receive state-bond-funding also must comply with the State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines.
Minnesota GreenStar Certified Green Homes and Remodeling Projects
This Minnesota-designed green certification program with third-party verification takes a whole-building approach by applying the five key concepts of green building programs (energy efficiency, resource efficiency and durability, indoor environmental quality, water conservation, and site and community) to the eight components of the traditional building process (outdoor and site, building envelope and systems, mechanicals, electrical and lighting, plumbing systems and fixtures, finish materials and coatings, waste management) using the Minnesota GreenStar Checklist and Manual.
Eco-Home at Hawk Ridge
This solar model home in Duluth demonstrates energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building. Initially the home was used for demonstration and educational purposes, funded by a small Environmental Assistance Grant from MPCA. The design and construction methods serve as an example of how to build low-energy, high performance homes with attention to conservation and health of people and the environment. Visit the web site for drawings and detailed information about modeled energy performance, technologies and materials, and passive solar design.
More local government green buildings
Dakota County Sustainable Buildings
The county has created long-lasting buildings that were systematically planned, designed, constructed, and now operated to create minimal impact to the environment. Their website provides case studies of buildings that have implemented the Dakota County Sustainable Design and Sustainability Standards since they were adopted in 2001.
Minneapolis Sustainable Facility Case Studies
The City of Minneapolis is building facilities that are sustainable and efficient. From conception to completion, the buildings featured in these case studies are meant to be environmentally friendly by incorporating practices that help reduce overall energy consumption, water use, water runoff, construction waste, and materials used.
Award winning projects
AIA/COTE Annual Top Ten Green Projects
The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment believes that the best architecture integrates the natural and built environments in a way that improves and sustains quality of life. COTE selects their annual Top Ten Green Projects based on such criteria as site, ecosystem, design process, community connection, high performance, low energy use, water conservation, and materials and resources.
