On June 13, 2018, Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, announced the selection of three winners for the eighth annual Energize Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge (ZEC). The competition featured seven homes from across the state built between June 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018.
Zero Energy Challenges
Overall Winner and Lowest HERS Index and Lowest HERS Index without Renewables Category Winner
Project: Courtney and Lynn McCracken Residence, Mystic, Conn.
Builder: Michael Joplin – Joplin Construction, Chester, Conn.
Architect: Robert Mercer and Chris Vernott – Mercer, Bertsche, Vernott Architects, Old Mystic, Conn.
“Forty-six years ago on our first date we dreamed of building and designing a home together – and we never let go of that dream,” said Courtney McCracken, the homeowner. “My naval career exposed us to international living and home design, and through my studies at Brown University, I learned about sustainable building practices. Because of these experiences we decided a sustainable, zero-energy home would best suit our needs for our forever home.”
Best Overall Envelope
Project:Paul and Louise Lewis Residence, Mansfield, Conn.
Builder:Jamie Wolf – Wolfworks, Avon, Conn.
Lowest Cost/Square Foot
Project: Jan Degenshein Residence, Norwalk, Conn.
Builder: Degenshein Architects, Nyack, N.Y.