Sustainable Building Practices
Construction Code Services supports sustainable building practices on many levels. We recognize the need to support and promote Green technologies as an increasingly important part of our building future.
- Construction Code Services has procedures for reviewing alternative building methods not found in the building code. We are here to help you build Green.
- Several staff members have attained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation.
- Green Training & Education for Staff
- Structural Concrete Design
- Structural Insulated Panel Systems
- Geothermal heat pump technologies
- Solar applications
- Wind energy
- Energy codes
- Ventilation methods
- Green building standards
- Radon mitigation.
2013 Green Building Events
February 8 - 10
MINNEAPOLIS LAKE HOME & CABIN SHOW
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com
February 20 - 21
CERTs 2013 CONFERENCE
Community Driven Clean Energy - working to create a clean energy future
Location: St Cloud
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
February 26 - 27
DULUTH ENERGY DESIGN CONFERENCE
One of the Midwest's premier "green building" conferences.
www.duluthenergydesign.com
April 13
SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS HOUSING FAIR
New Location: Minneapoolis Sports Center, 2121 East Lake Street
www.facebook.com/pages/south-minneapolis-housing-fair
May 21
MRES 19th ANNUAL SOLAR BOAT REGATTA
Location: Lake Phalen Beach House, St Paul
www.zvents.com/st_paul_mn/events/show
August 4 - 9
ECOLOGICAL SOIETY OF AMERICA ANNUAL MEETING 2013
Sustainable trends in the future of Planet Earth
Location: Minneapolis, MN
www.esa.org/minneapolis
August 18 - 21
2013 INTERNATIONAL LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM
A collaborative conference focused on urban water quality
Location: St Paul, MN
www.cce.umn.edu/
August 22 - September 2
ECO EXPERIENCE AT THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/living-green
Transforming your property into a Green Building
Green Building Ideas for Existing Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings are responsible for approximately 20% of the annual energy consumption in the US. That number can be improved upon not just by building new efficient buildings, but also by green retrofits of our existing buildings.
The following handouts provide comprehensive information for transforming your commercial property into a Green building. (Many of the ideas apply to residential property too).
Managing your building's energy (pdf)
Green your HVAC system (pdf)
Green Plumbing (pdf)
Lighting options (pdf)
Roofs, windows and walls (pdf)
Alternative energy systems (pdf)
Gray water (pdf)
Resources (pdf)
Other Sites for Green Commerical Buildings
Tool base Services
Whole Building Design Guide
US Green Building Council
Alliance for Sustainability
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Department of Energy
Green Building Ideas for Residential Buildings
Many green options cost the same as conventional construction. Most of the ones that cost more will save you money in lower energy bills or lower maintenance bills over the lifetime of the investment.
Green Building for Residential Property
Green Building Options
Green Buildings Options Checklist Handout (pdf)
New Owners Energy Saving Tips (pdf)
Guide to Energy Efficient Appliances
City of Minneapolis sites with Green Living information
Commerical recycling ordinance
Residential recycling program
Minneapolis Transportation
Farmers Markets
Minneapolis Rain-Gardens
Green Building-Demolition, Deconstruction and Recycling of construction debris
Almost all portions of a house or building can be re-used or recycled. The following sites can direct you to where to take construction debris and salvage:
- Eureka Recycling Information on recycling and safe disposal guide for common items
- Green Guardian Re-use and salvage
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency General info and construction debris recycling:
MN PCA Construction and Demolition Debris Information
MN PCA Construction and Demolition Debris Markets
Financial Incentives for Building Green
City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Programs
CPED Energy Efficiency Business Loan Program
CPED 2% Loan Program
CPED 2% Loan Program-commercial
Energy Efficiency Improvement Program Trillion BTU Program (pdf)
State of Minnesota Energy Information Center
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loans for Homeowners Energy Savings Rebate
State of Minnesota $olar funding available MN Solar Funding
Xcel Energy Rebates and Incentives Xcel Energy Rebates and Incentives
Center Point Rebates and Incentives CenterPoint Energy Rebates and Incentives
Solar Energy—Renewable Energy
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
Solar Systems-Residential Check List
Last updated Jan. 29, 2013