PUBLISHED SEPT. 1, 2016
New construction techniques lower utility bills, improve environment
By PENNY FLETCHER
People may lower their energy costs in many ways. Using fans and screen doors and windows instead of air conditioners; turning off their hot water heaters when not expecting to use them; and drying their clothes on a clothesline outdoors instead of in a dryer.
With costs of everything rising so quickly, many have done just that, but it certainly isn’t the most convenient way to live.
Jeffrey Gersh, chief operating officer of Greenergy, and Alex McCloud and others from Newland Communities, builders of the Waterset subdivision on Big Bend Road, have gotten together to build a village of 77 eco-friendly homes within Waterset.
“‘Green’ — or eco-friendly homes — can’t just be an afterthought,” explained Gersh in an interview Aug. 25. “You can’t expect to have an air handler in a 110-degree attic and a unit in your yard keep air cool all through your home,” he added.
“Our homes are built with air ducts all through the inner walls so that the whole home stays cool using very little energy.”
Adding solar panels to the roof after the fact on existing homes helps some, but it can’t equal homes that are built with energy efficiency from Day One, he added.
Paavo Salmi, Greenergy’s CEO, explained that the model home will be ready sometime in October or November, and there will be a grand opening to show off all the zero-energy features.
Every material used will be energy-efficient, from windows to flooring, he said.
Some homes in Waterset, built by Newland Communities, are already occupied, and the Landing Club & Café, pool, walking trails and many other amenities are already in use.
Parks are dog friendly, and there are fitness stations, event spaces and two splash playgrounds, all with the intention of having a neighborhood where people can get fit while still being friendly to the environment.
Driving on Waterset Boulevard, there are ponds on either side of the road and occupied homes set back from green space. After a mile, you can see EcoVillage being built to your right.
Plans for the 77 high-performance net-zero electric homes show they are entirely powered by solar energy, featuring designs and high-performance elements not commonly found.
Greenergy will offer both single-story and two-story homes starting at $290,000.
“Smart home automation” will be installed that will pull down window shades and regulate climate when homeowners aren’t there. Natural gas will be used for cooking and other needs. Gersh said the homes produce their own energy and residents will not have an electric bill.
Greenergy has built other zero-energy homes in neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie and Kissimmee, Florida and in California.
To find out more, visit planetgreenergy.com.