On February 24, 2015, Energize Connecticut with its utility partners, Eversource and the United Illuminating Company, named three winners of the fifth annual Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge (ZEC), a statewide design/build competition for single and multi-family homes. This year’s competition featured 11 homes from across the state built between June 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014.
Zero Energy Challenges
Homeowner: Carl Benker
Designer/Builder: Glastonbury Housesmith LLC, Glastonbury CT
Winning Categories: Lowest Overall HERS Index, Lowest HERS Index without Renewables (tied), Lowest Projected Annual Net Operating Cost
$25,000 prize
“It was important to us to build a home that was both durable and energy-efficient. By doing so, we will not only save money in the long run, but also achieve a lower overall environmental impact. We followed the most current building science construction principles, and the house will use no fossil fuels anywhere. The builder, Glastonbury Housesmith, made the house a huge success in our eyes.” - Homeowner Carl Benker.
Designer/Builder: Lehto Design Build
Winning Categories: Lowest HERS Index without Renewables (tied), Most Affordable
$10,000 prize
“This is the second year in a row that we participated in the Zero Energy Challenge and took home an award, a tremendous honor to us. With this home, we were able to incorporate advanced building techniques and the latest technology to bring it to net zero.”- Builder Nick Lehto.
Designer/Builder: BPC Builders, Wilton, CT
Architect: Trillium Architects LLC, Ridgefield, CT
Honorable Mention
“One of my responsibilities at The Taft School is to always be looking for new and creative ways to cut operating costs. Taft is committed to building and renovating our properties with the goal of attaining the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainability possible. We are proud of this home that will be used to house a Taft faculty family, and we will continue to emphasize innovation and energy efficiency in all of our school facilities.” - The Taft School CFO/Business Manager Gil Thornfeldt.
