This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the sustainable building guidelines by modifying the purposes, processes, and agency responsibilities associated with these guidelines. Key changes include the addition of definitions for terms such as "capital project," "major renovation," and "new building," as well as the establishment of new objectives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving indoor environmental conditions, and promoting resilience to climate change. The guidelines will now be mandatory for all new buildings and major renovations receiving state funding after May 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Administration to periodically review and update the guidelines, ensuring they remain effective and relevant.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $1,564,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the development and administration of these sustainable building guidelines, including contracting with the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota. The bill also mandates that recipients of direct appropriations for capital improvement projects ensure compliance with the sustainable building guidelines. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16B.325, 16B.335