On June 13, 2019, Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, announced the selection of three winners for the ninth annual Energize Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge (ZEC). The challenge featured nine homes from across the state built in 2018.
Zero Energy Challenges
Overall Winner and Lowest HERS Index and Lowest HERS Index before Renewables, Best Overall Envelope (Tied) Winner
Project: Sean Holmes and Carla Waclawski Residence, Higganum, Conn.
Builder: Jamie Wolf and Janet Downey, Wolfworks Inc., Avon, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 31 |
| With Renewables | -22 |
“The story behind our house is one of persistence and vision. After falling in love and buying land where we wanted to build our house, we were met with some challenges that prohibited us from beginning construction for five years,” said Higganum homeowner Sean Holmes. “Eversource and the Wolfworks team were instrumental in helping us overcome these obstacles – and now we have a place to call home!”
Best Overall Envelope (Building Outer Shell) Winner
Project homeowner and builder: Brian and Eliza Martel Residence, Canterbury, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 33 |
| With Renewables | -2 |
Lowest Cost per Square Foot Winner
Project: Jeff Dean & Archna Khattar Residence, Mansfield, Conn.
Builder: LNick Lehto, Lehto Design/Build, Danielson, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 39 |
| With Renewables | 2 |