Sustainable Building Policy

Sustainable building policies are tools used by local jurisdictions to increase the degree to which new development contributes to improvements in public health, environmental justice, and environmental and economic sustainability. At the end of 2023, the City Council directed staff to develop a Hopkins Sustainable Building Policy.

With the support of funding from Hennepin County and subject matter expertise from staff at the Center for Energy and Environment, staff developed the policy, which was approved as Ordinance 2025-1224 (PDF) at the April 15, 2025 City Council meeting.

Policy Details 

The key components of the Hopkins Sustainable Building Policy include: 

  • Policy Triggers: New construction and redevelopment projects with 20 or more residential units and/or 10,000 square feet of non-residential space AND receive special land use approvals OR receive more than $300,000 in local funding sources that trigger the policy. 
  • Sustainable rating systems: Developments subject to the policy are required to achieve certification from at least one approved third-party sustainable building rating system. Rating systems include LEED, B3 Guidelines, Green Communities, and other systems as approved. 
  • Universal requirements: In addition to building to a sustainability rating system, projects will be asked to report predicted greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate green roof or on-site renewable energy feasibility, meet electric vehicle charging standards and evaluate feasibility of incorporating low-salt design.

Community Benefits

The sustainable building policy supports Hopkins' Energy Action Plan goal of cutting 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 compared to business as usual. 

Community Input and Engagement

Beginning in October 2024, staff undertook a stakeholder engagement process to seek input and feedback regarding the policy. The feedback received through stakeholder engagement was that there is support for a Hopkins Sustainable Building Policy, with emphasis on ensuring compliance costs align with incentives, concerns about cost predictability for developers, and interest in expanding and evaluating certification program options.

Engagement Activities

  • In-person community engagement at the Fire Station Open House on October 12, 2024
  • Discussion at the Hopkins Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on October 22, 2024
  • Discussion at the Hopkins Park Board meeting on October 28, 2024
  • Direct outreach to development community
  • A Public hearing at the Planning and Zoning Commission’s March 25, 2025 meeting.