McDonald achieves Advanced Green Path™ Certification
McDonald Construction Partners is proud to announce that they have achieved Advanced Certification with Minnesota’s Green Path program. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building energy-efficient and sustainable homes, reassuring you of our values and dedication.
Leading the way in sustainable building.
According to Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Minnesota has one of the lowest average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Scores of all states that tested more than 4,000 homes in 2023. The HERS Index Score is nationally recognized for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. The lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy-efficient the home is.
According to RESNET, Minnesota tested 7,727 homes in 2023, and the state’s average HERS Index Score was 49. 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 rated 100.
Created in 2011 by Housing First Minnesota, program is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in Minnesota. The program provides a comprehensive framework for builders to follow, ensuring that their homes meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.
The Green Path program has provided Home Performance Reports (HPRs) and HERS index scores for more than 43,000 homes that have been third-party tested since the program began.
The state’s average HERS score of 49 means that the Minnesota Green Path energy-tested home is 51% more energy efficient than a HERS Reference Home and 81% more energy efficient than the average existing home.
Minnesota’s Green Path program is the state’s residential construction industry’s leading energy efficiency and green building program. The program provides easy-to-understand energy efficiency reports for homeowners and provides recognition for builders dedicated to green construction.
Builders who achieve Advanced Certification demonstrate their leadership in reducing carbon footprints while delivering tangible benefits to homeowners. These benefits include lower utility bills due to reduced energy consumption and enhanced comfort from a well-insulated and properly ventilated home.
“We are committed to building homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally friendly,” said Carole Griffith, Executive Vice President of McDonald Construction Partners. “We believe that Advanced Green Path Certification is a valuable way to show our customers our commitment to sustainability.”
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 home certification levels: Energy Tested, Advanced, and Master. Each certification level receives a Home Performance Report (HPR) revealing the project’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index.
The HPR and HERS Index give homeowners a standard to measure energy efficiency by considering 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.
To achieve the rating, a home energy rater walks through a Green Path checklist and reports on the quality of insulation, seals, and foundation; use of solar power or energy-efficient appliances; air quality and flow; and use of recycled materials and other construction features.
The 2–5-year goal for the GreenPath Advanced Certification is to get more builders involved! The 2025 Spring Dream Home Parade, we have 39 homes that are Advanced Certified versus a year ago we only had 1 home. People are investing in features to keep their house more energy-efficient and that’s exciting!” said Tom Gavaras, Vice President, Events & Workforce Initiatives | Housing First Minnesota.
Minimum Requirements
Builders must be Housing First Minnesota members to participate in the Green Path program and gain certifications. 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 a RESNET-certified rater tests homes, those that meet minimal energy testing standards and include additional green features are eligible for Advanced certification. To become advanced certified, homes must have a HERS Index below 47 and earn extra 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 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
Learn more about energy-efficiency: