Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, have announced the selection of four winners for the tenth annual Energize Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge (ZEC). The challenge featured eleven homes from across the state built in 2019.
Zero Energy Challenges
Overall Winner and Lowest HERS Index and Lowest HERS Index before Renewables, Best Overall Envelope (Tied) Winner
Project: Michael Debari Residence, Preston, Conn.
Builder: Nick Lehto of Lehto Design Build, Danielson, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 37 |
| With Renewables | -14 |
““Sustainability, country living aesthetics, and a place where our blended family of eight could call home were deciding factors in building our new home in Preston,” said Michael Debari. “Working with Eversource and Nick Lehto’s team was a true partnership. After six years, we are excited to have this dream become a reality.”
Lowest Cost per Square Foot and Lowest HERS Index before Renewables Winner
Project and Builder: Hartford Habitat for Humanity, Walton Residence, Hartford, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 34 |
| With Renewables | -7 |
Lowest Overall HERS Index Winner
Project homeowner and builder: Timothy Sadler, Sadler Residence, Bolton, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 55 |
| With Renewables | -36 |
Best Overall Envelope Winner (Building Outer Shell)
Project: Stonington Passive House
Builder: Bogaert Construction, Essex, Conn.
| HERS Index | |
|---|---|
| Code-Built Home | 100 |
| Before Renewables | 32 |
| With Renewables | -7 |
Peter Harding Service Award Winner
Builder: BPC Green Builders, Wilton, Conn.
Established in 2018, the Peter Harding Service Award recognizes developers who are dedicated to building high performance homes in Connecticut. This year’s award recipient was BPC Green Builders in Wilton, Conn, founded by brothers Mike and Chris Trolle.
“The Zero Energy Challenge continues to be a great program to promote and popularize highly energy efficient and affordable homes in Connecticut,” said Mike Trolle, Co-Founder of BPC Builders. “BPC was founded twenty years ago to build homes just like this, and it has been exciting to watch and participate as the home building industry moves in this direction. We are honored to receive this award that recognizes our enduring commitment to this cause.”
To learn more about BPC Green Builders, visit their website at https://www.bpcgreenbuilders.com/