A high-performance home is built to do more with less. It uses less energy, maintains a healthier indoor environment, and lasts longer than a standard build. This article breaks down the nine key elements that define a high-performance home at Sustainable 9.
Windows are typically the weakest point in a wall's insulation. Triple pane windows fix that. They use three layers of glass with gas, usually argon, between each layer. This helps cut down drafts and keeps the temperature steady all year.
Low-E coatings add another layer of control:
Some manufacturers also inject insulation into window frames for added efficiency.
Better insulation means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. The most effective approach is exterior continuous insulation (ECI), which covers the entire building envelope and reduces heat loss.
Common insulation materials used in high-performance homes:
Together, these create an airtight envelope that limits unwanted air movement.
In a standard wall, insulation sits only between the wood studs. The studs themselves have no thermal protection, creating a "thermal bridge" where heat escapes through the wood.
The fix is a thermal break: an added layer of insulation that interrupts that path. Addressing thermal bridges reduces energy loss and improves comfort throughout the home.
Airtight construction seals the building envelope so conditioned air stays inside. This reduces the load on heating and cooling systems, lowers energy use, and keeps indoor temperatures more consistent.
Every gap, seam, and penetration is carefully sealed during the build. The result is a home that performs more like a thermos than a sieve.
Older homes were leaky enough that fresh air naturally cycled through. Modern airtight construction requires a different approach.
High-performance homes use an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), which:
The result is clean indoor air without wasting energy.
Standard HVAC systems are built for average homes. High-performance homes require systems sized, zoned, and designed for real efficiency.
Heat pump technology is one of the best options available today:
Both deliver strong efficiency, especially when paired with a well-insulated, airtight home.
A net zero home produces as much energy as it consumes. Each efficiency measure on this list lowers the home's energy use. This, in turn, means a smaller solar array is needed to fully offset energy use.
Net zero homes lower carbon emissions and eliminate or significantly reduce monthly energy bills. The Blackfoot Pass Residence is a real example of what this looks like in practice.
Going all-electric means disconnecting entirely from fossil fuel infrastructure. It also means the home is ready for the ongoing shift to clean energy on the electrical grid.
Ways to offset the higher cost of electricity in an all-electric home:
High performance matters even more in an all-electric home because efficiency directly controls the monthly cost.
Every Sustainable 9 home is tested and certified by the Center for Energy and Efficiency (CEE). This third-party process confirms that each home meets independent standards for energy efficiency, air quality, and sustainability.
Certifications typically achieved on Sustainable 9 homes:
These certifications give homeowners objective proof that their home performs as promised.
A high-performance home isn't defined by one feature. It's the combination of tight construction, smart systems, quality materials, and verified results that sets it apart. At Sustainable 9, every one of these elements is built into every home we design and build.
