New Hampshire’s first net-zero housing development holds ribbon cutting

MANCHESTER — Eversource and Elkridge Construction LLC are commemorating the completion of the first net-zero homes in the Barrett Hill subdivision at Windsor Lane in Hudson. This is the first production of a market rate net-zero housing project in New Hampshire.

When completed, this project will bring 26 housing units to Hudson and drive sustained energy savings for residents while helping the state meet increasing housing demand.

 Situated on 13 lots, the development will include 26 three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath units, each approximately 1,960+ square feet.

To achieve net-zero, each housing unit is designed to the Passive House Standard, certified to the United States’ 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 for heating, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting that consumes 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, and WaterSense fixtures that use 20% 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 NH 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, these 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 is also a common-sense approach to building high performance, energy-efficient homes at scale,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “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 17 acres of conservation land, each home will be approximately 50% 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% 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%, further lowering the carbon footprint of the development to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

For more information, barretthillhudson.com/d1.