September 29, 2015 – ISG received the Best of B3 Guidelines Award for the Austin National Guard Armory Renovation project at the Best of B3 Recognition Luncheon held September 23rd, in Minneapolis, MN. The B3 (Buildings, Benchmarks & Beyond) system provides tools and programs designed to help make buildings more energy efficient and sustainable, and is funded and administered through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. All state funded building projects are required to comply with B3 criteria.
The Austin National Guard Armory was selected for the award because the exemplary renovation project met all guidelines and deadlines, there were limited variance requests and most importantly, the building has significantly out-performed benchmark expectations for a renovation project. The B3 Guidelines were applied to the renovations to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials and waste.
According to ISG Director of Architecture, Bryan Paulsen, “We are very pleased the Minnesota National Guard Austin Armory is outperforming expectations. Seeing this project be recognized as one of the best performing facilities in the state of Minnesota is very rewarding.”
_webfull.webp)
_webfull.webp)
ISG’s 2026 Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference brought together lake advocates, researchers, and local leaders to share solutions and launch a hands-on Lake Management Workshop for improving regional lake water quality.

ISG is bringing back The Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference for its fourth year from March 6–7, 2026 creating space for lake association members, environmental professionals, and community leaders dedicated to preserving and restoring Southern Minnesota lakes.