A mortgage-free, energy-efficient smart home is being offered free to the winner of a national contest made possible through the collaboration of nearly 60 parties. The 1,500-square-foot traditional New England-style farmhouse will include three bedrooms, one and a half baths, a wide front porch, and the latest in energy technology and controls. The features will include solar panels, air-source heat pumps, a Tesla Powerwall, and a cutting-edge insulation package. Besides the home, the winner will also get a local concierge to provide assistance with job searches, business, and personal contacts. Another bonus is free co-working space at GMP’s Energy Innovation Center in downtown Rutland.
The home is the brainchild of Steve Costello, the vice president of Green Mountain Power (GMP). He came up with the idea for the contest while working on the regional marketing initiative, Real Rutland, which is focused on boosting the local population. The home was designed by Edward Clark of NBF Architects and construction will be overseen by Tanner Romano, the vice president at Naylor & Breen Builders.
Any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 may enter into the contest free by submitting a one-page application form and a 500-word essay. The essay should explain the reason the applicant wants to live in the Rutland Innovation Home; any interest in energy, efficiency, and the environment; and capability to maintain the home and become a positive member of the Rutland. The contest is open until 11:59:59 p.m. ET on May 18, 2018. The home is scheduled for completion in late spring. It will replace the building that GMP bought at 60 Cleveland Ave for $1. The purchase price was approved by the Rutland Redevelopment Authority in return for the project investment.
After selecting 10 finalists based on their applications and essays, a committee will select the winner based on the essays, background checks, and interviews. The Contest Committee are representatives from Green Mountain Power, United Way of Rutland County, Naylor & Breen Builders, the City of Rutland, NBF Architects, Rutland Young Professionals, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, and a selected Rutland Northwest neighborhood resident. The winner will be awarded no later than September 1, 2018.
Other local, regional, and national companies contributing to this project:
A.H. Harris Construction Supplies, A. Tedesco Masonry Inc., Abatiello Design Center, American Standard, Best Appliance, Bill Lohsen Plumbing & Heating, Bissette Construction, Black Diamond Builders, Brinc Building Products, Builder Specialties, Carpenter & Costin, CED/Twin State, Clay Point Associates, Daikin Air Intelligence, Enman – Kesselring Consulting Engineers, Environmental Hazards Management, F.W. Webb Company, Fabian Earthmoving, Ferguson Waterworks, Frigidaire, Gilmore Home Center, Green Mountain Drywall, Green Screen Graphics, groSolar, Hadeka Stone Corporation, Hawk Hill Cabinetry & Custom Woodwork, Henry Company, Heritage Family Credit Union, Housing Trust of Rutland County, Hubbard Brothers, Hubbard’s Portable Restrooms & Septic Service, Huber Engineered Woods, JP Carrara & Sons, Kamco Supply of Boston, Kaycan Building Products, Kinney Pike Insurance Agency, Kitchen Encounters, Lajeunesse Interiors, Marvin Windows and Doors, Misty Meadows, Moen, Mountaintop Inn and Resort, Pratico’s Landscaping & Fence Co., r.k. MILES, Inc., Racette Electric, Rebars & Mesh, Rob Stubbins Electrical and General Contractors, ROCKWOOL, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland’s Magic Brush, Rynone Manufacturing Corp., Schneider Electric, Shelter Industries, Smart Cabinetry, Spacepak Inc., Stego Industries, SunCommon, Vaillancourt Tree & Landscape Service, Warerite Distributors, Watts Radiant, and Weyerhauser.
CONTACT INFO
Customer Care
Green Mountain Power (GMP)
888-835-4672
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Kristin Carlson
VP Strategic & External Affairs
Green Mountain Power (GMP)
888-835-4672
kristin.carlson@greenmountainpower.com
