We are committed to a fully electrified, net zero energy development to maximize cost savings, human health, and resilience for our residents. Below are some of the latest technological capabilities we will leverage to achieve net zero energy and full electrification:

• Continuous Insulation and Tight Building Envelope: Continuous insulation and an airtight envelope keeps conditioned air in and unwanted weather out. Leveraging these passive design principles will dramatically improve energy efficiency by preventing heated and cooled air from escaping.

• Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Units: Units will be equipped with this controlled ventilation system to maintain fresh, filtered air throughout each home. ERVs transfer air between air exhausted from the building and the outdoor supply air, which can reduce energy utilized for heating and cooling - this translates to lower utility bills for our residents.

• High-Efficiency Windows and Doors: Homes will enjoy natural light, efficiently because of glazed windows that minimize energy loss (U-factor=0.14 and R-value of 11). We recommend triple paned windows, not only for their superior ability to retain heating and cooling, but also for their acoustic properties. Triple paned windows will also serve to block outdoor noise pollution, such as the nearby train tracks.

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): Will provide all electric heating and cooling for our development. When paired with renewable energy sources, ASHPs can provide low carbon domestic heating and cooling systems. Recent improvements make it an appropriate HVAC system for buildings in colder climates.

• Electric tankless water heater: To provide our residents with consistent access to hot water, electric tankless water heaters will be leveraged. According to the Department of Energy, these water heaters can be up to 34% more energy efficient. Additionally, they have a longer life span than conventional water heaters. While the upfront cost is greater than the conventional counterpart, we believe the operational and maintenance cost savings are worthwhile tradeoffs.

• Smart thermostats and in-unit energy management systems maximize energy use and eliminate phantom demand.

• Right-sized, energy-efficient ENERGY STAR appliances including induction stove tops and heat pump dryers.

• Backup Zinc-ion Batteries: In the event of a power outage or increment weather, having reliable, low-carbon energy storage options is crucial for ensuring resident health and safety. These backup batters can run on electricity or hooked up to the onsite rooftop solar. This resilience technology will also contribute to our all-electric vision. Read more below on why our choice of Zinc-ion versus Lithium-ion material serves our greater vision.

In service of our overall goal of net zero energy, our team recommends some or all of the following building materials that are low embodied carbon and high energy efficiency. While we acknowledge that these materials carry a cost premium relative to standard market options, we believe that the environmental, health, and operational cost savings benefits are worth the upfront investment.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT): Leveraging CLT for framing for the building can benefit the environmental sustainability of the building in that it can increase energy efficiency through its high thermal performance, which in turn increases energy efficiency. There are numerous proofs of concept leveraging CLT in net zero energy buildings, including in multifamily residential.

Zinc-ion batteries: The majority of lithium-ion batteries are manufactured using cobalt, a mineral that is closely connected to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo where it is mined. A viable alternative, Zinc-ion batteries, have emerged, which can serve for our backup batteries, while also pioneering a new, sustainable, socially sound alternative.

Wood fiber insulation: Passive design strategies such as continuous insulation will be key in achieving net zero energy for this development. Choosing an insulation product to achieve a tight building envelope, as well as promote sustainability at the end of its useful life is something our team wants to prioritize. Thus, wood fiber insulation emerged as a strategic option. Historically, this is a building material leveraged in Europe and been imported to the U.S., however a new domestic manufacturer, GO Labs, is launching a product suite of wood fiber insulation products, TimberHP this upcoming fall. Wood fiber insulation boasts a number of benefits for energy efficiency including high heat capacity to insulate in all seasons (with an R value of up to R-4 per inch for continuous insulation).

Partnership with Carbon Cure on sustainable concrete: Cement production, a main input to concrete, is a greenhouse gas intensive process that by some estimates contributes up to 8% of global GHG emissions. In other words, concrete is one of the most carbon intensive building materials. Carbon Cure is a proven company solving this challenge with a technology for the concrete manufacturing process that introduces recycled carbon dioxide into fresh concrete, reducing environmental footprint and increasing performance. While this presents an exciting solution, our team is aware of the high cost premium of this product. Thus, we propose engaging with Carbon Cure on a potential pilot to introduce its product to affordable housing and provide proof of concept for potentially developing a program with low-income housing developers to offer its product at lower rates.