B3 Version 3.0:

Projects beginning the Schematic Design phase on or after July 1, 2017 are required to use Version 3.0 of the B3 Guidelines:

Download B3 Guidelines Version 3.0

In order to accommodate these new guidelines the tracking tool will be updated, with expected release in July. Projects using previous versions will still be accommodated by the tracking tool. The B3 Guidelines website is currently also being updated to reflect these guideline changes.

 

Determining which B3 Guidelines Version to Use

If the B3 Guidelines are applicable to a project (or the guidelines are being used on a voluntary basis) check below to see which version of the guidelines applies. Projects are allowed to use a later version of the B3 Guidelines. This is sometimes advantageous, particularly as most updates are provided for clarification rather than performance requirement changes.

For Major Renovations Path:
The B3 Guidelines are required for projects funded directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Minnesota bond monies after January 1, 2009.

Major renovations projects beginning Schematic Design on or after May 1, 2013 and before July 1, 2017 are required to use Version 2.2 of the guidelines, though projects may elect to use version 3.0. Major renovation projects beginning Schematic Design phase before May 1, 2013 are allowed to use Version 2.1 of the guidelines. Exceptions are allowed if a Major Renovations project has completed Design Development Phase before February 23, 2009 (when the guidelines for Major Renovations were released), and which received new or additional bond funding after January 1, 2009.

For New Construction Path:
The B3 Guidelines are required for projects funded directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Minnesota bond monies after January 1, 2004.

Projects that have submitted a B3 Guidelines Schematic Design or later phase B3 Guidelines (B3-MSBG) tracking report (spreadsheet version) by December 31, 2009 may continue with their current version of the guidelines. Other projects beginning Schematic Design phase before May 1, 2013 are allowed to use Version 2.1.

Projects beginning Schematic Design on or after May 1, 2013 and before July 1, 2017 are required to use are required to use Version 2.2 of the guidelines, though projects may elect to use version 3.0.

Notes:
While a team may not know if a project will receive bond funds in the future, any project team that believes that bond funds may be applied for later should be following B3 Guidelines as many requirements are easier to incorporate in early phases. Projects in Predesign, Site Selection, and earlier phases should be considering B3 Guidelines if they expect to apply for bond funds. Also see the State of Minnesota PreDesign Manual for reference.

There is also a separately legislated requirement that all bond-funded projects meet MN Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Requirements if they have not already started the Schematic Design Phase on August 1, 2009. B3 Guidelines Version 2.1 and later incorporates the SB 2030 energy requirement for those projects, but also allows older projects to use the former B3 Guidelines energy requirements. This allows projects to upgrade to the more fully featured Version 2.1 and 2.2 independent of whether or not they are subject to SB 2030.

The B3-State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3 Guidelines, formerly B3-MSBG) are created and led by the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota in collaboration with LHB Inc., and The Weidt Group for the State of Minnesota Department of Commerce and Department of Administration.

For questions and assistance regarding your project, compliance, the B3 Guidelines Tracking Tool and other technical and application support, please contact Pat Smith at 612-626-9709 or at guidelines@b3mn.org.

 

Older Versions of the Guidelines:

B3-MSBG Version 2.1 was the active version for New Construction projects receiving bond money prior to 2013. Depending on the project schedule, this version may still be used, however there are advantages to upgrading to Version 2.2. Version 2.1 is available at www.b3mn.org/guidelines/archive/version2_1.

B3-MSBG Version 2.0 was the active version for New Construction projects receiving bond money prior to 2009. Depending on the project schedule, this version may still be used, however there are advantages to upgrading to Version 2.1. Version 2.0 is available at www.b3mn.org/guidelines/archive/version2_0.

B3-MSBG Version 1.1 was the active version for New Construction projects receiving bond money from 2004 to 2006. Though rarely applicable, depending on the project schedule, this version may still be used, however there are advantages to upgrading to Version 2.0. Version 1.1 is available at www.b3mn.org/guidelines/archive/version1_1.