State’s first Zero Energy subdivision open in Derby

DERBY >> State and local lawmakers including state Rep. Themis Klarides, Rep. Linda Gentile and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto, as well as representatives from Energize Connecticut, Home Builders and Remodelers Association and the Green Building Council were on hand to tour Connecticut’s First Zero Energy subdivision, Singer Village in Derby, recently.

Woodbridge developer Mark Nuzzolo and D.J. Collins of Brookside Development were responsible for transforming sewing machine mogul Isaac Singer’s granddaughter’s estate into the state’s first zero energy-ready subdivision, while preserving and enhancing its historic nature, according to a release. Nuzzolo utilized the Energize Connecticut Residential New Construction program; the Residential New Construction program, through Eversource and Avangrid subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, provides technical guidance in energy efficient design and building strategies, as well as financial incentives.

“We believe a home should always be designed with sustainability in mind,” Brookside Development owner Nuzzolo said in the release. “These homes substantially reduce energy bills, ensure engineered comfort well beyond traditionally built homes, protects health with a comprehensive package of air quality measures and helps maximize the largest investment in a lifetime.”

The development will consist of seven homes; to date, four are occupied and the newest one recently was sold. It has received several energy efficiency certifications and awards, according to the release, including two 2016 Connecticut Home Building Industry Awards for Best Green Energy-Efficient Single Family Community and Best Green Energy-Efficient Home, the 2014 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Award, and the 2013 Energize Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge Most Affordable Home Award.

“The Zero Energy Challenge is not just about building high efficiency, environmentally-friendly homes, but building affordable, high efficiency homes that everyone can enjoy,” Jennifer Parsons of United Illuminating, program administrator for the Energize Connecticut Residential New Construction program, said in the release. “The Brookside Development team continues to prove that this is possible with the Singer Village community.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO State and local lawmakers as well as representatives from Energize Connecticut, Home Builders and Remodelers Association and the Green Building Council were on hand to tour Connecticut’s First Zero Energy subdivision, Singer Village in Derby.