Minnesota’s Green Path Program Surpasses 20,000 Energy Tested New Homes
Minnesota’s homebuilding industry achieved a new milestone in energy efficiency this month, marking over 20,000 new homes that have been Green Path energy tested and rated. Since 2011, Housing First Minnesota’s Green Path program has encouraged energy efficiency through providing homebuilders and homebuyers with Home Performance Reports. These reports rate the homes energy efficiency based on Residential Energy Service Network’s (RESNET) Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index.
“Minnesota now leads the nation in the construction of energy efficient homes,” said David Siegel, executive director of Housing First Minnesota. “We build incredible homes in our state and the success of our Minnesota Green Path program has encouraged builders to set their own high standards when it comes to energy efficiency.”
The HERS Index was created by RESNET in order to give homeowners and buyers a standard by which they could measure the energy efficiency of houses they currently own or are planning to buy. The lower the HERS Index, the more energy efficient the home. The average HERS Index of the Green Path energy tested homes in the Spring Parade of Homes was 51. This means the homes in the tour on average are 61% more energy efficient than your typical resale homes which have an average HERS score of 130, according to RESNET.
“Green Path helps homeowners easily understand the energy efficiency of their home, which helps make building a green home more appealing,” said Siegel. “We are proud to be part of an industry that is making a difference when it comes to energy efficiency.”
Housing First Minnesota’s Green Path is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for Minnesota’s residential construction industry. Created in 2011, Minnesota Green Path promotes healthy, durable, energy-efficient homes.
Learn more about Minnesota’s Green Path >>
Housing First Minnesota is the leading voice for builders and remodelers representing more than 1,100 builders, remodelers, developers and associate companies. BATC-Housing First Minnesota is the presenter of signature home tour events including the Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase® and Artisan Home Tour®.