This document outlines the Minnesota Green Communities initiative, a collaboration between three organizations to develop more sustainable and affordable housing in Minnesota. The initiative aims to build 8,500 environmentally-friendly homes across the US, including projects in Minnesota that demonstrate green building principles like energy efficiency, healthy homes, and sustainable land use. The document provides details on initial demonstration projects in Duluth, Minneapolis, and Worthington that incorporated these principles to save on utilities. It concludes by discussing next steps like developing rehabilitation policies and weatherizing foreclosed homes.

1. Minnesota Green Communities
A collaboration of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund,
the Family Housing Fund, and Enterprise

2. Green Communities Initiative
• A $555 million commitment by
Enterprise
• 8,500 sustainable, affordable homes
throughout the United States
• Make environmentally friendly
building more mainstream among
community-based developers

3. Minnesota Green Communities
• Family Housing Fund
• Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
• Enterprise
• Other regional partners on Advisory
Committee

4. Minnesota Green Communities
Principles
• Affordable housing
• Healthy homes and
living environments
• Energy conservation
• Sustainable land use
planning

5. Why is “Green” important for “Affordable”
homes?
 Healthier homes for parents and children.
 Increased income and enhanced
opportunities for low-income families.

6. Green Communities Criteria
1. Integrated Design Process
2. Location and Neighborhood Fabric
3. Site Improvements/Protection
4. Water Conservation
5. Energy Conservation
6. Materials and Resources
7. Healthy Living Environment
8. Operations and Maintenance

7. MN Green Communities
Demonstration Project
New San Marco, Duluth
70 unit Permanent
Supportive Housing

8. MN Green Communities
2005 Demonstration Project
Ripley Gardens
Green Demonstration Project
Minneapolis, Minn.

9. MN Green Communities
2005 Demonstration Project
Wellstone Apartments
Green Demonstration Project
Minneapolis, Minn.
Improved design will save $40,000/year on utilities.
-Center for Energy and Environment and Weidt Group

10. MN Green Communities
2005 Demonstration Project
Viking Terrace Preservation
Green Demonstration Project
Worthington, Minn.

11. Accomplishments
In first two years:
• 497 homes occupied, 908
being built, 1,645 in planning
• Minnesota Housing
sustainability policy
• Training and education

12. What's Next?
• Rehabilitation Policy
• Weatherizing Foreclosed Homes
• More Training/TA