Sustainability
Reaching New Heights in Sustainability
Created under the principles of community, opportunity and sustainability, The Heights is setting a new standard for eco-urban development with a holistic approach to promoting clean energy, sustainability practices and quality of life. Pre-certified in LEED for Communities with an innovative district geothermal energy system, The Heights offers unprecedented investment in climate justice, lowering utility costs, increasing access to resources and reducing the neighborhood’s carbon footprint.
Here's How...
Geothermal energy at the heights
Geothermal energy is heat derived from the Earth's interior, specifically from the core and surrounding mantle. It's a renewable energy source, as the Earth's internal heat is constantly replenished by radioactive decay and other geological processes. This heat can be harnessed for various applications like heating, cooling and electricity generation.
The Heights is home to one of the most ambitious clean energy infrastructures in the region: a district-scale geothermal system designed to provide sustainable, carbon-free heating and cooling to buildings across the entire 112-acre site.
This networked geothermal system uses aquifer thermal energy; a first for Minnesota. It works by drawing water from underground aquifers, transferring heat to or from buildings as needed, and then returning the water to the aquifer with minimal energy loss. The system is closed loop, highly efficient and operates year-round, supporting both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
The Heights will have a district energy system to heat and cool multiple buildings. It involves an underground system of pipes that exchange heat with the ground with individual building connected to the system through heat pumps.
LEED For Communities
LEED for Communities provides a comprehensive framework to help The Heights achieve its sustainability, equity and quality-of-life goals. This certification system uses data-driven benchmarks to measure long-term progress in areas like energy, water, waste, health, transportation and social equity. By achieving Platinum-level pre-certification, The Heights is proactively addressing climate resilience, lowering emissions and improving access to opportunity. This recognition ensures the community is built to the highest environmental standards but is also accountable to measurable outcomes that benefit residents, businesses, and the broader East Side for generations to come.
The heights of solar Energy
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN GUIDELINES
At The Heights, we’re not just building structures, we’re shaping a neighborhood rooted in sustainability, economic vitality and inclusive community. Our Development Design Guidelines serve as the blueprint to realize this vision, ensuring that every home, business and public space aligns with the mission to equip and invest in our diverse and thriving community.
These guidelines are grounded in the core values that define The Heights: honoring the rich cultural history of Saint Paul’s Greater East Side, prioritizing clean energy and carbon-neutral infrastructure, creating spaces that feel safe and welcoming and fostering economic opportunity for all.
Habitat Leads the Way in Climate-friendly Housing at The Heights
While Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity works to create, preserve and promote affordable housing in the metro area, they’re also one of the leaders in sustainable homebuilding practices. They’ve already made great strides, but the work at The Heights represents an exciting new level in their sustainability journey.
Smart Energy. Smarter Investment.
At The Heights, our district geothermal system and solar energy installations aren’t just sustainable, they’re strategic. Whether you’re building a home or commercial facility, our innovative green infrastructure will help save businesses and residence money, improve wellness and comfort and support a healthier environment.
Seven Sustainable Benefits for Commercial Property Owners
1. Major Energy Cost Savings
Geothermal and solar reduce operating costs, helping businesses stabilize overhead and reinvest in growth.
2. Boosted Property and Brand Value
Sustainable buildings attract top tenants and customers. Solar arrays and clean-energy systems reflect forward-thinking leadership and environmental commitment.
3. Long-Term Operational Efficiency
Both systems are durable, low-maintenance and designed for long-term savings, delivering consistent performance with fewer disruptions.
4. Emissions Reduction & ESG Alignment
Clean energy systems help meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, supporting corporate responsibility and climate resilience.
5. Incentives & Financial Flexibility
Generous tax incentives and renewable energy credits can improve project ROI and make upgrades more financially viable.
6. Energy Security & Grid Resilience
Solar with battery backup ensures continued operations during grid interruptions, reducing downtime and protecting productivity.
7. Competitive Advantage
Clean energy infrastructure isn’t just good for the planet, it’s a business advantage that attracts talent, reduces costs and future-proofs your investment.
SEVEN SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS FOR Residential PROPERTY OWNERS
1. Major Energy Cost Savings
Geothermal and solar reduce operating costs, helping businesses stabilize overhead and reinvest in growth.
2. Boosted Property and Brand Value
Sustainable buildings attract top tenants and customers. Solar arrays and clean-energy systems reflect forward-thinking leadership and environmental commitment.
3. Long-Term Operational Efficiency
Both systems are durable, low-maintenance, and designed for long-term savings, delivering consistent performance with fewer disruptions.
4. Emissions Reduction & ESG Alignment
Clean energy systems help meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, supporting corporate responsibility and climate resilience.
5. Incentives & Financial Flexibility
Generous tax incentives and renewable energy credits can improve project ROI and make upgrades more financially viable.
6. Energy Security & Grid Resilience
Solar with battery backup ensures continued operations during grid interruptions, reducing downtime and protecting productivity.
7. Competitive Advantage
Clean energy infrastructure isn’t just good for the planet, it’s a business advantage that attracts talent, reduces costs and future-proofs your investment.