Blue Earth County, MN, Invests in Energy Efficiency, Unlocking $1.14M in Guaranteed Savings

Blue Earth County, Minnesota, recently marked the completion of a countywide energy efficiency project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating years of planning, collaboration and investment in sustainability. Delivered in partnership with McKinstry, the $5.4 million project reflects the county’s commitment to modernizing public infrastructure while reducing energy use, operational costs and environmental impact.

The project spans five county-owned facilities and was delivered through a guaranteed energy performance contract. Upgrades were completed at the Government Center, Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Library and the new Public Works facility. Together, the improvements are expected to generate $1.14 million in guaranteed savings over the life of the systems while supporting the county’s broader sustainability goals.

“This project represents a major milestone for Blue Earth County,” said John Neville, business development director for McKinstry. “It shows what’s possible when long-term planning, community values and innovative delivery models come together. The ribbon cutting for the new Public Works facility was another opportunity to honor the teamwork behind it and the benefits it will deliver for years to come.”

A significant portion of the project was funded through $4.33 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, making it the first energy project in Minnesota to receive federal funding through this process. The funding enabled the county to take a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency rather than pursuing individual upgrades in isolation.

At the center of the project is the county’s new Public Works facility, designed to achieve near-net-zero energy performance. The facility features rooftop solar, high-efficiency facility systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and advanced controls.

Additional improvements include LED lighting upgrades and the installation of EV charging stations across multiple facilities. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.3 million pounds while improving resilience and operational efficiency across county operations.

The project was recognized as Minnesota Sustainability Project of the Year in 2023 and serves as a model for other local governments seeking to leverage federal funding and performance contracting to meet sustainability goals.

By pairing energy savings with predictable costs and verified performance, Blue Earth County positioned itself to reinvest long-term savings into public services while reducing exposure to future energy price volatility.

As the county looks ahead, the completed project stands as a visible example of how public-sector partnerships can deliver measurable results, community benefits and lasting impact.