First of Their Kind: Dover’sBreakthrough Passive Homes

Dover, DE

Delivering unique high-performance affordable homeownership through climate-resilient design

Four homes on North Kirkwood Street in Central Dover are Delaware’s very first Phius design certified buildings. The project was developed by NeighborGood Partners, and funded in part by Energize Delaware. Designed to meet the most demanding residential energy-performance standard in the country, these homes reduce energy demand while maintaining safe indoor temperatures during extreme heat and cold.

WHY IT MATTERS

AT-A-GLANCE IMPACT

Affordability: Four affordable homes available to first time home buyers at or below 120% AMI

Performance: All-electric homes, projected to use 7,500 kWh/year, with heating cooling, and domestic hot water accounting for only 36% of the annual energy use

Health: Superior airtightness of 0.2 ACH50, 15 times tighter than required by building code, coupled with continuous mechanical ventilation with heat recovery ensures superior indoor environmental quality

Across Delaware, rising energy costs and climate impacts hit some households harder than others. When homes are inefficient, utility bills spike during extreme weather, forcing families to make impossible tradeoffs between housing, food, and health care. By contrast, resilient, energy-efficient homes help stabilize monthly costs and protect residents during periods of heat, cold, and poor air quality. This project demonstrates that long-term energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and durability can be delivered within an affordable-housing model.

KEY OUTCOMES

New Ecology holds a construction phase training session on the high-performance features of the home before final finishing is completed.

Resilience Drives Affordability: High-performance homes reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and support long-term housing stability for low- and moderate-income households

Verified Building Performance: The highest level of verified building performance ensures low heating and cooling energy demands while providing beneficial indoor air quality

Homes That Perform During Extreme Weather: Homes designed to maintain safe indoor conditions during extreme heat and cold, protect residents from energy cost spikes and climate stress

Sector Learning and Capacity Building: Hands-on, construction phase learning expanded high-performance building knowledge across Delaware’s housing sector

PARTNERS

Partners include NeighborGood Partners (owner), Energize Delaware, the Delaware State Housing Authority, the City of Dover, Healthy Communities Delaware (funders), participating contractors, and New Ecology.