Zero Energy Challenge

Massachusetts’ investor-owned electric utility companies–National Grid, NSTAR, Unitil, and Western Mass Electric, recently implemented a unique energy efficiency pilot program called the Zero Energy Challenge. These companies, as members of the Massachusetts New Homes with ENERGY STAR Program, enrolled five home builders, who constructed single-family residences throughout the Commonwealth that would attempt to use little to no energy. The purpose of the initiative is to promote the use of advanced energy efficiency technologies and engage Massachusetts builders in utilizing advanced building techniques.

The five projects competed for three prizes totaling $50,000.00 and needed to demonstrate best practice HVAC installations, demonstrate the use of advanced and replicable building techniques, as well as integrating the use of renewable energy technologies.  The winners were selected  based on their projects score on the nationally recognized ENERGY STAR/HERS rating scale and will be announced at the Massachusetts State House on June 29th. The event is open to the media. Please contact meinfalt@icfi.com for more information.

Participating builder bios, project overviews and technical specifications as they relate to energy consumption are now available on this site.