First home has completed the Challenge!

The Pelligrino home has successfully completed the Maple Grove Net Zero Energy Home Challenge by scoring a HERS of 38.  This means the home is 62 percent more efficient than a home built to the existing energy code and 42 more efficient than an Energy Star Home.  It is very likely the most energy efficient home in Maple Grove.

The owners and builder will conduct open houses March 17^th / 18^th and March 31^st / April 1^st -noon to 6:00 p.m. each day – to showcase the various energy efficiency measures that were used to create this home.

Minnesota State-Mankato Visit

The Maple Grove Net Zero Home Challenge was honored with a visit from Dr. Shekhar Patil and his Construction Management Seminar class on September 20th.  It was a great experience for all as the students were able to ask questions of the owner, builder, and energy consultant. 

Pat O'Malley speaking to class from Minnesota State-Mankato

Tom Pelligrino (right) introducing the home along with Brent Parent (left) of Parent Custom Homes.

 

First applicant has been accepted!

The Pelligrino residence is the first house accepted as part of the Maple Grove Net Zero Energy Challenge.  Check out more information here!

Maple Grove Net Zero Energy Home Challenge

Maple Grove Net Zero Energy Home Challenge 2011-13

Synopsis:

The Maple Grove Net Zero Energy Home Challenge will provide rebates up to $20,000 to participating builders based on how much energy the home uses over the course of a year.  A net zero home is a home that produces as much energy as it uses in a year.

Qualifications:

•  Any home/unit in Maple Grove that falls under the residential designation within the Minnesota state building code. This includes single-family attached and detached homes, multi-family homes, condos and townhouses. Multi-family attached projects must be less than three stories to be considered residential
• For multi-family attached projects, only one unit per project is eligible. The HERS Index for the selected unit will be the average of all neighboring units for the given project.
• The home must be a new residential project or a complete gut rehab; modifications to pre-existing homes are not eligible.
• Home plans must be analyzed and scored by a certified HERS rating professional prior to the start of construction.  Also, all homes must utilize the House Rater system from Residential Science Resources which will be provided free of charge.  A maximum initial score of 40 is required for application.
• All renewable energy must be produced onsite.
• One award may be awarded per builder.

Selecting Participants and Awarding Rebates

• Applications will be accepted continuously.  The City of Maple Grove reserves the right to extend this deadline.  Participants will be selected based upon their projected HERS rating as well as the location to maximize utility company participation.  At this time we have funding for two full awards.
• Construction of the homes will proceed and a Final HERS rating will be tested after completion.
• The full rebates will be awarded for a HERS rating of 0 or less with a sliding scale up to a HERS rating 40 ($12,000 or 60% of the full award).

Additional Requirements and Activities:

• Throughout the process, builders agree to inspections, status reports, monitoring and evaluations in order to ensure compliance with the rules and as a way to document the process.  Included in documentation will be videos and photographs of the components used to achieve the goals of the program which will be displayed along with accompanying information on an online platform or platforms (e.g., a blog).
• Participants also agreed to take part in promotional activities including media events, open houses, and publications.  Homes shall be open to the public as a demonstration through 1 cycle of the Parade of Homes.
• Builders will be required to provide information on various ways they achieved the HERS rating, modeled after the information provided by the CT Zero Energy Home Challenge (see http://www.ctzeroenergychallenge.com/2009-2010/builders/ces_specs.htm for an example.)
• Homes built in the Xcel Energy service area shall take part in the Energy Start Homes program through Xcel Energy