Two key factors that have become increasingly important to today's homebuilders
and homeowners are reducing their environmental impact and saving on the
rising costs of energy.

In pursuit of these goals, the 2013 CT Zero Energy Challenge (ZEC) builds off the
ongoing success of the previous 2012, and 2011 Challenges. Participating homes
will continue to demonstrate that building a super high efficiency (near zero energy)
home is achievable today, while also representing the technologies and techniques it takes
to get there.

How low can these homes go? We have not only had homes in the Challenge reach ZERO
energy, but in some cases even lower. Can you believe -7 and -9 HERS Index in the previous
two Challenges!

What Is The Challenge?

The 2013 Zero Energy Challenge is a design and build competition for single and multi-family homes built in Connecticut between June 2012 and December 1, 2013. Participants compete for cash prizes, while gaining exposure to media and various forms of technical assistance provided by the Challenge sponsors and partners.

Completed homes are assigned a performance score based on the presence of energy-efficient features that curb overall energy use. Specifically, the Challenge uses RESNET Rating Standards to determine each completed home's HERS Index. The home's HERS Index, coupled with other factors including the cost effectiveness of the project and the home's total estimated energy use are utilized to determine the winners.

Competition winners will be announced in December of 2013. An awards ceremony will take place soon thereafter, where the winners will receive their prizes and their well earned recognition.