A zero energy design/build competition launched in 2009 by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) recently ended and the top three prize-winning projects were announced.
The first CT Zero Energy Challenge, spanning two years, was designed to prove that building super-efficient homes is achievable now, with or without renewable energy, rather than at some point in the future. The competition also sought to educate the public about super-efficient homes and the role of renewable energy systems, and dispel misconceptions about the cost of such building.
Competing homes were required to achieve a baseline performance that meets Energy Star certification and had to show a preliminary Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 50 or less before any onsite power generation from renewables could be figured into performance. No project with interior living space of more than 5,000 square feet was considered, and projects 3,000 square feet or less received a downward adjustment to their HERS score.
Using the least amount of energy from among 17 finalists, the three winning projects are:
First Place ($15,000): The Keithan Home, Killingworth, Conn. (HERS: -7) 4,500 square feet, four bedrooms. Designed by J. Whitney Huber, AIA, Essex, Conn., and built by Consulting Engineering Services, Middletown, Conn.
Energy and consulting engineer George Keithan of Consulting Engineering Services, the builder, and his family’s new zero-energy home. Courtesy the CT Zero Energy Challenge
Second Place ($10,000): The Schaller Eco-Home, New Hartford, Conn. (HERS: 4) 2,690 square feet, three bedrooms. Designed and built by owners Jeremy and Karann Schaller.
Jeremy and Karann Schaller, owners, designers, and buildesr of the second-place prize winning project. Their home achieved near-zero energy performance, with a HERS rating of 4. Courtesy the CT Zero Energy Challenge
Third Place ($5,000): The Kantor Home, New Canaan, Conn. (HERS: 14) 4,994 square feet, five bedrooms. Built by BPC Green Builders, Wilton, Conn.
Chris Trolle, project manager for BPC Green Building’s Kantor Home, a custom home that aimed to achieve the lowest energy usage possible with its program. Courtesy the CT Zero Energy Challenge
The 2010-11 CT Zero Energy Challenge is already under way, with entries being considered for participation. Finalists will be announced in early 2011, and winners will be announced in December 2011. For competition information, visit www.ctzeroenergychallenge.com.
