EP143 Sweat Equity Meets Smart Energy: Inside a Habitat Zero Energy Ready Build with Kevin L. Smith (July 2025)

RESTalk

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“When you're in construction, you're just building sticks and bricks—until you understand how a house actually performs.”

– Kevin Smith

In this episode of RESTalk, Bill sits down with Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, to explore a groundbreaking project: the Bennett Point Phase 1 homes, which earned both ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. Kevin shares how his team collaborated with Energize Delaware and New Ecology to build high-performance, all-electric townhomes aimed at long-term affordability and health for first-time homebuyers.

From redesigning floor plans to accommodate advanced HVAC systems to navigating volunteer labor and contractor training, Kevin explains the behind-the-scenes coordination needed to hit ultra-low RESNET® HERS® scores of 33–35—among the best in Delaware without solar. The conversation wraps with reflections on lessons learned, surprises in the process, and guidance for other Habitat affiliates looking to level up their housing mission.

Other quotes from our conversation:

“We want homeowners to walk into their house confident they can maintain it, save money, and breathe easier—literally and financially.”

“A tight house with smart systems isn't just efficient. It's transformational.”

Kevin’s Bio: https://www.habitatncc.org/hfhncc-staff/kevin-l-smith/

His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-l-smith-18360314/

New Ecology: https://www.newecology.org/

Other content on this project:

https://www.facebook.com/HabitatNCC/posts/join-us-for-the-bennett-point-home-dedicationhabitat-for-humanity-of-new-castle-/1061661725998026/ https://www.habitatncc.org/news/2025/03/video-moving-in-homes-at-habitats-bennett-point-ready-for-occupancy/ https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/2019/12/03/new-habitat-development-key-revitalizing-eastside/2588463001/

Listen to RESTalk Episode 139 where we meet with Jason Barlow President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to talk about: Concrete Innovations: The Story of Arizona’s First 3D-Printed Home: https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep139-concrete-innovations-the-story-of-arizonas-first-3d-printed-home-with-jason-barlow

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

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