Minnesota GreenStar and Alliance for Environmental Sustainability Announce Partnership to Advance Green Remodeling Practices

MINNEAPOLIS and GRAND RAPID, Mich., June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota GreenStar (MNGS) and the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES) will make MNGS's successful Green Remodeling Certification program; 'GreenStar' available outside of Minnesota. Initial expansion states include Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, followed by Indiana and Ohio. Nationwide expansion is also possible.

The partnership's efforts will focus on educating occupants and remodelers on improving the five key categories of existing homes; Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Water Conservation, Site & Community Impact and Resource Efficiency. This is a holistic program that views the home and lot as an interactive system.

"Our entire board is thrilled with this collaboration," said Minnesota GreenStar Board President Marc Sloot. "We are impressed with AES's success at delivering Green Certifications through their well-developed Green Rater / Verifier network, which certified about 400 Green new homes through the LEED for Homes program last year alone. MNGS has a robust remodeling program that is easily adaptable to the states AES serves." Brett Little, executive director of AES, noted that "The Green Star Remodeling certification works for remodels of virtually all sizes and types, making certification of those projects meaningful and attainable." 

Founded in 2007, Minnesota GreenStar has developed a leading residential building standards and certification program created to promote healthy, durable, high-performance design and construction for both new and existing homes. AES provides training, education, seminars, and consulting services, supporting investments in homes, communities, and environments by implementing sustainable building practices. "We are working collaboratively to provide awareness, education, and access to sustainable building resources for individuals, experts, and leaders to encourage sustainable choices."

More information about the partnership and its programs is available at both organizations' websites, www.mngreenstar.org                                      www.alliancees.org
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SOURCE Minnesota GreenStar