A bright future begins here, with a commitment to green building.

Did you know 86% of new construction buyers consider energy efficiency a priority? From individual home testing and advanced certification levels to annual company accreditation, the Minnesota Green Path program helps communicate to the public and your customers that you’ve made a commitment to the environment.

 
 

Certification Levels

Green Path offers three certification levels for homes, Energy Tested, Advanced Certified, and Master Certified. Each level is tested and rated by an independent, third-party, RESNET Rater and receives a Home Performance Report (HPR) revealing the home’s HERS Index.

  • 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.

  • *$79 Application Fee
    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:

  • *$79 Application Fee
    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:

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.

Designated Green Path Builders

Designated Green Path Builders are industry leaders in energy-efficient residential home construction. These builders agree to test at minimum 75% of their newly built homes annually and attend professional development events.

*$299 Application Fee for Annual Designation

Designation Includes:

Marketing kit for press, social media, and website promotion

Additional exposure for qualified Parade of Homes listings

A ticket to the annual Green Path Building Conference

Featured listing on Green Path’s website

Deadlines may apply to certain benefits. 

Benefits of being Designated and Certified

Meet Consumer Demand

Today's homeowners prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. Certification makes your homes more attractive to these eco-conscious buyers.

Increase Home Value

Energy-efficient homes often sell at a premium, providing greater returns on your projects.

Enhance Marketability

Displaying the Green Path certification and Home Performance Reports boost your reputation for quality and innovation in green building.

Business Development

Access to resources, testing standards, and support to continuously improve your building practices.

 

Become an Industry Leader

Join us in leading the way toward a more sustainable future. Become a Designated Green Path Builder or have your homes Advanced or Master Certified - Differentiate your homes in a competitive market!