About DGH

United States Green Building Council, Minnesota Chapter (USGBC-MN) - a volunteer driven organization dedicated to educating and promoting sustainable, energy-efficient building - has partnered with Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation (GFCDC) - a nonprofit housing and business developer in the Frogtown Neighborhood of St. Paul, MN. Together the organizations will rehab a foreclosed property with a focus on sustainable and healthy living on a budget. GFCDC meets Energy Star and Green Communities criteria, which align closely with LEED for Homes criteria, in all their homes. This first home, 929 Edmund, is a partnership pilot. Using volunteer labor and relying on community support USGBC-MN will help ease GFCDC’s construction budget. USGBC-MN will lead community seminars and volunteer work weekends in three main areas of home renovation: 

1. interior painting, 
2. landscaping and 
3. flooring. 

The seminars are designed to educate the community on ways to renovate and live in a healthier, more sustainable and economical home. Furthermore, the home will be used as a model for teaching ways to live more sustainably. Upgrades made possible by community support will be showcased. Together the organizations will provide a beautifully, sustainably and economically friendly renovated property to a family who may not otherwise have been able to own such a home. 

We love this video, made by a fantastic volunteer, all about our project, our partnership with The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation (GFCDC) and our amazing supporters & volunteers. 

USGBC Community 

One home is not enough. USGBC-MN will create a replication manual to assist other non-profit developers, organizations and USGBC chapters in creating a similar partnership to affect change in neighborhoods across the nation. Here’s to a greener, healthier way of living for all.