We’re thrilled to share that Sustainable 9 has been recognized with the 2025 Green Path Leadership Award from Housing First Minnesota. This award reflects what we value most — building sustainably focused, high-performance homes without compromising on beautiful design. It recognizes the work behind the walls: smarter systems, healthier materials, and intentional design for real everyday living.
At Sustainable 9, we believe that every home we build should be more than a structure—it should be a healthy, efficient living space that supports long-term comfort and sustainability. Our standard includes high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart appliances, homes built solar-ready and EV-ready, and third-party testing through RESNET-certified raters. These aren’t just features—they are foundational commitments.
Partnering with ENERGY STAR® and Zero Energy Ready Homes, as well as earning our own Green Path Certification, demonstrates that commitment. But what exactly is Green Path Certification, and what does it mean for homes—and homeowners—in Minnesota?
The Green Path program, administered by Housing First Minnesota, offers a structured, third-party verified way to evaluate the energy efficiency of new homes. Homes receive a Home Performance Report (HPR) that distills hundreds of data points into measurable metrics, including the widely-recognized HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System).
A key piece of this program is the certification levels that help builders and homeowners distinguish different tiers of performance.
By participating in and achieving one of these levels, homes offer homeowners both transparency and verified performance. The HERS Index itself provides a clear metric: lower scores mean better energy performance. For perspective, the national average HERS Index is around 57.
By aligning our projects with the Green Path program and achieving certification, Sustainable 9 is making a clear statement: our homes are built not just to code, but beyond it. Every Sustainable 9 home includes Green Path Certification—earning either the Advanced or Master level—further underscoring our commitment to high-performance, sustainable construction.
Our company average HERS rating of 42 significantly outpaces Minnesota’s average of 50 and the national average of 57. That means homeowners are getting verified performance, lower energy bills, healthier indoor air, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Why does that matter?
Receiving the 2025 Green Path Leadership Award is both an honor and a responsibility. At Sustainable 9, we view this recognition as fuel to push even harder: refining our standards, staying ahead of evolving codes, and continuing to innovate in how we build, design, and operate homes. Our baseline systems will continue to evolve. We’ll continue educating our team, exploring new materials, and deepening our partnerships.
Our goal remains clear: create homes that are as beautiful and livable as they are efficient and responsible. To our homeowners: thank you for entrusting us with your vision. To our partners: your passion drives everything we do.
Whether you’re planning a new home, exploring energy-efficient upgrades, or simply curious about what “green building” really means: we invite you to connect with us!
