QUICK SUMMARY
The McKnight Foundation's new headquarters in downtown Minneapolis features a fully decarbonized 45,000-square-foot building, reportedly the first in Minnesota to operate without natural gas. This major retrofit showcases advanced clean energy technologies, including thermal energy tanks that store and release energy for heating and cooling. The foundation aims to serve as a model for sustainable practices in historic buildings.
The McKnight Foundation's new headquarters in downtown Minneapolis features a fully decarbonized 45,000-square-foot building, reportedly the first in Minnesota to operate without natural gas. This major retrofit demonstrates that older buildings can adopt green technologies, addressing a critical need as buildings account for 18% of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. The foundation employed innovative thermal energy tanks, which generate and store ice for cooling during the day and excess heat for winter use. McKnight received $1.5 million in federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, showcasing the financial support available for climate initiatives. The building earned a gold ranking from the U.S. Green Building Council on its LEED scale, reflecting its energy efficiency. McKnight's efforts were inspired by the energy transformations of local grantees, aiming to serve as a resilience hub in the community. The foundation's previous headquarters was nearby, and the new space accommodates larger gatherings, inviting grantees to utilize the facility. Since its opening in May, more than 2,000 guests have visited the building, highlighting its active role in the community.