Canadian-based spray foam insulation provider Icynene was used in concert with other energy efficient technologies, such as solar power, as part of a “whole-house” approach to building Connecticut’s first net zero energy home. 

Canadian-based spray foam insulation provider Icynene was used in concert with other energy efficient technologies, such as solar power, as part of a “whole-house” approach to building Connecticut’s first net zero energy home.

Construction on the 3,600-square-foot, New England Farm House-Style home was completed in November resulting in a house requiring no fossil fuels for heating and hot water, no net electrical usage from the utility company and no emissions from fuel burning equipment.

The company’s insulation was applied in the basement walls and above grade walls. In addition, Icynene was sprayed into the unvented attic, a chicken coop and a barn on the property.

“We elected to use Icynene because of its corporate history, quality installers, high R-value and moisture control properties,” said George Keithan, founder and president of Consulting Engineering Services in Middletown, Conn., and owner of the property.

The home has been LEED Platinum Certified, the highest level obtainable. It recently won the AEE Energy Award and remains a top contender in the Zero Energy Challenge. Shown in the recent Earthday DVD, the home is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming CBS National News Weekend Edition report.

“A net-zero-energy house is not a single technology but a suite of closely integrated technologies. An essential principle of the zero-energy design and building process is whole-house integration- careful planning to make all the components work together to achieve maximum energy savings,” said George Keithan on the CES Web site.