BY MATT SCHOOLEY
Steve Reddy is ahead of the game in New Hampshire.
The Hopkinton builder, and owner of Zetland Homes, thought he was building the third “green home” in the state of New Hampshire when he started digging in mid-June. However, he and his team built
the house so fast, they actually turned out to be the second.
The Loudon home, which is certified as more environmentally friendly than the average residence, was on display during the New Hampshire Parade of Homes the week of Oct. 8, when about 1,000 visitors came to see the custom building during an open house.
“I have an interest in the building science, high-performance house thing. Also, I believe we’re called to be good stewards to the environment, and I think we should all take care of things when we are here,” said Reddy.
To be considered a green home, a building must meet U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program guidelines.
Energy efficiency, high air quality and the materials used are just a few of the qualities the new home has.
“Environmental protection is very important. We’re reaching critical mass. People have an interest on the impact they’re making,” said Reddy. “The people who came to see the home were shown how to take a conventially built home and make it a green home to some extent.”
The home will be on display through November, and will then be listed for sale. Reddy said he has been thrilled with the response to his project.
“It’s obviously been a very exciting process, especially in a marketplace like this to generate that level of interest from people involved in homes, the public as well as construction and real estate people,” he said.
Reddy is not only ahead of the game in the New Hampshire real estate market, but also throughout the country as there are only about 280 homes with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
Although the number of green homes is small, Reddy believes it will jump soon.
“For builders who are interested, it will be a very good market. It’s not for every builder. It’s paperwork-intensive as you’re thinking about the whole building and the system,” he said.
“It’s the wave of the future. Experts are predicting half of new homes will have some aspect of green building, which is encouraging.”