Devens Net Zero LLC, Metric Corp. and MassDevelopment breaks ground on 12 energy-efficient townhouses

Metric Corp.'s president Geoff Caraboolad and MassDevelopment president and CEO Marty Jones recently celebrated the groundbreaking of 12 moderately-priced, energy-efficient townhouses on a 1.2 acres on Bates St. The contractor and developer and its subsidiary, Devens Net Zero LLC, have begun construction and will continue building through the winter. Metric will also give buyers the opportunity to purchase or lease photovoltaic panels for their units, which will bring the homes to zero-net energy. "This construction will keep Devens green, even during the cold New England months," said Jones. "I thank Metric Corp. for its commitment to this project and to affordable, sustainable housing." Transformations of Townsend's Carter Scott, who is building eight single-family homes adjacent to the slated 12-unit project at Adams Circle, also joined the celebration. When complete, the green housing pilot project will have 20 homes. Developers will document energy consumption in the homes for a year after occupancy to demonstrate the effectiveness of their construction methods. "We were honored to be selected by Mass Development to take part in this worthy initiative. The combined efforts and collaboration involved in moving this project forward have been extraordinary and Metric looks forward to continuing its commitment to promote sustainable construction practices." MassDevelopment selected Metric from a group of four developers competing for the right to purchase residential lots and build energy-efficient homes. Metric has more than 30 years of experience within the construction industry with expertise in multi-unit residential, nonprofit, commercial, academic, retail and institutional work along the East Coast. The company uses sustainable practices in its construction and brings significant experience as a builder and developer to the project. The Devens project supports and helps to implement the Patrick Administration's goals for zero-net-energy development in Massachusetts. By creating both green-energy jobs and attractive green housing at a reasonable price, this project will also fulfill ongoing twin objectives at MassDevelopment - to increase both economic development activity and the availability of housing options that promote sustainability. MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2011, MassDevelopment financed or managed more than 300 projects generating investment of $3.8 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 10,000 jobs (2,547 permanent and 8,129 construction), and build or rehabilitate more than 1,000 residential units.