MANKATO, MN -  Blue Earth County is planning an environmentally friendly justice center in Mankato, Minn.

The $38 million facility will consolidate law enforcement functions, including courts, probation and prosecution.

Geothermal heating and lights that automatically take advantage of sunlight are a few of the sustainability strategies planned for the center.

Some parts could have "green roofs" that absorb moisture to reduce runoff. And the storm water that does escape the building will end up in holding ponds capable of filtering water.

Officials said the design and construction costs could be too much for the county, but energy efficiency will help the county safe in operations spending in the long run.