In June of 2009, National Grid (NGrid) launched a pilot program intended to demonstrate Deep Energy Retrofits (DER) in existing Massachusetts homes. The program provides financial incentives and technical support to projects that commit to achieving significant energy reduction and successfully complete a long application process.

The first of these Deep Energy Retrofits to be done in Massachusetts was completed by Wright Builders, Inc. in January 2010. The project team also included the Building Science Corporation of Somerville, MA, and National Grid, Massachusetts.

Visit the National Grid's DER Program website for more information.

We are proud to be an Energy Star Partner. This means we are approved by ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that is helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Every Wright Builders home is built to these standards.

Visit the Energy Star website for more information.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ was developed by the US Green Building Council to encourage sustainable green building and development practices. We are enthusiastic USGBC members, and strive to achieve a minimum standard of Silver LEED Certified on our new construction homes and offices.

If you're into the green lifestyle and looking for an energy-efficient home built with a maximum of recycled materials, call us today.

Visit the US Green Building Council website for more information.

Looking at two seemingly identical houses, one Energy Star/LEED Certified and the other minimally code complaint, you won’t notice much on the surface that seems to be different.

The code minimum house will be a little cheaper. Money’s tight, and you want to get the most for your money. So…don’t buy the cheaper house! Spending a little more on the energy-efficient home will save you money in the long run because of these differences in the construction:

• Higher standards of insulation installation, leading to a more weather-tight house.

• Prescribed detailing to virtually eliminate wind infiltration.

• Minimal usage of low performance insulation products such as fiberglass.

• Class 1 Cellulose insulation, a locally recycled product that is sustainable.

• More efficient heating systems and sealed ductwork to reduce air leakage.

• Floor system air sealing for greater comfort.

• Efficient doors and windows.

• Low E glass.

• Sealing around doors and windows with high performance materials.

• Sealed combustion direct vent heating equipment.

• No fuel smell from oil heating equipment.

• Attics and knee walls sealed from living spaces as if they were outdoors (which they are).

• Up to 35% heating cost savings.

• Minimum SEER 14 cooling equipment.

• Indoor comfort at lower temperatures because of reduced drafts.

• High efficiency lighting reduces lighting costs by 75%.

• Higher humidity levels are achievable without damage to house – approximately 40% for greater health and comfort indoors.

• Constant/periodic ventilation to refresh interior air.

• Gas stove hoods vent outdoors for fumes and cooking odors.

Bewildered by the buzzwords? Check out our Vocabulary page for all the definitions!