USGBC Minnesota is committed to creating healthy, sustainable buildings a reality for everyone in Minnesota. We aim to support, promote, educate, and grow the green building industry in both the state of Minnesota and beyond.

Our diverse membership creates a place for everyone in the USGBC Community! Builders, architects, engineers, nonprofit and school professionals, and environmentalists alike provide a depth of knowledge surrounding all areas of the green building industry.

Organization Type: Non-Profit

Locations Served: Minnesota, West North Central Region

Contact: Steph Leonard

Email: sleonard@usgbc.org

Types of Resources Offered:

Professional or Specialty Advice, Connections/Network, Materials, Equipment, or Products

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

 Free, Mostly Free: may require a small participation or materials fee, School Discounted Fee or Cost

Best Practices Ares for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

1. Green Team: Participating districts and schools form a green team made up diverse roles and stakeholders., 5. Green School Strategic Plan: District/School creates a strategic plan and reviews it annually., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders., 7. Advanced Recognition: District/School seek advanced recognition through programs like Green Ribbon, LEED, or others.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

1. Energy Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted energy., 3. Waste Reduction: District/School has very little solid waste and recycles a variety of materials., 4. Material Safety: District/School has very little hazardous waste and safely manages it., 5. Water Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted water indoors and in the school yard., 8. Green Product Purchasing: District/School purchases green products such as recycled office paper, low or non-toxic cleaning supplies, furniture built to green standards, or efficient computers., 9. Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool or bus to school., 10. Transportation Efficiency: District/School has efficient transportation use and reduces its environmental impacts., 11. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

2. Indoor Air Quality: District/School has programs to protect air quality such as using a strong ventilation standard, a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Management Program, an asthma management program, and a no-smoking policy., 3. Indoor Environmental Comfort: School provides comfortable learning spaces in terms of natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, acoustics (sound quality), window views to nature, furniture and equipment.

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

1. Integrated Environmental Education: Environmental education is integrated throughout the curriculum., 2. Outdoor Learning: Outdoor learning experiences are provided ., 3. Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers., 4. Environmental Career Preparation: The curriculum connects to environmental career readiness., 5. Community Projects: Students conduct environmental community engagement projects ., 6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.