B3 Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Standards

The B3 Sustainable Building 2030 (SB 2030) Energy Standard is a progressive energy conservation program designed to significantly reduce the energy and carbon in Minnesota commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. Based on the national Architecture 2030 program, program, SB 2030 has been tailored to the needs of Minnesota buildings. The SB 2030 Energy Standard for all projects beginning design between 2010 and 2014 was set at 60 percent below that of an average building. In 2015, the standard became 70 percent better, and in 2020 80 percent better. The SB 2030 Energy Standard is required on all projects that receive general obligation bond funding from the State of Minnesota. SB 2030 can also be used on a voluntary basis on any project. If the B3 Guidelines are used, the SB 2030 Energy Standard is automatically included in the process. Data collected as part of the B3 and SB 2030 programs will be publicly accessible, including on the B3 Case Study Database (more information below).

Compliance with the SB 2030 Standard is achieved by a combination of on-site renewable energy generation and energy efficiency. Projects beginning with those required to meet the 2020-2024 Standard must meet both an energy and carbon standard, implement renewables based on a hierarchical approach and and use the same standard for renovations as new construction. For further information on which renewable energy systems can contribute to meeting an SB 2030 Standard please see the program updates white paper or contact B3 Guidelines Support.

B3 Case Studies Database

The B3 Case Studies Database provides design and performance information on projects using the B3 Guidelines and the SB 2030 Energy Standard. Each project case study includes a Scorecard with several performance metrics including energy, carbon, water, stormwater, and waste. The case study also includes an SB 2030 Label indicating the projects Energy Use Intensity (EUI) during design and actual performance.