Re: “Developer has grand plan for small homes in Bridgton” (Aug. 17): The Portland Press Herald let its readers down by accepting at face value Main Eco Homes’ extravagant claims for its Cottages at Willett Brook.

It’s an admirable goal to create “energy efficient living for active adults.” But even a cursory review would have revealed that this development falls far short of minimally responsible, sustainable, energy-efficient building and site design.

Smaller homes are generally more environmentally responsible. At 640 square feet, these cottages are undeniably small. But the estimated annual cost of $400 for electricity, heating, and cooling is based on optional solar panels.

A review of the company’s Web page and a drive through the development confirm that the site plan demonstrates little sensitivity to solar orientation, obliterating in most cases the effectiveness of those optional panels. Without solar panels, the estimated annual energy cost of $1,200 is high for a house that small.

Construction techniques have a huge impact on energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the R-values for wall insulation proposed for the cottages are some of the lowest being built today. The efficacy of insulation is worsened when stick-built, 2-by-4 construction is used, as shown on the Main Eco Homes website.

Another significant issue in ecologically sensitive construction is the choice of materials. Vinyl siding is among the most environmentally harmful, yet is specified on these houses.

As the article states, there is a real need for housing for retirees in Maine. Sophisticated buyers are eager for environmentally responsible homes. The Cottages at Willett Brook is an effort to capitalize on that demand, either cynically or ineptly.

But when investigating “eco” descriptions, buyers and the Portland Press Herald need to be informed about what constitutes environmentally responsible design and construction. The Cottages at Willett Brook does not.

Richard Burt

Round Pond

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