Pro Tour: Fully Electric, Net-Zero Energy Nonprofit Headquarters in Southern NH

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Join NESEA for a Pro Tour of a new, all-electric, 6,000-square-foot nature conservancy headquarters in Southern New Hampshire. This recently completed net-zero energy building demonstrates how high-performance, low-carbon goals can be achieved within a typical nonprofit construction budget when sustainability goals are established early.

From the outset, the owner, architect, contractor, and owner’s project manager approached pre-construction as a collaborative process rooted in shared values. Sustainability goals were embedded in the base design rather than treated as add-ons, guiding decisions related to enclosure performance, mechanical systems, material selection, and construction methods. The project draws from Passive House principles to reduce operational energy demand while improving comfort, durability, and indoor air quality.

Our day will start with an opening presentation from the project team, including the developer and architect, where attendees will learn about the history of this project, the vision for the high-performance work being done there, and the strategies around budget and financing. Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the building while hearing more from the interdisciplinary team of experts who made it possible. After the tour, we’ll regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other. We hope to see you there!

More About the Project

The team prioritized embodied carbon reduction through a preconstruction embodied carbon assessment, the use of bio-based and regional materials, and a commitment to complete a post-construction embodied carbon assessment. During construction, the team tracked fossil fuel use to quantify A5 construction emissions, sourced renewable energy for the project, and implemented the USGBC Contractor’s Commitment to guide jobsite practices. The project also placed a strong emphasis on jobsite wellness. The team piloted battery-powered tools to create quieter, cleaner working conditions. When air monitoring indicated elevated CO₂ and humidity levels during cold winter construction in a tight building enclosure, a temporary ERV was deployed to improve indoor air quality for workers.

This project is a great case study for the impact of real world decision making, transparent tradeoffs, and practical strategies that can be applied to everyday new construction projects. It offers a replicable model for how early collaboration, carbon tracking, and thoughtful construction practices can deliver high performance, low embodied carbon, and healthier buildings without relying on extraordinary budgets or conditions.

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Tentative Schedule

If you have questions about this event, you can contact us via protours@nesea.org. Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here.