DOVER – Energize Delaware and NeighborGood Partners broke ground on its newest housing initiative—four highly energy-efficient homes on North Kirkwood Street in Dover.
This project marks a major milestone as NeighborGood Partners brings Passive House construction—a leading international standard in energy-efficient building—to the heart of Delaware. These new homes will be built to meet Passive House standards, one of the highest levels of energy efficiency in the industry. The result: drastically reduced utility costs for future homeowners, potentially as low as a few hundred dollars per year.
“This is a meaningful step toward sustainable, affordable homeownership for low- and moderate-income families,” Patricia Kelleher, Real Estate Development director at NeighborGood Partners, said in a press release. “As the cost of homeownership continues to rise due to interest rates and development expenses, this project provides a long-term solution that truly makes a difference.”
“We are excited to partner with NeighborGood Partners, the City of Dover, and New Ecology to bring the first Passive Homes to Delaware,” Drew Slater, executive director of Energize Delaware, said “Together, we’re creating the most energy efficient homes built in our state and modeling what collaboration can achieve to reduce energy costs and create affordable housing opportunities our state desperately needs.”
Passive House is a building concept that reduces energy consumption while enhancing indoor comfort and air quality. Key features of Passive House design include:
- Up to 90% savings on heating and cooling energy compared to traditional homes.
- Elimination of conventional heating systems through efficient insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation.
- Year-round comfort through stable indoor temperatures, fresh air circulation, and passive cooling techniques.
- Exceptional durability and cost savings for homeowners over time.
NeighborGood Partners continues to lead in providing innovative housing solutions that meet both environmental and economic needs, building stronger communities one home at a time.
