Best of B3 Recognition 2021

The State of Minnesota is leading the nation in requiring 80% more energy efficient State buildings in an effort to have all State construction carbon neutral by 2030. Designed to increase energy efficiency and sustainability, the State of Minnesota’s Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond (B3) programs were developed for and are required on State-funded projects in Minnesota.

On April 14, 2021, the fifth Best of B3 Recognition event was held virtually to recognize the achievements of B3 program participants. In addition to the presentation of award winners, this event featured virtual tours of B3 projects located in greater MN including: Fergus Falls Public Library, Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf – Wilkins Hall, and St. Cloud State University – Eastman Hall.

Best of B3 2021 Award Winners

The winners in each category were selected by a committee made up of staff from the CSBR and the Departments of Administration and Commerce.

Best of B3 Design: 

The DNR Area Office, Glenwood, minimized impacts by using local, durable, and long-lasting materials and reduced energy consumption by maximizing the site’s daylighting, geothermal, and solar energy potential. The project uses pervious pavers, retention ponds, and native plants to reintroduce a more sustainable habitat that manages stormwater while providing other ecosystem benefits.

Image provided by DNR Area Office, Glenwood

Best of Sustainable Buildings 2030:

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Saint Paul Opportunity Center & Dorothy Day Residence takes advantage of district energy opportunities, a tightly sealed envelope, natural daylighting, and strategically placed chilled beam terminal units for the HVAC system to use an estimated 77% less energy per square foot than the average building.

Image credit: Brandon Stengel, FarmKid Studios

Best of B3 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) – Classroom/Lab:

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Clinical Sciences Building was designed to respond to the unique environmental conditions for its diverse mix of occupancy types. Based on student responses to a post-occupancy survey, an IEQ score of 6.21 (on a scale from 1 to 7) was achieved.

Image provided by Minnesota State University, Mankato Clinical Sciences Building

Image provided by the City of Roseville

Best of B3 Benchmarking – Local Government: 

The City of Roseville tracks energy use from 12 buildings, totaling nearly 230,000 sf. The City has worked to expand solar energy generation on government building rooftops and ensured newer buildings have higher sustainability standards. In 2019, the City used 29% less energy than the benchmark in 2019, a 4% reduction from the previous year.

Image provided by Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Jackson Campus

Best of B3 Benchmarking – Higher Education:

Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Jackson Campus, tracks energy use for 8 buildings, comprised of nearly 120,000 sf. The campus strategically planned retrofits and installation of LED lighting and adjusted systems based on closely tracked facility use patterns and class schedules. In 2019, the Jackson campus used 31% less energy than the benchmark in 2019, a 7% reduction from the previous year.

Image provided by Pine Island Public Schools

Best of B3 Benchmarking – Public Schools:

Pine Island Public Schools tracks operational energy use for two buildings, amounting to over 300,000 sf. To improve efficiency, Pine Island underwent an overhaul of their steam heating system, and lighting was updated to LEDs. In 2019, the District used 41% less energy than the benchmark in 2019, a reduction of 8% from the previous year.