Climate Champions for Multifamily Buildings

1. Sign up for a free energy assessment from the Multifamily Building Efficiency Program

The Multifamily Building Efficiency Program is a no-cost program offered through CenterPoint and Xcel Energy. Participants in the program will receive a detailed report of top recommendations for your building to save energy and money, free installation of energy-saving devices in common areas and in-unit and receive additional incentives on utility rebates.

Get started by contacting Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at 952.924.2131 or erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov.

2. Apply for the Climate Champions cost share

Once you have been accepted into the Multifamily Building Efficiency Program, it's important to let city sustainability staff know so that you can be preapproved for the Climate Champions for multifamily cost-share program.

After the assessment, you will receive a report detailing energy efficiency improvements and rebate opportunities. When you're ready to move forward with a project(s), apply for preapproval through the Climate Champions cost-share online application for partial reimbursement. At this time, indicate if you're interested in learning more about WaterSense rebates for your property. 

3. Get recognized

Once your property has completed a project, submit a copy of the final utility rebate to receive your partial reimbursement.

Congratulations, you are now a Climate Champion! Your property will receive a Climate Champions window cling, be listed on the city's website and recognized on social media and in the quarterly Park Perspective newsletter.

Below are the eligibility requirements for multifamily buildings to participate in the cost-share program:

• Applicants must complete their project within six months of receiving a program preapproval email. After six months, the funding may be reallocated to another project.
• Projects applying for the cost-share program must be an existing multifamily property located within the City of St. Louis Park.
• A Multi-Family Building Efficiency (MFBE) audit must be completed within five years of and before commencing any work eligible for cost-sharing funds. The dated MFBE report must be attached to the preapproval application.
• In order to qualify for the Multifamily Building Efficiency program, your property must:
  • Have five or more units
  • Receive electric service through Xcel Energy
  • Receive gas service through CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy
  • Have a common entrance, common areas and in-unit kitchens
• Applicant must be the property owner or manager.
• Any projects that were completed before receiving preapproval are not eligible to be placed on the waitlist.

Base rate

• 50% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $3,500 maximum

Any property in the City of St. Louis Park that fulfills the program eligibility criteria.

Electrified HVAC rate

• 75% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $5,000 maximum

Any property in the City of St. Louis Park that fulfills the program eligibility criteria and partially or fully electrifies existing natural gas equipment.

Environmental justice rate

• 100% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $8,000 maximum
  • NOTE: Participants that are eligible for the environmental justice rate are also eligible to receive WaterSense rebates on up to 10 pieces of equipment per property per calendar year, while funds are available. Eligible equipment includes high-efficiency toilets, irrigation controls and EnergyStar washing machines or dishwashers. Visit the water and sewer page to learn more.

Any property in the City of St. Louis Park that provides its rent roll and is found to have at least 66% of its units at an affordable rate.

Note: While we try to fund all projects, funds are limited. Priority will be given to projects that qualify for the environmental justice rate if more than one project is competing for any final fund balance. Visit the racial equity and inclusion page to learn more about the city's race equity efforts.

To apply for the cost-share program, complete the online Climate Champions cost share application. Make sure to upload and attach the Multi-Family Building Efficiency report and a completed W-9 form(PDF, 140KB) to the application.

You will be notified of your application status within 15 business days of receipt. 

1. Apply for pre-approval 

To apply for the cost-share program, complete the online Climate Champions cost share application. Make sure to upload and attach the Multi-Family Building Efficiency report and a completed W-9 form(PDF, 140KB) to the application.

You will be notified of your application status within 15 business days of receipt.

2. Begin design or construction

After your application has been approved, you must complete your project no more than six months after receiving an application for preapproval. After six months, the funding may be reallocated to another project.

3. Submit rebate checks

Submit a copy of your utility rebate check(s) to erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov by Dec. 31, 2026.

4. Receive cost-share payments

Cost-share payments will be issued to the applicant within 60 business days of receiving the required documentation.

5. Program recognition

A window cling will also be mailed to the applicant when cost-share payments are issued.

The applicant will be listed in the quarterly Park Perspective newsletter. They will also be recognized on the city's website and social media, unless the applicant requests otherwise.

The following are program rules and procedures:

• The City of St. Louis Park reserves the right to revoke the funding if the property owner or contractor violates program rules and procedures.
• Funds are allocated based on what's approved in the application. In the event the project size increases or decreases, the applicant is responsible for working with their contractor(s) to submit an updated application to the city. Any additional cost-share funds must be approved by the city's program administrator.
• The applicant is responsible for arranging all upfront project financing.
• When annual cost share reimbursements exceed $600, the city is required to issue a 1099 form to the cost share recipient and report the payment to the IRS as income. Residents are encouraged to consult a tax professional regarding how this income should be reported on their individual tax return.
• All work must meet City of St. Louis Park, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes.
• The City of St. Louis Park can't recommend specific contractors.
• The applicant is strongly encouraged to verify the contractor’s qualifications. To verify the status of licenses, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website or call DLI at 651.284.5069.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that product purchases, equipment purchases, installation or other work proposed have been completed satisfactorily before paying the contractor(s).
• The total cost share (including utility-provided rebate and city-provided cost share) can't exceed 75% of the total project cost. Staff will verify based on project invoices and utility rebates provided in the application.
• Total Climate Champion awards will be capped at $25,000 per property owner.
• Any projects that were completed prior to preapproval are not eligible to be placed on the waitlist.

I completed my energy improvements last year, but I didn’t get a Multi-Family Building Efficiency audit first. Can I still qualify for the cost share?

No. Projects must receive a Multi-Family Building Efficiency program audit and be preapproved for the cost share.

I'm a condominium owner. Am I eligible for this program? 

Individual condominium owners who have their own CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy accounts and are responsible for their individual HVAC equipment are eligible for the Climate Champions for Homes program after receiving a Home Energy Squad "planner" visit. Visit the Climate Champions for Homes page for more information.

Condominium properties with five or more units that plan to complete whole-building or common area projects are required to complete a Multi-Family Building Efficiency program audit and go through the Climate Champions for multifamily program.