Historically low housing inventory and low mortgage rates have led to a surge in new home construction. More new homes also provide more energy efficiency in our communities. According to Minnesota’s Green Path program, 1,755 homes have been energy tested so far in 2021 and a total of 28,540 have been tested since the program started.
Minnesota’s Green Path program provides each home with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score. The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index while a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100. A home with a HERS Index score of 70 is 30% more energy efficient than a standard new home
So far in 2021, the average HERS score is 50 in Minnesota. That means year to date, the average Minnesota Green Path energy tested home is 50% more energy efficient than your standard new home, and 61% more energy efficient than the average existing home.
In the last nationwide report, Minnesota ranked first in the country for the lowest average HERS score among states that test over 200 homes.
Combined, families that purchase an energy-rated home save over $178 million in annual energy bill savings, according to RESNET.
In addition, it is calculated that the HERS-rated homes will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 449 tons annually. This savings, according to the EPA calculator, equals 1,494 passenger vehicles being taken off the road for one year.
