44 Canal Rd., Turners Falls, MA, 01376

(413) 863-9781 extension 149

Buildings in the United States contribute 48% of the annual energy consumption that contributes to global warming. Changing the way buildings are built is therefore critical in combating climate change. RDI is currently constructing the Wisdom Way Solar Village, a development of ten duplexes that are all near zero net energy, which means they produce almost as much energy as they consume. RDI started by reducing the amount of energy required to heat the home. This was done by constructing walls that are twelve inches thick and filled with blown-in dense pack cellulose insulation (made locally from recycled newspapers). The homes are oriented to the South with high performance windows that allow the sun to passively heat the space. Solar electric systems are providing for most of the electrical needs of the homeowners and solar hot water systems are providing the domestic hot water.

This is a mixed income, mixed ability condominium association. The homes are built near one another to create neighborliness. There is over an acre of open space for gardening together, playing games, and enjoying a playground. Eleven of the 20 homes will be sold to people with low income, 5 to people with moderate income, and 2 will be sold on the open market. RDI will retain ownership of two fully accessible homes and will rent these to eligible people with physical disabilities. All of the homes in the Village are visitable on the first floor by people in wheelchairs.

RDI holds periodic Open Houses for the general public to learn about zero net energy building technologies. In addition, RDI is planning a Demonstration/ Community center for the Wisdom Way Solar Village to be built in 2010. This center will teach interested community members, builders, developers, and students about zero net energy building technologies and construction methods. Anne Perkins, the Director of Home Ownership Programs for RDI, is a member of Governor Deval Patrick’s Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force. The task force is charged with developing the guidelines for moving all new construction and renovation of Massachusetts buildings to zero net energy by the year 2030.

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