Tour of The Heights showcases one of the most energy efficient community developments in Minnesota
When CEE and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) team up on a project, the results are sure to break records for sustainable and affordable housing. The two organizations co-hosted a tour of a current work-in-progress on Wednesday, September 24, at The Heights, a redevelopment of the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course that will prioritize community connectivity, affordable housing, and outdoor amenities to residents. As part of the development project, Habitat is building 147 homes, without gas lines, that will be available to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who meet program and income guidelines.
The tour took place on a sunny day at the active construction site, convening a bipartisan group of Minnesota state legislators. The legislators in attendance were Representatives Andrew Meyers, Wayne Johnson, Larry Kraft, Katie Jones, Michael Howard, and Patty Acomb. They were joined by Habitat and CEE staff from our policy and New Homes teams, as well as Elisa Rasumessen, senior manager of community relations for Xcel Energy.
The tour of The Heights was co-hosted by CEE and Habitat staff and attended by Xcel Energy staff and several Minnesota state representatives.
Tour attendees were able to view a complete and staged four-bedroom townhome unit at The Heights.
The Habitat homes at The Heights represent the largest all-electric affordable development in Minnesota. The single-family homes and multifamily units feature:
- Continuous exterior wall insulation
- Air-tight envelopes
- Continuous efficient ventilation
- Cold climate air source heat pumps with electric resistance back-up heating
- Heat pump water heaters
- ENERGY STAR® rated appliances
- EV-ready electrical outlets
- Solar shingles
Habitat enlisted CEE's New Homes team to test and rate the homes and units to some of the highest standards of energy efficiency currently validated in the U.S.:
- Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
- ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes Program (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Indoor Air Plus (EPA's certifications)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) Program
CEE and Habitat project leaders described how important it was for the teams to balance advanced energy efficiency equipment and building strategies with long-term affordability and upkeep for residents. Prospective homeowners undergo a series of training courses on home ownership and scheduled maintenance, and Habitat has dedicated product warranty and appliance support staff to answer homeowner questions. The Habitat homes are offered to buyers at 30-year mortgages with income-adjusted payments, no down payment required, available closing cost and affordability assistance, and ongoing post-purchase support.
Rep. Katie Jones noted that these all-electric homes, which can now operate with Xcel Energy’s special electric space heating rate, will shield low-income homeowners from volatile gas prices. A sentiment repeated throughout the tour was that home affordability isn’t just about the initial purchase. The greater objective is to ensure that the homes are affordable and comfortable for the long term, which is why they are equipped with energy efficient technology that will bring down the home’s operating and utility costs well into the future. Setting homeowners up for success requires homes that are not just affordable to buy, but also affordable to live in.
The intentional planning and eco-friendly features in this community will help lower utility costs, reduce emissions, create healthier homes, and push the City of Saint Paul and the State of Minnesota along their path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Heights demonstrates the power of uniting local policy, affordable housing, urban community planning, and cutting-edge energy efficiency practices and technology to build a better future for Minnesotans from all walks of life.