Created by Housing First Minnesota in 2011, Minnesota’s Green Path program is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in the state. The program provides easy-to-understand energy efficiency reports for homeowners and provides recognition for builders dedicated to green construction.
Minnesota’s Green Path program helps homeowners understand the energy efficiency of their homes and gives them the confidence that comes with independent, third-party testing. Green Path offers three certification levels for homes: Energy Tested, Advanced, and Master. Each certification level receives a Home Performance Report (HPR) revealing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index for the project.
The HPR and HERS Index give homeowners a standard to measure energy efficiency by taking into account all home features and how ‘green-friendly’ they are. Homes are rated on five main categories: energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, resource management in construction, water management, and land use. Raters walk through their Green Path checklist and look for things 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. Read on to learn more about the three levels of certification and how to apply for certification.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Builders must be members of Housing First Minnesota to take part in the Green Path program and gain certifications. In order to qualify for testing, builders must confirm that homes have been built to Minnesota’s Energy Code. Depending on the HERS Index, homes may be eligible for higher levels of certification. For Advanced or Master certification, a $79 application fee is required per project.
LEVEL #1: ENERGY TESTED
At the most basic level of certification, Energy Tested homes are tested and rated by a third-party, independent RESNET Rater who provides a HERS Index and HPR at no charge. If a home scores low enough, builders may submit their project to gain Advanced or Master Certification.
LEVEL #2: ADVANCED CERTIFIED
After homes are tested by a RESNET-certified rater, those that meet minimal energy testing standards and include additional green features are eligible for Advanced certification. In order to become advanced certified, homes must have a HERS Index below 47 and earn additional points in Minnesota Energy Code categories:
- 5 points in Energy Efficiency
- 5 points in Indoor Environmental Quality
- 5 total points from Water Conservation, Resource Management, or Site Development
- 5 total points from any of the five categories
LEVEL #3: MASTER CERTIFIED
The top-level of green certification, Master certification is awarded to homes that meet high energy testing standards and include additional green features. Master certified homes must receive a HERS Index below 45 and earn additional points in Minnesota Energy Code categories:
- 10 points in Energy Efficiency
- 10 points in Indoor Environmental Quality
- 10 points in Water Conservation
- 10 total points in Resource Management
- 10 total points in Site Development
