Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has launched a residential design and construction initiative to bring energy, environmentally and equity-positive green homes to Boston’s neighborhoods.

The "Energy Positive ‘E+’ Green Building Demonstration Program" seeks to promote the future generation of home construction – combining high quality living space with clean energy production that helps power the neighborhood. E+ Green Buildings produce more energy than they use on an annual basis, giving energy back to the grid and saving homeowners money.

"Today we are taking our green building and renewable energy efforts to the next frontier by creating ultra-efficient housing that generates excess clean energy for the grid," Menino said. "We will demonstrate that Energy Positive Housing can be constructed sustainably and cost-effectively, while enhancing the livability of Boston’s neighborhoods now and into the future."

The initiative continues Menino’s efforts to promote sustainable development and green buildings in Boston and seeks the participation of leading design, construction and development professionals in envisioning the next generation of green buildings. The findings from E+ program will help to shape Boston’s future green building policies and practices.

E+ will build upon Boston’s Article 37 Green Building Zoning and the city’s Green Affordable Housing Guidelines, national models for promoting green development, with a strong focus on advancing residential green building practices. The new homes will surpass the highest standards for sustainable development, green buildings, and healthy homes, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes Platinum requirements.