ROSEVILLE, MINN. (Feb. 6, 2018) — The 2018 Spring Parade of Homes is featuring a tour-within-a-tour that highlights those homes that are a part of the utility companies’ efficient new home construction program. These homes must be evaluated by a RESNET accredited Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater. The HERS Raters help builders achieve energy savings by providing plan review analysis and onsite verification throughout the construction process.
Green Path Energy Efficiency Tour sponsored by Xcel Energy
Working with Xcel Energy, Minnesota builders are creating homes that are measurably more efficient from day one.
These homes are built to a higher standard, featuring advanced practices and the latest materials. Each participating home has been independently tested by a third-party professional and verified by Xcel Energy (or other participating utilities) to be above and beyond the state’s standard building codes. The result? Homes that deliver improved quality, comfort and energy savings for a lifetime.
What do you get with an energy-efficient new home?
- Reduced energy costs
- Fewer maintenance concerns
- The benefits of healthier indoor air quality
- A more comfortable and quieter home
- A higher resale value
All Parade HomesSM which are enrolled in and meet the Minnesota utilities’ energy efficiency program are denoted with a green banner online and in the Guidebook for those homes tested prior to publication (many were still under construction).
Minnesota’s Green Path
Additionally, all homes that have been tested and enrolled in BATC-Housing First’s Minnesota Green Path program are listed in the Guidebook on pages 35-36, and are denoted with a Green Path icon online and with the home information in the Guidebook.
Minnesota Green Path is an energy testing and certification program built by BATC-Housing First eight years ago to help home buyers better understand the expected energy use of new homes. Tested homes receive a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score and a Home Performance Report (HPR) that the builders can share with visitors. In the past eight years, the percentage of tested Parade Homes has grown from less than 25 percent to about 70 percent. More information about Minnesota’s Green Path, HERS and HPR is included in the Guidebook on pages 33-34.
The Green Path Energy Efficiency Home Tour is sponsored by Xcel Energy.
The 2018 Spring Parade of Homes is sponsored by US Bank.
