H.F. 2396 Summary

• Establishes a voluntary stretch energy code as an appendix to the State Building Code, with standards conforming to Sustainable Building 2030 requirements for commercial and multifamily residential buildings.

• Requires the Construction Codes Advisory Council to develop the voluntary code, which local jurisdictions may adopt but cannot amend, with a minimum building size threshold of 10,000 square feet.

• Allocates up to $150,000 annually from the existing $500,000 Sustainable Building 2030 contract with the University of Minnesota's Center for Sustainable Building Research to provide technical assistance to jurisdictions adopting the voluntary stretch code.

• Requires utilities to develop conservation improvement programs with design assistance, financial incentives, and verification services available to customers in jurisdictions that adopt the voluntary stretch code.

• Mandates the commissioner report to the legislature every three years beginning January 15, 2010, on the cost-effectiveness and progress of implementing Sustainable Building 2030 standards.