River City Housing (RCH), a nonprofit focused on sustainable and affordable housing, unveiled Louisville’s first affordable Zero Energy Ready Passive House at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 4, at 4906 Mary Rose Drive.
This groundbreaking project, named “The Jenny,” marks a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to merge energy efficiency with affordable living, according to Louisville Metro Government.
The home is dedicated to the memory of Jenny Jones Miller, RCH’s former construction manager.
According to a press release from RCH, Jenny’s work, from research to the planning stages, shaped “The Jenny” into a model of eco-friendly home design that combines affordability with energy efficiency.
As Louisville’s first affordable Zero Energy Ready Passive House, “The Jenny” is designed to drastically reduce energy use and minimize carbon emissions.
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Key features of the home include solar panels installed by Icon Solar Power, a Solarize Louisville-vetted company. RCH President Becky Roehrig emphasized the project’s significance, saying, “Energy efficiency is crucial in affordable housing because it helps reduce the ongoing cost burden for homeowners. This project is a testament to our vision for a sustainable and equitable future in Louisville.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local leaders, including Sumedha Rao, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, who praised the project for prioritizing both quality and sustainability.
“Sustainable homes reduce utility costs, create healthier indoor environments, and support green jobs,” Rao said. “We look forward to learning from ‘The Jenny’ to make affordable, zero-energy homes the standard across Louisville.”
The project was supported by several key funding partners, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Kentucky’s Office of Energy Policy.
This article appears in Nov 4-19, 2024.
