Saint Paul development one of the only projects in the nation to receive highest designation
from U.S. Green Building Council
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Saint Paul Port Authority announced today that the transformative development at The Heights on Saint Paul’s Greater East Side has achieved LEED Platinum for Communities certification – the highest award possible through the LEED rating system.
“We are beyond proud of receiving this prestigious certification and all that it represents,” said Kristine Williams, senior vice president of real estate and development at the Saint Paul Port Authority and project manager of The Heights development. “We heard loud and clear from the community that they support forward-thinking sustainability solutions on the site, and receiving LEED Platinum for Communities shows that we delivered.”
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. Its Communities certification evaluates plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that contribute to quality of life.
“The Heights is a once-in-a-generation project that stands as a model for climate resiliency and carbon-neutral innovation,” said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “It embodies our commitment to building a better future for East Siders and our entire community. The Port Authority’s leadership in uniting community members and intergovernmental partners has turned this bold vision into our reality.”
The Heights achieved LEED Platinum certification thanks to the cutting-edge solutions being implemented to improve sustainability and the standard of living for community members who will utilize the 112-acre, mixed-use site. This includes the creation of a district geothermal energy system and Minnesota’s first-ever use of an aquifer thermal energy storage system that will provide heating and cooling to several buildings at The Heights. All buildings will also use solar panels, and several electric vehicle charging stations will be installed across the site.
“We are thrilled to be the energy partner at The Heights, creating and eventually co-managing the innovative district geothermal energy system,” said Luke Gaalswyk, president and CEO of Ever-Green Energy. “Projects like these are catalyzing opportunities that demonstrate what is possible while reducing carbon emissions and positively impacting our communities for decades to come.”
Created under the principles of community, opportunity and sustainability, The Heights is raising the bar for eco-urban development with a holistic approach to promoting clean energy, sustainability practices and quality of life. The Heights also represents an unprecedented investment in climate justice – lowering utility costs, increasing access to natural resources and reducing the neighborhood’s carbon footprint.
“Saint Paul’s Greater East Side is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and hardworking families that has for too long been overlooked,” said Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong. “This LEED Platinum certification proves what’s possible when neighbors, partners, and government unite. We create opportunity, spark investment, and grow a future rooted in equity and sustainability. The Heights is living proof of that transformation.”
