The Town of Westport is pleased to announce Westport Green Building Awards to three recipients exemplifying sustainable design and construction.

Winners:

17 Maple Grove Avenue: Owner Scott Harrington

1 Hockanum Rd: Owner Thomas Hensel

Nomade Restaurant: Owners Ciara Webster & Patrick Jean, Solar Consultant John Roundtree

The Westport Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction recognizes residential and commercial projects that make, or have made, significant contributions to sustainability and Westport’s future as a Net Zero Community. This award is a collaboration between the Town of Westport and Sustainable Westport and it acknowledges noteworthy accomplishments that add benefit to the Westport community. These winners are a stellar example of what is possible with sustainable design and construction in residential and commercial projects.

17 Maple Grove Avenue is new construction designed and built as net zero energy. All appliances, heating and cooling systems are electric and utilize the Photovoltaic (PV) roof for power. The insulation on the residence exceeds code, including a thermal resistance value (R-value) of 57 at the roof greatly reducing heating and cooling requirements. A smart home scheduler minimizes HVAC use by scheduling window shades to follow the path of the sun and limit heavy electronics usage to only off-peak hours. 17 Maple Grove Avenue is HERS rated with a HERS index score of 10. A HERS score rates a home’s relative performance, with a lower number indicating better performance. An average U.S. reference home has a score of 100.

1 Hockanum Road is a home renovation that integrates a 70 Panel PV system (28.35 kW). This PV system offsets the residence’s power consumption on an annual basis. In addition, an energy audit was conducted to identify energy savings. As a result of the audit, 1 Hockanum added attic insulation, weatherstripping, and mechanical and lighting upgrades. Insulation and weatherstripping reduce the amount of heat gain/loss due to the outdoor temperature and infiltration.  The HVAC system is also upgraded to include smart thermostats to add temperature setback scheduling and duct sealing to ensure processed air is efficiently distributed to the occupied spaces. Duct sealing alone is calculated to save 2,156 kWh per year. Insulation is also installed on the hot water piping to reduce energy losses. Retrofit LED lighting fixtures are installed to reduce power consumption on lighting while still providing the same light levels.

Nomade Restaurant (142-150 Main Street) is located at the site of the former Tavern on Main, originally built in 1810. This project contributes towards the town goal of net zero by 2050 by the renovation and reuse of the existing historic structure and uses renewable energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The roof over the dining terrace features an innovative 10.2 kW, semi-transparent, roof integrated photovoltaic system. In addition to generating clean, renewable electricity, it also brings in natural light, reducing the restaurant’s dependence on electricity for lighting. The visibility of the solar panels is intended to be a conversation starter. It is intended to stimulate the interest of other local business owners and patrons to go solar.

Learn more about Sustainable Westport’s Green Building Awards Program and what you can do to make your home more sustainable.

Interested in applying for the award? The Town of Westport and Sustainable Westport invites Westport residents to submit an application or a nomination for projects that meet the criteria for a Westport Green Building Award as found on our Green Building Awards Program page. You can also email Chris Vornkahl at cvornkahl@westportct.gov, or call him at 203-341-5025 with questions regarding the application process. All Westport properties are eligible to receive the Award. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and awarded throughout the year.