• Central district heating plant

• Central biomass plant

• Community ground source heat pump

• Individual home solar PV installations

• Combined heat and power

• Central and residential-scale wind

Brendle Group worked with the architecture firm DTJ Design and the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of leading-edge energy choices – including renewable energy, “net zero” energy, and community-based energy systems - for a planned new residential community.  Site level energy strategies were compared against individual building options to evaluate the feasibility of various energy strategies, including cost, payback, logistics, and rebates.  Three scenarios were presented- including “cost driven,” “middle ground,” and “most efficient” – to inform choices. The project also included research into other models of sustainable developments nationwide completed through public/private partnerships to document key strategies and lessons learned.

The Valley Brook Housing Development includes 42 single family attached units in 11 buildings, approximately 34,642 square feet of private open space, and a 4,229 square foot public park/playground. The development is intended to provide affordable housing for people employed in Colorado’s Summit County and is located on a 4.5 acre parcel owned by the Town of Breckenridge. The project incorporates many other elements of sustainability, from limiting asphalt paving to low VOC adhesives and paints, to achieve a LEED equivalent project.