| Connecticut's First Net Zero Home | |
 | As founder and president of Consulting Engineering Services in Middletown, CT, George Keithan knows a thing or two about energy efficiency. Keithan’s company provides a host of engineering services utilizing the most advanced and innovative building solutions available in the marketplace today. He’s quite used to facing and overcoming complex challenges presented by his clients in the public and private sectors. However, when he and his wife Mary decided to promote a net zero lifestyle, George found himself facing his most challenging client yet—himself. George and Mary set out to build their dream home using a “whole-house” system of integrated, energy efficient technologies including Icynene® spray foam insulation. The objective of this net zero energy home project was to design a house that used NO fossil fuels for heating and hot water, NO net electrical usage from the utility company and NO emissions from fuel burning equipment. |
| Front View of Connecticut's First Net Zero Energy Home | |
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Construction on the modest 3600 sq ft New England Farm House Style home began in February 2009 and was completed in November 2009. The result was Connecticut’s first Net Zero Energy Home. Icynene and the Super Insulated Building Envelope To create a super insulated envelope, ICYNENE LD-R-50® spray foam insulation was used in conjunction with a double-staggered stud system. ICYNENE LD-R-50 was applied to exterior walls, interior basement walls, attic, chicken coop walls & roof as well as the barn loft. | |
 | Icynene was sprayed at 5” in the basement walls while above grade walls received 10”. 14” of Icynene spray foam insulation was used in the unvented attic, 3” in the chicken coop and 7” in the barn. The resulting R-value of the Icynene spray foam alone was R37 walls, R52 roof and R19 basement. Combined with other innovative insulation practices, the R value was increased even further. Consulting Engineering Services chose Icynene spray foam insulation because in addition to being a superior insulation, it is also an air barrier material. It has also aided in sound attenuation and moisture control while getting into spaces that would be difficult, if not impossible with traditional insulation. Whole-House Integration Beyond insulation, the barn has 65 solar photovoltaic panels providing all of the electrical power for the residence. On the roof of the main house are 10 solar hot water panels for heating the domestic hot water. Altogether these panels will generate 20,000 kW.h/yr of electricity. The house also has a water-to-water standing column Geothermal HVAC system that will also be used for the domestic water well. |
| Icynene® Installed in External Wall | |
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| The interior of the home has a soft elegance with its combination of modern technology and understated farmhouse details. When the rooms aren’t being filled with natural light they are lit with LED fixtures and the paint, woodwork, flooring and cabinets were all chosen because they emit low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Many of the finishing details throughout the home come from recycled materials; reused countertops from old homes, an old barn door installed on a slider to hide the LED television, recycled doors for the interior rooms and recycled slate for the window sills. | |
 | Awards and Accolades The accolades from this incredible home continue to grow. This home is now LEED Platinum certified, the highest level obtainable. The site has been utilized as a trade show facility, educating home owners and designers on the potential for sustainable building. It was published in INK magazine, an online guide for finer living and recently won the AEE Energy Award. It remains a top contender in the Zero Energy Challenge while it was also included in the EPA Earthday DVD. Finally, the home is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming CBS National News Weekend Edition report. Links Designer: Consulting Engineering Services Inc. Builder: Essex Squared, LLC Icynene Installing Dealer: Anchor Insulation Connecticut’s First Net Zero Energy Home |
| Icynene® Installed in Attic | |
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