ZERO ENERGY HOMES – CMBA MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

Zero Energy Homes constructs affordable homes using 80-90% locally sourced materials from Maine. These homes achieve net zero energy status, generating more power than they consume, thanks to their advanced thermal envelope, efficient mechanical systems, and solar electric generation. The co-op plans to establish a modular construction manufacturing facility after completing one or more Demonstration Homes. Expressions of interest from future buyers are now being accepted for the 2024-2026 manufacturing period.

Solving challenges related to housing, climate, and rural economic development requires innovative approaches to doing business. Zero Energy Homes addresses this by organizing as an employee-owned co-op, incorporating principles of equality and democracy into their culture and business model. The co-op’s commitment to employee-ownership and profit sharing fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of shared responsibility. With their sound business practices and dedication to employee ownership, Zero Energy Homes aims to produce 50 homes per year once fully operational.

Zero Energy Homes, like many start-up entities, faces common challenges such as the need for capital. Currently, they are in the process of raising $300,000 in their first Capital Campaign. This first round of funding will be used to hire a Manufacturing Manager, locate the factory site, complete the Demonstration Home, launch marketing, and raise Round II of capital to operationalize the new facility. Founder Caroline Pryor is focused on overcoming this challenge, as the cost of capital rises and the housing and climate crisis continues to intensify. Additionally, Zero Energy Homes is eager to bring their product to market. With the assistance of BrightBuilt Home’s design expertise and the experienced construction crew from Maker Construction, they are actively exploring the best approach. As Caroline embarks on the next phase of co-op development, where she is building a Board of Directors, she recognizes the significant impact that female leadership can have. She finds it thrilling, yet acknowledges that, even in modern times, there can still be occasional hurdles.

Zero Energy Homes is a co-op with vision. The following are all future goals and initiatives that the co-op is already working into their long-term planning:

1. “Manufacturing 50 homes/year will be a terrific accomplishment — and I can’t wait to get there —  but the housing and climate crises demand more,” says founder Caroline Pryor. Once the business model is up and running, the co-op intends to export it to other communities and cooperatives, sharing what we’ve learned to advance the commonly-held purposes of equitable, clean, green, attainable housing. Their goal is to open source the building plans so other communities don’t have to “reinvent the wheel.”
2. Zero Energy Homes want to serve people who are unhoused as well as immigrant and refugee communities when the co-op is able to expand its products and services. They then aim to design and build a Maine-made home product that meets specific needs with dignity while being cost-effective. Caroline argues that “clean, energy-efficient housing is an opportunity to share the benefits of a green economy with those most in need while providing a powerful injection into the Maine economy.”
3. The co-op hopes that the success of Zero Energy Homes will stimulate other like-minded businesses to locate near their facility. Examples of such businesses are: a saw mill; cabinet manufacturer; maker of shingles, decks, railings, ramps and other add ons.  
4. In the co-op’s future, bio-based materials from the region will continue to replace plastics, pvc, and components that have hazardous, carbon-dense, and unjust supply chains. Ultimately, 100% of Zero Energy Homes’ materials will be sustainably sourced. 
5. Zero Energy Homes’ homes will last for hundreds of years and be 100% recyclable at the end of their life. 

Founder, Caroline Pryor discovered CBMA through Chris Linder at Cooperative Fund of the Northeast (CFNE). Upon subscribing to the CMBA newsletter, she came across an opportunity for joint advertising, exclusively for CMBA members, in the Common Ground Fair Guide (the CGF is one of her favorite events). Recognizing the potential to raise the profile of Zero Energy Homes while being associated with other reputable Maine co-ops, she was excited to join the CMBA network.

Caroline welcomes communication from co-ops in Maine and beyond who are engaged in housing solutions. If you have any thoughts or resources to share, please reach out to her via email: caroline@zeroenergyhomes.coop. For more information, visit the website zeroenergyhomes.coop