Construction professionals don’t need to be afraid of building high performance. It is the same process we have done for centuries; however, every step needs to be intentional and well thought out. The building needs to be treated as a system and not individual components. The project becomes a true team effort, and every detail needs to be discussed with the whole team prior to action. When executed well high-performance homes will last a lifetime and provide comfort beyond a standard home. Most of the homes I am building are going all electric utilizing air source heat pumps. The technology has greatly improved in the last decade. When I say a high-performance home is a team effort, this includes the homeowner. The education of the homeowner on the use of the system will prevent call backs for lack of heat. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient maintaining temperature and less efficient at increasing the temperature. For decades we have taught homeowners to turn off their heat when they are out which is efficient when burning fossil fuels, now with air source heat pumps and increased insulation, it is more efficient to maintain the same temperature all the time.

The Massachusetts “specialized code” would be a significant step forward in preparing the city for the realities of climate change. The city is seeing, with increasing frequency, many of the effects of climate change that are happening around the globe, including rising average temperatures and increasing severe weather. This building energy code will set the stage to make the city’s buildings more resilient to the effects of climate change and reduce pollution over time.

We’ve done a lot in this state to educate both builders and inspectors about what it takes to build a more efficient home. The notion that building this way is too expensive or too complicated … I just don’t buy any of that. Let’s set a high standard for ourselves.

In 2013, we decided to take a look at solar. Our intent was to reduce our carbon footprint, so even if we only expected to break-even over the life of the panels, we would have moved forward. Without financial incentives, it would likely have taken 15 years in cost savings to recoup our initial investment. However, due to financial incentives, we reached break-even in year five of the installation. We continue to enjoy the cost savings, and rarely pay an electric bill. Additionally, the on-going clean energy incentives are now generating income.

Our home is heated and cooled completely with cold climate heat pumps and we are comfortable year ’round. If you don’t believe us, come to our house during the next cold snap! The system is amazingly quiet, and we no longer have to deal with hot zones and cold zones throughout the house.

We received a $10,000 rebate from the Commonwealth and we were offered zero percent financing on the rest. Switching to cold climate heat pumps has been one of our best decisions.