Hopkins Sustainable Building Policy

Cities throughout Minnesota seek to improve public health, environmental justice, and environmental and economic sustainability. Many cities are taking advantage of building-related strategies to reduce carbon emissions and waste, protect natural resources, and mitigate stormwater runoff. With a sustainable building standard, cities can use public financing and their authority over land use to make meaningful progress toward achieving their sustainability goals. 

Leveraging financial and land use incentives, a sustainable building policy establishes minimum sustainability criteria that go beyond existing state code for new construction and redevelopment. Included sustainability criteria typically target reducing pollution and conserving resources. This policy would be voluntary for developments not seeking those incentives. 

To support our action plan goals and building investment, the City of Hopkins adopted a Sustainable Building Policy on April 15, 2025.

What are the Benefits?

  • Supports Hopkins' Energy Action Plan goal of cutting an extra 40% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2028, saving the community $1.9 million and reducing an additional 2,008 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent compared to business as usual. 
  • Ensures high value of housing and building stock.
  • Provides greater access for high quality, environmentally-friendly housing.
  • Promotes energy independence.

Policy Triggers

The Policy applies to a development if it meets the following criteria:

  • It is new construction AND
  • It has at least 10,000 sq. ft. of non-residential space and/or has 20 or more residents units OR
  • It meets at least one of the following sub-criteria:
    1. It is publicly owned OR
    2. It is receiving discretionary land use

Sustainability Rating Systems

Developers can select from the following third-party rating systems to adhere to the policy:

  • LEED Building Design and Construction or LEED Residential BD+C Multifamily Certified Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
  • State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines Certified Compliant.
  • Enterprise Green Communities Certification or Certification Plus.
  • Other rating systems as approved.

Universal Requirements

In addition to building a sustainability rating system, projects will be asked to:

  • Report predicted greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Evaluate feasibility of: installing a cool or green roof OR sourcing 2% of energy with on-site renewable energy. Install if cost-effective by B3 guidance.
  • Meet EV standard - install or make EV-ready 5-10% of parking spots based on land use type.
  • Evaluate feasibility of activities from low-salt design checklist.