ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATINGS
A Simple Way to Compare Home Performance
Green Path certifications and Home Performance Reports make it easy to decipher the complex world of energy efficiency and confidently compare homes across the market.
HPRs
Home Performance Reports
Looking for an easy-to-understand overview of a home’s energy efficiency? Green Path Home Performance Reports (HPRs) distill hundreds of factors onto a single page.
After a home is inspected by a third-party rater, Green Path HPRs use hundreds data points to calculate two summary scores — the HERS Index and ACH50. These two numbers make it clear which homes are the most energy efficient, so you can confidently compare homes across the market. When you’re looking at new construction homes in Minnesota, ask the builder to show you the HPR for the home.
Green Path also provides enhanced HPRs for Advanced and Master Certified homes — providing even more detail on the energy efficiency features.
What is a HERS Index Score?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index was created by RESNET to give homeowners and buyers a standard to measure the energy. Much like the miles per gallon (MPG) rating for cars, the lower the score, the better a home’s energy efficiency.
Homes can be ranked anywhere on the spectrum — from below 0 [-6] being a net-zero home that produces as much energy as it consumes to 130+ that are typical to older resale homes. In 2024, the national average HERS Index Score is 57.
Green Path Certification Levels
Green Path offers three certification levels for homes — Energy Tested, Advanced Certified, and Master Certified — each receiving an HPR revealing the HERS Index for the project.
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 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.
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Energy tested homes are evaluated by a third-party RESNET rater to provide a Home Performance Report and HERS Index Score at no cost. If a home scores low enough, builders may submit their project to gain Advanced or Master Certification.
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Homes that achieve this mid-level certification meet rigorous energy testing standards and incorporate additional green features. In order to become Advanced Certified, homes must have a HERS Index below 47 and earn additional points in Minnesota Energy Code categories:
20 total points from at least three of the five Green Path Certification Checklist categories.
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The top level of green building, homes at this level exceed rigorous standards, showcasing the highest commitment to energy efficiency. Master certified homes must receive a HERS Index below 45 and earn additional points in Minnesota Energy Code categories:
50 total points from at least four of the five Green Path Certification Checklist categories.
As a part of Xcel Energy’s commitment to green building, it has teamed up with Minnesota’s Green Path to recognize new homes that go above and beyond in energy efficiency. Xcel Energy covers the $79 Advanced and Master Certification application fees for builders that build in their territory and achieve Advanced or Master certification on their homes. Meet the qualifications? Enter your homes now.