Minnesota

Advocacy Opportunities

Status

Explanations

Residential:

Minnesota has a mandatory statewide residential energy code, Chapter 1322 (based on the 2006 IRC) of the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code, which became effective on June 1, 2009.

Commercial:

Minnesota has a mandatory statewide commercial energy code. Effective June 1, 2009, buildings must comply with Chapter 1323 (based on ASHRAE 90.1-2004) of the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code.

Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process

There is no set schedule for reviewing and updating the energy codes, but Minnesota's Administrative Procedures Act provides for a minimum update process of 18 months.

Create a Regulatory Process

The Building Codes and Standards Division delivers an executive summary of the proposed rule changes to the Office of the Governor. Following the Governor’s and Office of the Revisor of Statute’s approvals, a Notice of Adoption is published in the state register. Minnesota’s review procedures require a formal public hearing only if requested by 25 or more individuals.

Improve Compliance

Residential:

Minnesota code establishes minimum submittal requirements including R-values, equipment efficiencies, and lighting components. Field inspections are required prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Commercial:

All commercial structures and high-rise residential buildings are required to comply with the state commercial energy code using one of three compliance paths. Requirements to submit plans for review and requirements for stamping by a registered engineer or architect are the same as those required in the IECC.

COMcheck is not yet available for the new commercial energy code (Chapter 1323), but commercial building envelope and lighting compliance can be readily determined by available tools. The envelope requirements of the new commercial energy code are not difficult to determine from the two tables (one for northern and the other for southern Minnesota) in Part 1323.0550. The lighting requirements of the code are identical to ASHRAE 90.1-2004, with the exception of exterior building grounds and parking lot lighting (Part 1323.0944). To demonstrate lighting compliance, simply start COMcheck and select "Code: 90.1 (2004) Standard" for all but building grounds and parking lot lighting.

Eliminate Weakening Amendments

Add Strengthening Amendments

Allow Innovation at the Local Level

Set Milestones Established

Adopt Green Codes

City Wide Program:
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Municipal Building Standard, 2006

Program Description:
New municipal buildings or major renovations 10,000 ft2 or larger must be certified LEED Silver.  

Energy Standard:
Commercial LEED Certification:  below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.