As frigid winter temperatures settle across Minnesota, a newly formed coalition of builders and designers is urging a shift in how future homes and commercial buildings are designed, constructed and powered.
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The Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition, recently launched by the nonprofit Fresh Energy, is bringing together construction, architecture and design leaders from across the state to promote high-performance, low-emissions buildings. The group aims to advance best practices, influence building codes and encourage policies that respond to climate change while addressing long-term energy use.
Brian Wessels, founder of Intent Built and a coalition co-chair, said the initiative is meant to spark a renewed discussion within the industry about the purpose and impact of construction decisions.
"Building with purpose is one of the key points that I like to focus on as we start to get momentum - [the question] is just why are we building what we're building and what is the impact?" he explained.
Wessels noted that while LEED certification helped ignite a global movement toward sustainable buildings two decades ago, its influence faded as green design practices became commonplace. He said emerging technologies and a renewed focus on efficiency could help reinvigorate the industry while addressing concerns about upfront costs.
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Coalition leaders point to rising emissions as a driving force behind the effort. According to the group, emissions from Minnesota residential buildings increased 38% from 2005 to 2022, while commercial building emissions rose by 48% over the same period.
Elizabeth Turner, a coalition co-chair and founder of architecture firm Precipitate, said carbon-free mechanical systems such as heat pumps are helping reduce emissions, but thoughtful design remains just as critical.
"For the windows and doors, we make sure that they're the right sizes and [in] locations to, kind of, optimize how we use the sun," she said. "So, letting in the free heat from the sun when we want it, and then blocking it when it's gonna lead to overheating, and we don't want that."
Both Wessels and Turner emphasized the importance of creating an effective building “envelope” that balances insulation, air flow and energy performance. They said these design principles not only reduce emissions and energy costs but can also improve indoor air quality and occupant health.
Turner added that investments in efficient building techniques could provide long-term savings for taxpayers, particularly when applied to public housing and government-funded projects.
The coalition plans to continue engaging industry professionals and policymakers as Minnesota looks to reduce emissions while meeting growing housing and commercial development needs.
Originally reported by Mike Moen | Minnesota News Connection in KAXE.
