The E-House at Wolcott Tech

Location: Oliver Wolcott Technical HS, 75 Oliver St. - Torrington, CT
Completed: October 17, 2012

A Three-Dimensional Glipse into the Future

The second of 17 planned E-Houses by the Connecticut Technical High School System, the structure unveiled at Oliver Wolcott Technical High offers more than a lesson in changing light bulbs and adding insulation. It's a three-dimensional glimpse into the future and a ramped up training ground for "green" jobs.

Preparing Students for Green Careers

Designed and built by students and faculty, each E-House incorporates solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, weatherization and energy efficiency labs in the design of the project. The E-House initiative gives students the opportunity to conduct hands-on field work and earn professional certifications in these various labs, preparing them for a "green" career after graduation.

During the grand opening ceremony in October, 2012, Robert Axon, Principal of Wolcott Tech, welcomed everyone and expressed his pride in his students and staff in completing the project. Speaking at the ceremony were Patricia A. Ciccone, Superintendent of the Connecticut Technical High School System, Dan Esty, State Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Sharon Palmer, Commissioner of the Department of Labor. Both Esty and Palmer commented on the recent release of the Green Jobs Report and expressed their support for the work the Technical High Schools were doing to provide training in this area. Jamie Howland, Vice Chairman of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board also spoke about the importance of these projects.

Also attending the grand opening were State Senator Kevin Witkos, State Representative Michelle Cook, State Representative Roberta Willis, and Francis Creighton, Chief of Staff for Congressman Christopher Murphy as well as representatives from Eversource, United Illuminating, and the Connecticut Green Bank.

Culinary Arts Program Participated too!

Before attending the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the E-House, guests were treated to a grand buffet created and served by the students in the Culinary Arts program at Wolcott Tech supervised by Chef Michael McDowell.

"The number of green job opportunities in Connecticut is growing, and the hands-on training offered by Connecticut’s technical schools will prepare our young people to fill them," said Commissioner Esty. "A recent Green Jobs Report for our state showed just how green jobs career possibilities are expanding. In addition, there will be new green jobs created by the state's focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and a 21st century management of our solid waste stream."

Check out the photos below of the Wolcott Tech E-House construction and grand opening ceremony!

The E-House at Wolcott Tech

Framing & Insulation:

• Variety of energy-efficient framing techniques
• Weatherization applications
• Building analysis
• Thermal imaging ability
• Insulation training mock up
• Historical to newest trends of insulation

Heating & Cooling:

• Bosch Greenstar wall-hung condensing gas boiler
• Daiken 26 SEER ductless mini-split heat pump, with online control ability
• Watts low temperature radiant heating system (2 circuits of heat)
• Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with multiple stages of heat
• Comparison of heating terminals: low temperature wall panel radiator, wall convector, conventional baseboard, towel warmer, & low temp radiant heat

PV & Electrical:

• 9 Solar Photovoltaic Panels (2.115 kW)
• PV system is grid tied. Excess energy created within the E-House will be fed back into the grid.
• Enphase micro-inverters
• Incandescent, compact fluorescent, halogen and LED lighting
• ENERGY STAR® paddle fan
• Electric vehicle car charging station
• Enphase Enlighten monitoring system

Solar Thermal:

• 2-Buderus SKS4 solar thermal panels
• Buderus 300SM, 80 gallon dual coil indirect water heater
• Domestic hot water created in the E-House will be utilized within the entire school.
• Solar thermal monitoring system via Sun Reports