Tilak Subrahmanian, vice president of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility at Eversource (third from left) with project developers and other dignitaries at the ribbon cutting for the Barrett Hill net zero subdivision on July 28. Courtesy photo

HUDSON – Marking an innovative partnership that advances energy efficiency and sustainability, Eversource and Elkridge Construction LLC are commemorating the completion of the first net zero homes in the Barrett Hill subdivision on Windsor Lane.

This is the first production of a market rate net zero housing project in New Hampshire. When completed, the project will bring 26 housing units to Hudson and drive sustained energy savings for residents while helping the state meet the increasing housing demand.

Situated on 13 lots, the development will include 26 three-bedroom units, each approximately 1,960 square feet. To achieve net zero, each unit is designed to the Passive House Standard, certified to the U.S. Department of Energy Net Zero Energy Ready Home Program and includes on-site solar power generation, electric vehicle charger circuit and optional battery. Furthering the commitment to net zero energy usage, each unit is equipped with a low-emission heat pump, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting that consumes 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and WaterSense fixtures that use 20 percent less water.

“There is a lot of upfront design work and construction management needed to build a net zero, energy-efficient home,” said Aspire Residential Founder John Gargasz. “We have done that work on behalf of homeowners to bring energy efficient homes to the middle market at an attainable price. These homes are saving homeowners the equivalent of almost $100,000 in mortgage payments”

“Barrett Hill sets a powerful example of how net-zero housing can support economically smart homeownership in New Hampshire,” said Clean Energy New Hampshire Executive Director Sam Evans-Brown. “Innovative, high-performance homes like these mean families can enjoy lower energy bills, more comfortable living, and an efficient path forward as they navigate rising energy costs. This project is proof that sustainable, affordable homeownership can go hand in hand, and we’re excited to see more communities follow this lead.”

By enrolling in Eversource’s New Hampshire Clean Energy Fund Battery Demand Response program, the units are eligible for upfront incentives to help offset the cost of installing a home battery system and EV chargers installed in each garage contribute to the homes achieving net zero status. Sustainable Energy Analytics, an Eversource-approved Home Energy Rating System rater, also conducted comprehensive energy assessments of each unit during construction to evaluate efficiency and help certify eligibility for energy efficiency incentives.

“This first-of-its-kind project proves it is also a commonsense approach to building high performance, energy-efficient homes at scale,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, Eversource vice president of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility. “Barrett Hill is an example of how tight, energy-efficient construction can deliver real value to homeowners by reducing their energy usage, and the programs and incentives offered by Eversource and the other NHSaves utility partners help to make this a practical path forward for builders as well. We’re proud to help bring New Hampshire’s first net zero development to life.”

In addition to the health benefits that come with abutting 17 acres of conservation land, each home will be approximately 50 percent quieter compared to a conventional home, adhere to EPA Indoor airPLUS air quality standards and continually cycle fresh air through filtration.

According to the DOE, residential homes accounted for more than 20 percent of total energy consumption in the country as of 2020. In addition to each home being net zero ready, the project team was able to reduce the total CO2 emissions in building and construction operations by nearly 40 percent, further lowering the carbon footprint of the development to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.