Governor O'Malley mentions NEXUS in his State of the State Address

We were excited today to learn that Governor O’Malley, in his State of the State address, made lengthy and highly positive mention of Nexus and the progress we are making in Frederick, throughout the State of Maryland and all the jobs we are creating. The clip has yet to be posted to the Assembly site, but we should be on the news tonight and in papers tomorrow.

The link to the speech is posted below. This is great publicity for Nexus EnergyHomes, Inc.

http://www.governor.maryland.gov/documents/2013StateoftheState.pdf

How Foundry Court came to be, and what makes it distinctive

As you may have read by now, Philadelphia’s first net-zero energy housing development will soon rise on the site of a former fish wholesaler at 720 N. Fourth St. (Fourth and Brown streets) in Northern Liberties. To be called Foundry Court, it is remarkable both for its ultra-energy-efficient design and for its price point, which is comparable to conventional homes in its class.

Another distinctive feature of the Foundry Court homes is that they combine high-tech energy-efficient construction with neotraditional design - most "green" homes signal their difference through ultra-contemporary style.

Equally interesting is how this project came to land in Philadelphia.

Stevensville, Md.-based Nexus EnergyHomes has been refining its cost-effective construction techniques on a number of net-zero energy home developments in Maryland for several years now. Its track record for innovation and value has captured the attention of the home building industry: the National Association of Home Builders bestowed its EnergyValue Housing Award Builder of the Year honor on the firm this year.
The firm also captured the attention of Carol Diament, who both invests in and sells innovative homes at the Coldwell Banker Preferred Avenue of the Arts office. “I had heard about this company in my travels,” she told us. “I met Anthony Ingargiola, their co-project manager for Philadelphia, at an event and was so impressed by what his firm had to offer that I went down to Maryland to investigate their developments.”

Site plan for the Foundry Court development

Ingargiola’s presence here was a sign that Nexus was looking to expand beyond its Maryland home base. Diament was in the right place at the right time to put builder and opportunity together. Foundry Court is Nexus’ first development in both the Philadelphia area and in Pennsylvania.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a net-zero energy home is not designed to operate completely off the grid – the weather in the Northeast is too variable for that to be possible. But through the combination of ultra-energy-saving construction and infrastructure and solar power generation, a net-zero home will feed power back to the grid on sunny days while drawing minimal energy from it at night and on cloudy days, resulting in a net energy cost of zero, or awfully damn close to it, over the course of the year.
What makes Nexus’ net-zero homes more remarkable is that they cost only about five percent more to build than conventional homes. A Federal tax credit of 20 to 30 percent for purchasing such homes erases the cost differential. “Nobody else has figured out how to build a house that is so energy efficient without being prohibitively expensive,” said Diament.
Diament reports that Foundry Court has received the blessing of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association and is awaiting Zoning Board of Adjustment approval. That’s expected to be granted in early August, with construction commencing right after that. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes should be completed sometime in December and will be priced in the $700,000 range. Diament is the co-developer along with Nexus; her business partner, Andrew Feldman in the Avenue of the Arts office, is the listing agent for the homes.
-By Sandy Smith for PhiladelphiaRealEstate.com
Architects’ renderings from Nexus EnergyHomes, courtesy Carol Diament

FCBIA - Best Production Home Award

Environmental Excellence Division - Best Production Home Award, Frederick County Building Industry Association

Best Production Home - $300,000 - $400,000

NEXUS EnergyHomes - Duplex 20 - NorthPointe

The FCBIA Environmental Excellence Awards offer recognition for excellence in energy and water efficiency, sustainability and enviromental sensitivity of commercial, new home and remodelling design.

Nexus wins Smart CEO VOLT Awards

Nexus wins Smart CEO VOLT Awards: Leaders in Technology Fastest Growing Technology Implementer, (Medium) The VOLT Awards celebrated the distinguished achievements of twenty-seven of Greater Baltimore’s leaders in technology

NEXUS ENERGYHOMES INSTALLS FIRST ROOFTOP SUN-TRACKING SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

Rising Energy Costs Create Demand

Baltimore’s Federal Hill Row-House Model for Nation (ANNAPOLIS) Mar. 12, 2012— Stevensville, Md. based NEXUS EnergyHomes has installed the first sun-tracking solar device on the rooftop of a row house residence on Federal Hill in Baltimore. "With electricity prices reaching unprecedented rates, American home owners are demanding better energy choices," says NEXUS CEO and President, Paul Zanecki. "This sun-tracker system is the first of its kind to offer higher performance results that make it that much easier to reach electric net-zero goals," he said.

The Dual-Panel Tracker (DPT) manufactured by Advanced Technology & Research Corp., which is based in Columbia, Md., consists of two 235 Watt solar panels attached to a sun-tracking mount affixed to the roof. An advanced GPS-controlled drive unit rotates the panels to follow the sun and capture 30 to 45 percent more energy than conventional fixed panels on a flat roof.

Rising Energy Costs Create Demand In 2010 alone, Maryland residential customers paid an average of 24 percent (14.32/kW) more than the national average (11.54/kW per hour).*
USA Today reported in December that 2010 marked the fifth national consecutive yearly increase in electricity rates, adding an average of $300 per year to household electricity bills. That trend is expected to rise over the next decade.

Solar Lowers Electric Bills Carl Chirichella, the row house home owner and an engineer for ATR, was initially intrigued by the technology but says the financial incentives were also very compelling to him as a homeowner. "Utilizing the dual-panel tracker is an innovative solution to generating on-site renewable energy within the small footprint that city living affords," he says. Chirichella can expect to see a nearly 20 percent reduction in his electric bill with just the one dual-panel system installed so far. But he can add more at any time. Five such systems would allow him to achieve an electrical
"net-zero" balance for his home—eliminating the electrical bill, and potentially offering him energy credits, that if unused, can be returned for use by the BGE utility grid.

Financial Incentives Financial incentives beyond the reduction or elimination of power bills include solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), clean energy grants, and residential renewable energy tax credits. These incentives combined with monthly energy savings will allow homeowners to recoup their solar investment in about 5 years. After that, the system is paid for and will supply free electric power for many years.

Consumer Acceptance "The Federal Hill area is a perfect market for this technology, and our installation at the Chirichella residence allows us to provide accurate documentation of the savings that will be achieved by ATR’s Dual-Panel Tracker, since Mr. Chirichella is one of their engineers," says Zanecki. Home to many tech professionals and earth-conscious progressives, Federal Hill residents are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on fossil-fuels, and live a greener, more cost-efficient lifestyle, while still enjoying the vital urban lifestyle Baltimore has to offer.

NEXUS is the winner of the EnergyValue Housing Award® 2012 Builder of the Year, affirming the company’s vision to lead the nation as a model for energy-efficient homebuilding. NEXUS was also awarded the EVHA New Homes Gold Award for Production in Moderate Climate.

About Nexus EnergyHomes The NEXUS EnergyHome provides every new home-buyer with the opportunity to own a home that meets NetZero Standards —a home that offers the ability to be figuratively "off the grid" and produce as much energy as it consumes. After years of research and testing with the NAHB, and through NEXUS EnergyHomes’ complex construction process using proprietary designs, innovative materials, and the very best of modern technologies, NEXUS EnergyHomes is making a revolutionary change to the way homes are constructed in America. Simply put, NEXUS EnergyHomes is the first company to make these technologies work in perfect harmony in a single family home, and at a rate no different than other homes currently on the market.

NEXUS EnergyHomes offers custom homes throughout the United States, and currently has GeoSolar communities in the Mid-Atlantic, Frederick, MD, Three Creeks in Centreville, MD, Wisp at Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland and Philadelphia, PA. To learn more about NEXUS EnergyHomes, neighborhoods and communities, or Nexus custom homes, please contact us at 410.604.2870 or visit www.nexusenergyhomes.com

*Source: Energy Information Administration

Frederick News Post - Nexus EnergyHomes named National Builder of the Year

Originally published February 27, 2012 By Ed Waters Jr. News-Post Staff

The Nexus EnergyHomes net-zero energy houses on North Bentz Street have drawn attention since they opened last year.   The company, based in Stevensville, has earned national honors for those houses, as well as its efforts to promote green building trends in the industry. Nexus EnergyHomes has been presented the Energy Value Housing Award 2012 Builder of the Year. The award is managed by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, in partnership with the NAHB organization, and the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program and National Renewable Energy Program. Nexus EnergyHomes also won the EVHA New Homes Gold Award for Production in Moderate Climate. The company has received "Emerald Certification" from the NAHB, the highest level of green building standards set by the organization.   Mike Murphy, Nexus Construction Division president, said he hopes to make Frederick the Emerald City of Maryland, according to a news release from the company. An EVHA judge commended the company, noting that the homes contain high quality materials, outstanding energy efficient features and the firm uses incredible marketing. The judge called it an outstanding and comprehensive package, according to the news release. At North Pointe, the 55-home community Nexus EnergyHomes is building along North Bentz and West Sixth streets, more than 20 homes are sold or under contract, said Mike Muren, Realtor for the project, along with several associates. "People appreciate the home for what it is," Muren said at the model at 618 N. Bentz St. "It is a quality-built home that offers something no other homebuilder is able to offer right now." Muren said the combination of energy savings and health aspects of the house are key points to sales.  "It is an extremely clean house," Muren said. Air in the house is exchanged every 48 minutes, an exceptional point for those suffering allergies or respiratory problems. The homes also feature solar energy power, geothermal heat and cooling, structurally integrated panel construction that ensures a tighter envelope for the house and Nexus Vision. The latter allows homeowners to use a computer, iPad or other device to control the home's climate, unlock or lock doors and other functions while away from the house. The two homes now existing are priced around $297,000, but energy tax credits and incentives can bring the price down. Buyers span demographics, from first-time buyers to retirees to families with children, Muren said. The location, neighborhoods, features and price, as well as the energy savings are all selling points. He typically gets 50 to 60 visitors a week at the model home. At special open houses, it could be 50 in one day, Muren said.  "It is nice to see Frederick on the national stage," Muren said of the NAHB Awards. The Builder of the Year Award considers how the company integrates exceptional energy performance, attention to detail, cost and energy value, the news release stated. Nexus EnergyHomes was especially recognized for working with the industry to promote green building techniques. Noting that Nexus is a relatively new builder, NAHB said in a news release the company has "enormous potential to affect both the local and national home building industry." Muren said local developers have been talking with Nexus representatives about building houses in other communities. More Nexus homes are planned in Jefferson, New Market and Ijamsville, as well as Frederick.    For details, visit www.homes atnorthpointe.com or call Muren at 301-524-4471. The model home is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

NEXUS ENERGYHOMES WINS EVHA 2012 BUILDER OF THE YEAR

NEXUS ENERGYHOMES WINS EVHA 2012 BUILDER OF THE YEAR

Company Has Tremendous Potential to Affect the National and Local Home Building Industry

 (STEVENSVILLE) Feb. 13, 2012—Stevensville, Md-based NEXUS EnergyHomes, Inc., is the winner of the EnergyValue Housing Award® 2012 Builder of the Year, announced during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fl last Wednesday. The EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) honors builders and remodelers who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency in the design, construction and marketing of homes.

Nexus’ was one of seventeen builders in the nation nominated for the 2012 Builder of the Year. The nominees were judged on the merits of the homes’ design, construction and value. As they considered all facets of each nominee’s home production, the NAHB Research Center reported that their final decision to award Nexus EnergyHomes as the 2012 Builder of the Year came when they realized that the company, while relatively new to the business, has “enormous potential to affect both the local and national home building industry.”

The Builder of the Year award affirms the company’s vision to successfully integrate exceptional energy performance, attention to detail, and cost and energy value under one roof. “We are thrilled to be singled-out as the overall winner among so many energy-efficient home builders with such a prestigious award,” Murphy says.

The EVHA Builder of the Year award is managed by the NAHB Research Center (NAHBRC) in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Building America Program, and National Renewable Energy Program (NREL).  In announcing Nexus’ win the group said they also considered the company’s extensive pre-build strategic planning and research as, “an indication that the company is dedicated to doing things right the first time.” Additionally, they reported the post-construction review and testing that led Nexus to strive for further improvements, “shows that the company is not content to remain stagnant with respect to energy efficiency and the quality of their construction.”

Nexus’ staffers report that when Paul Zanecki, Nexus’ president, reviews any of his company’s plans, his next question is always, “how can we continually innovate?” “I want to make homes that are better in every way—integrating all the best performing technologies under one roof. Until that vision is realized, I keep pushing,” Zanecki says.

Nexus also won the EVHA New Homes Gold Award for Production in Moderate Climate. In consideration of that win, an EVHA judge said, “This is the whole package. [It contains] high quality materials, outstanding energy efficient features, and incredible marketing. It is an outstanding and comprehensive package.”

Nexus is one of the few homebuilding companies in America that has received certification for achieving the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) “Emerald Certification”—the highest level of Green Building standards established by the NAHB. The first duplex-home built in their Frederick Maryland, North Pointe community received Emerald Certification in January, and the company has pending applications for five more homes built from the same model. Nexus Construction Division President, Mike Murphy says he hopes to make Frederick, the ‘Emerald City’ of Maryland.

Three years of intensive research and development in conjunction with the NAHBRC, resulted in an epiphany for Nexus that they were capable of delivering net-zero homes on a budget of $300,000 or less. They achieved this with the launch of their first community, targeting homebuyers who were looking for energy-efficient, affordable, new construction homes. The 59-home development, North Pointe, a GeoSolar Community in Frederick, Md. sold both model homes in the first two weeks of offering and ended 2011 with 16 lots under contract, six homes nearing completion, and a further eight pending building permits. Nexus is projecting a consistent 2012 sales pace, for this community, of one home per week, which has the potential of selling out North Pointe by years’ end at price points consistent with increased quality and demand. They also contracted to build single-family custom homes last year in Frederick, Centerville, and are set to build in communities reaching from Philadelphia, Pa to South Carolina.

About Nexus EnergyHomes

The NEXUS EnergyHome provides every new home-buyer with the opportunity to own a home that meets NetZero Standards —a home that offers the ability to be figuratively “off the grid” and produce as much energy as it consumes. After years of research and testing with the NAHB, and through Nexus EnergyHomes’ complex construction process using proprietary designs, innovative materials, and the very best of modern technologies, Nexus EnergyHomes is making a revolutionary change to the way homes are constructed in America.  NEXUS EnergyHomes is the first company to make these technologies work in perfect harmony in a single family home, and at a rate no different than other homes currently on the market.

By combining the application of innovative “GeoSolar” energy production, and effective energy-saving building techniques, and utilizing a proprietary “NexusVision Smart Systems” web-based, energy-usage monitoring and control system, each “Nexus EnergyHomes” homeowner has net-zero energy balance within their grasp. Using the earth as an inverse temperature conductor and the sun as a power source, NEXUS EnergyHomes utilize a combination of geothermal (ground sourced) heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, super insulated building shells and state-of-the art electronic and web-based controls and monitoring systems. All household electrical equipment and appliances are Energy-Star rated. NEXUS’ entire electrical system is tied to the electrical or utility grid for “net metering”. Power is produced during periods of sunshine and drawn from the grid at night, or in periods of extensive cloud cover, in order to produce annual, zero or near zero grid electricity demand “Off the Grid”.

The company’s certifications and affiliations include: National Association of Homebuilders; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star designation; Indoor Air PLUS Qualified Homes (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency); Building America Program (U.S. Department of Energy)

Nexus EnergyHomes offers custom homes throughout the United States. To learn more about Nexus EnergyHomes, neighborhoods and communities, or Nexus custom homes, please contact us at 410.604.2870 or visit www.nexusenergyhomes.com