Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society Riverside Regional Pet Shelter

Mankato, MN | Government + Cultural

This new shelter is home for up to eighty animals, the facility includes isolation wards, cat condos, zoned ventilation, and easy-to-maintain surfaces for better health and hygiene. With eight times more space than the original facility for housing and caring for animals, the shelter also provides open outdoor space, access to the Minnesota River trail system and greater exposure to the community. This project utilized energy modeling for the building to ensure maximum efficiency.

Construction of the $1 million building was funded with a capital campaign driven by Society members and staff. The 6,500 square-foot energy efficient, animal-friendly building and site incorporated a variety of sustainable initiatives including PV solar panels, regional material use, reduced water use on both the interior and landscape, pervious paver parking area, rain gardens, and special parking for fuel efficient/hybrid vehicles or carpools. The facility utilizes the latest technology and was designed in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly manner that minimizes operating expenses and maintenance costs. The project was awarded LEED® Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.