The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and more.

Rising energy prices, tariffs on construction materials, and cuts to energy-efficient solar and home tax credits have created new challenges for sustainable building efforts this year.

But at Green Building United’s 2025 Groundbreakers Awards, speakers emphasized that the key to progress is continuing the work, and to think and act locally.

State Senator Vincent Hughes warned that ‘fascism is creeping up,’ as he echoed Vice President Harris’ concern: capitulation. But he framed perseverance during hard times as an act of resistance. “This is the work that’s necessary to push back against those forces that would shut your work down and force capitulation,” Hughes said. “You know the goodness of what you’re doing. You know how important this work is for the generations going forward. Sing that song. Tell that story.”

The City of Philadelphia was recognized last year as LEED Platinum for Cities and Communities for its achievements in sustainability and resilience, including its flood risk magnet task force, environmental justice programs, solarize programs, and more.

The awards recognize standout projects and people shaping a greener built environment. Honorees showcased innovative approaches using standards such as LEED, Passive House, ENERGY STAR, and Zero Energy Ready Homes, among others.

Here are the winners of this year’s awards.

2025 Groundbreaker Award Winners

Equity & Community Leaders

• Winner: Rebuild Philadelphia

Sustainable Design & Planning

• Winner: Passyunk Wash Plant
• Runner-up: The Floating Water Project

Sustainable Building Operations

• Winner: University of Pennsylvania Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology
• Runner-up: Redeemer Village

Sustainable New Construction

• Winner: Mt. Cuba Center Head House & Greenhouse (Re:Vision Architecture)
• Runner-up: 3.0 University City

Sustainable Renovation / Expansion

• Winner: Sheward Partnership Philadelphia HQ
• Runner-up: CertainTeed

Sustainable Residential / K–12 School

Winner: Old First House

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher