The project objective is to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce emissions in existing large public, commercial and multifamily buildings through building performance standards towards…

The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $8,500,000 Project Grant under the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training and Technical Analysis/Assistance program (CFDA 81.117) to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources. The project aims to improve the energy efficiency and reduce emissions of existing large public, commercial, and multifamily buildings in Minnesota through the design and implementation of a successful and equitable building performance standard (BPS) program. Key goals include providing buildings with adequate technical and financial resources, creating accessible compliance processes, and leveraging updated building energy codes to drive initial efficiency and decarbonization strategies. The project, with a performance period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, is part of Minnesota's broader effort to achieve its 2050 goal of net-zero economy-wide emissions. The Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, specifically Mesabi Range College, is identified as a sub-awardee on this project, which may involve workforce training and other educational initiatives related to energy efficiency and clean energy.

The project objective is to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce emissions in existing large public, commercial and multifamily buildings through building performance standards towards achieving minnesota's 2050 goal of net zero economy-wide emissions. Specific project goals include: goal 1: design a successful and equitable BPS that drives energy and emissions savings. Goal 2: provide buildings adequate technical and financial resources. Goal 3: create compliance processes that are accessible and understandable. Goal 4: allow new codes to drive initial efficiency and decarbonization strategies where IT is most cost advantageous.