Accelerating to Zero (A to Z) Tour at Rachel Carson EcoVillage 

Join GBA to tour the nearly finished Rachel Carson EcoVillage project at Providence Heights and learn about the journey of this multi-generational co-housing community. Attendees will hear from Project Manager Stefani Danes with input from other professionals on the project team. 

Comprising 35 private units ranging from studios to four bedrooms and adjacent to LaRoche University, the entire development is being constructed to high standards, with energy, equity, and occupant health in mind. 

These high-performing homes will take advantage of the surrounding woods for seasonal heating and cooling and will be insulated for energy efficiency. In anticipation of long-term affordability, the project received Design Certification by the Passive House Institute (PHIUS) and is expected to reduce energy waste by more than 75%. The community is also planned to be fully electrified with the goal of using energy from 100% renewable sources and will track embodied carbon through lifecycle analysis to reduce emissions and material waste. 

The EcoVillage will provide a shared common house, gardens and other outdoor space, places for socializing, and walkability to nearby amenities, offering opportunity for connection with neighbors without sacrificing the privacy of single-family homes. All units are also being designed for aging in place. 

Participants will

1. Receive an overview of the Rachel Carson EcoVillage scope and design process
2. Gain insight into the community’s energy efficient and sustainable design and policies, targeting Passive House certification
3. Hear from project team members about the challenges and successes of the project
4. Accelerate to Zero: Discuss how the project aligns with 2030 District and Resilient Community, energy, water, and decarbonization goals 

This event is eligible for 1.5 AIA and self-reported GBCI CEUs 

Key Project Team Members Include

Stefanie Danes (founder and project manager), EvolveEA (architecture), Fourth River Workers Guild (ecological construction), Ethos Collaborative (site engineering), and Auros Group (performance and certification) 

More About A to Z Tours

GBA offers informative and educational programming on a range of topics at the intersection of design, construction, operations, climate, human health, and economy. 

Topics presented during tours are integral to 2030 District and Resilient Community goals focusing on energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, improving indoor environmental quality, and decarbonization as property partners are Accelerating to Zero.

By exploring projects that demonstrate a more sustainable future, we create ways for regional experts as well as current and future leaders of high-performance building to learn from and inspire one another. 

For more information about upcoming tours or to suggest a project for a future tour, please contact info@gba.org.