How were the listed rating systems selected?

The policy aims to cover a broad spectrum of sustainability areas including energy, water, waste, and materials. The listed rating systems were selected because they achieve that aim and because they are used in similar policies by other cities in the region. Creating regional consistency helps to improve implementation efficiency and lower costs. As rating systems are constantly evolving, the policy is designed for flexibility with other equivalent rating systems being allowed as approved by the city for an individual development. These two tables describe the rating systems and Northfield Green Requirements (NGR) standards:

Rating systems

Rating systemApplicable developmentsCertification bodyDescription

B3

Commercial, multifamily

University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR)

Minnesota-specific rating system. Developed originally for state of Minnesota bonded projects. It is available now for all developments for a fee. 

Categorizes requirements by:

  • Performance management
  • Site and water
  • Energy and atmosphere
  • Indoor environmental quality
  • Materials and waste

LEED

Commercial, multifamily, single family

US Green Building Council

Globally recognized rating system. It is available for all developments for a fee.

Categorizes requirements by:

  • Location and transportation
  • Sustainable sites
  • Materials and resources
  • Indoor environmental quality
  • Water efficiency
  • Energy and atmosphere

Green Communities

Multifamily

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for projects receiving their funding; otherwise Enterprise

Enterprise Green Communities is a national rating system targeted at multifamily. It is available for multifamily developments for a fee. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency requires implementation of and provides technical resources for the Minnesota version of that standard for projects it funds.

Categorizes requirements by:

  • Integrative design
  • Location and neighborhood fabric
  • Site improvement
  • Water
  • Operating energy
  • Materials
  • Healthy living environment
  • Operations, maintenance, resident engagement

ParkSmart

Parking structures

Green Business Certification

Globally deployed rating system. It is available for parking developments for a fee. 

Categorizes requirements by:

  • Management
  • Programs
  • Technology and structure design
  • Innovation


Northfield Green Requirements (NGR) standards

NGR requirementStandardApplicable developmentsCertification bodyDescription

Energy efficiency

Sustainable Buildings 2030 (SB2030)

Commercial, multifamily

University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR)

Minnesota-specific performance standard following the Architecture 2030 model that seeks net zero energy construction by the year 2030. In 2021, the standard is 80% more efficient than the same building built to code in 2006. Prescriptive path is available.

Energy efficiency

Zero Energy Ready Homes

1 to 3 unit residential

U.S. Department of Energy

National standard targeting small residential with both prescriptive and performance based paths.

Renewable energy

B3 Guideline E.2

Commercial, multifamily, single family

US Green Building Council

Evaluate the feasibility of sourcing 2% of energy load with on-site renewables. Install if cost-effective per B3 guideline.

Show All Answers

1. What developments does this policy apply to?
2. Why use a third-party rating system? Will this increase the cost of development?
3. How does the city have the authority to do this policy? Is this a code?
4. How were the listed rating systems selected?
5. How does this policy relate to the ever-evolving rating system versions and energy code?
6. How many projects does this apply to?
7. What happens if a developer chooses not to the follow the policy? What happens if the project doesn’t certify under the chosen requirements?
8. Can the city reduce taxes for homeowners if they choose to do this type of building?
9. What if a project can’t meet some requirements due to factors that are outside of project control (for example Green Communities requires public transportation locations nearby)?
10. Is the city considering specific incentives for the sustainable building policy?