Island Carpentry and its owner, Mike White of Georgetown, are proposing to develop the site into a small subdivision.  It is within walking distance of schools, shopping, and town amenities, such as libraries and parks.  It will be easy to get a bus or a train from the location. 

 And that is important, because in addition to the homes themselves, part of the goal of the Eco-Village One project is to reduce carbon emissions from other sources ... including personal transportation.

The project must still go through the regulatory hurdles of the planning board and city council, but if it is approved, the small development will offer nothing less than a revolutionary way of looking at moderate income housing.

The three-bedroom homes will be built to zero-energy standards, and will be priced within Maine State Housing guidelines for first-time homebuyers - about $190,000, when all is said and done.  The homes will be superinsulated, have passive solar qualities, and will have renewable energy systems.

“Our project will be the first affordable zero-energy development in Maine,” said builder Mike White.  “Our demonstration project will show that it is possible to achieve near zero-energy in an affordable home.”  White hopes that his project will serve as a state-wide model, demonstrating the practicality of zero-energy homes.

The owners of the new homes will enjoy the benefits of high-performance building techniques.  The houses will be very energy-efficient, reducing heating costs by 70% or greater, compared to conventionally built houses.  They will be very air-tight, ventilated with heat recovery ventilation systems to ensure a healthy interior.  Thermal solar collectors will provide most of the domestic hot water, and grants are currently being sought to enable the homes to have 2.1kW photovoltaic solar arrays to provide electricity as well.

In addition, the appliances will all meet Energy Star standards, and lighting will consist of efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

“This will be a win-win situation for all involved,” said White.  “For us, it will create a model we can duplicate in other towns.  For the buyers, it will provide long term energy security at an affordable price.  And for the City of Bath, the project will demonstrate a commitment to progress and sustainability, and a commitment to affordable residential development within the City.”