Minnesota’s Comprehensive Energy Savings Plan for State Facilities requires projects to exceed the January 2004 state energy code by 30%. In addition, project managers must have 2% of a building’s total energy use come from wind or solar power. If this is not achievable, the project manager must provide a full cost and carbon analysis to demonstrate why renewable energy systems are not cost-effective for the project. Building operators are also required to purchase equipment that meets ENERGY STAR criteria. State bond-funded building construction or renovation can spend up to 5% of allocated funds for solar PV or solar thermal systems with a capacity of 40 kilowatt (kW) or less which are made in Minnesota. Finally, Minnesota state facilities are required to reduce energy consumption by 90% by 2025 from 2003 levels.
