Minnesota homebuilders remained committed to green building in 2022

According to Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Minnesota has one of the lowest average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Scores of all states in the country that energy tested more than 3,000 homes in 2022. The lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy efficient the home is.

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. In 2022, Minnesota tested 10,189 homes with an average HERS Index Score of 50, according to RESNET.

The state’s average HERS score of 50 means that the average energy-tested home is 50% more energy efficient than a standard new home and 61% more energy efficient than the average existing home.

Minnesota’s Green Path leads the energy efficiency charge

Minnesota’s Green Path program was created in 2011 by Housing First Minnesota and is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in Minnesota.

Since its inception, Minnesota’s Green Path has provided Home Performance Reports (HPRs) featuring a home’s HERS Index Score for more than 39,000 homes that have been third-party tested.

“Strong energy efficiency has become a highly sought-after feature for new-home buyers. With Minnesota’s Green Path HPRs, homeowners feel empowered with the necessary knowledge regarding their home’s energy performance,” said James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota.

According to RESNET, there were 337,962 homes HERS rated in the country in 2022. The national average HERS Index Score in 2022 was 58, which is 42% more efficient than a home built in 2006 and 72% more efficient than a home built in the 1970s.