Paper: Efficiency First
Minnesota’s Approach to Push the Limits of Efficiency and Narrow the Efficiency Gap in Achieving Net Zero Code Goals
Discover how Minnesota is leading the way in energy efficiency and pursuing achieving ambitious net zero goals for commercial new construction. In this paper led by Center for Energy and Environment, Alex Chase and Shilpa Surana of 2050 Partners and others share their findings in Minnesota’s push to achieve net zero code goals.
Minnesota has set a bold 80% energy reduction goal for new commercial buildings by 2036. To achieve this, the state has formed the Minnesota Advanced Energy Codes Partnership, a collaborative effort focused on developing and implementing innovative strategies. Minnesota’s commitment to energy efficiency is paving the way for a more sustainable future. By implementing innovative strategies and overcoming challenges, the state is demonstrating how ambitious goals can be achieved through collaboration and technological advancements.
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What’s Inside:
- How Minnesota plans to meet one of the nation’s most ambitious commercial energy efficiency goals, without relying on on-site renewables.
- Which building types are driving the state’s energy code strategy, and why mid-rise multifamily is front and center.
- The seven code amendments being explored to make early progress, and the technical rationale behind each.
- Why plug loads may become the next major obstacle to efficiency, and what solutions are being considered.
- What tools, training, and strategies Minnesota is rolling out to ensure energy code compliance actually works in the field.
- How this effort could serve as a blueprint for other non-coastal states aiming to modernize their energy codes.
Why It Matters
Minnesota’s efficiency-first strategy is more than just ambitious, it’s a test case for how far building codes can go to minimize the need for on-site renewables. By combining technical rigor, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear path through the next four four code cycles, this approach demonstrates what’s possible when policy, performance data, and implementation align. As more states and cities consider aggressive climate targets, Minnesota’s model offers practical insights for closing the efficiency gap in real-world conditions.
This paper is especially relevant for:
- Energy code developers and policy advisors
- State and local energy offices
- Utility program administrators
- Commercial building engineers and architects
- Research organizations focused on decarbonization
- Anyone involved in advancing building performance standards
About the Authors and Partnership
This paper was developed through a collaboration between the Center for Energy and Environment, 2050 Partners, and NORESCO. The team brings decades of experience in energy efficiency research and code development, including deep expertise in infrastructure strategy, technical analysis, policy implementation support for high-performance energy codes.
