Minnesota’s Green Path is the leading green building program for residential construction in Minnesota. First created by Housing First Minnesota in 2011, Green Path helps homeowners understand the energy efficiency of their homes and gives them the confidence that comes with independent, third-party testing.
The program provides homeowners with Home Performance Reports explaining the score their home received on RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System. The home is tested against standard criteria and given an overall score between 1 and 150. The score reflects factors like quality insulation, seals, and foundation; use of solar power or energy-efficient appliances; air quality and flow; and use of recycled materials to name a few. Homes with lower scores are considered more energy efficient. Throughout the state of Minnesota, the average score is 50, which is the lowest state average for states that test over 1,000 homes.
Become a Green Path Builder
Designated Green Path builders are considered industry leaders in energy-efficient residential home construction. They are forward-thinking builders who understand the importance of decreasing emissions in construction and are committed to green building.
Members of Housing First Minnesota who are interested in becoming Green Path builders must attend annual training on green building, as well as commit to energy testing at least 75% of any new single-family homes they build.
Learn more about becoming a Designated Green Path Builder at http://www.mngreenpath.org/designated-green-path-builder
Home Certification
Another option for builders is to certify individual houses. In these cases, a RESNET certifier will visit the house to ensure that it passes all the criteria. There are three different levels a house may be eligible to test for, depending on the HERS index.
The first level is an Energy Tested home. These are homes that have been tested by a RESNET certifier and issued a Home Performance Report. A step above this is a Green Path Advanced Certified home, which is built to Minnesota’s Energy Code. These homes also receive certifications in energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, water conservation, and other areas. The final level is a Green Path Master Certified home, which received even more advanced testing in each area.
Advanced Certifications and Master Certifications both require a $79 application fee. If you are interested, register your home for certification at http://www.mngreenpath.org/levels-and-check-list.
Why Green Building Matters
Every time a house is built, CO2 emissions from the construction contribute to warming our planet. In a 2021 report from the National Home Builders Association, 78% of homebuyers said they were concerned with the impact home building had on the environment. Green Path strives to decrease these emissions and create energy-efficient homes. When you are Green Path certified, you show that you are committed to this goal.
Energy-efficient homes are also more stable in the long run. Most homebuyers are willing to spend extra money on a home if it will save them money each year on energy. Our houses reflect who we are, and more and more homebuyers want their houses to reflect their own commitment to the environment. As prices and inflation increase, looking forward to a green future will set you apart, driving homebuyers to your doors.
