2004 Minnesota Statutes

     16B.325 Sustainable building guidelines. 

    The Department of Administration and the Department of 
 Commerce, with the assistance of other agencies, shall develop 
 sustainable building design guidelines for all new state 
 buildings by January 15, 2003.  The primary objectives of these 
 guidelines are to ensure that all new state buildings initially 
 exceed existing energy code, as established in Minnesota Rules, 
 chapter 7676, by at least 30 percent.  The guidelines must focus 
 on achieving the lowest possible lifetime cost for new buildings 
 and allow for changes in the guidelines that encourage continual 
 energy conservation improvements in new buildings.  The design 
 guidelines must establish sustainability guidelines that include 
 air quality and lighting standards and that create and maintain 
 a healthy environment and facilitate productivity improvements; 
 specify ways to reduce material costs; and must consider the 
 long-term operating costs of the building, including the use of 
 renewable energy sources and distributed electric energy 
 generation that uses a renewable source or natural gas or a fuel 
 that is as clean or cleaner than natural gas.  In developing the 
 guidelines, the departments shall use an open process, including 
 providing the opportunity for public comment.  The guidelines 
 established under this section are mandatory for all new 
 buildings receiving funding from the bond proceeds fund after 
 January 1, 2004. 

    HIST: 2001 c 212 art 1 s 2