Three New Haven area home building projects are among 17 competing in The CT Zero Energy Challenge, a program sponsored by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the state Energy Efficiency Fund.

An Essex house that is being constructed by the Madison-based Celebration Development Group, a project in Madison designed by Guilford-based CK Architects and a Killingworth home being built by Consulting Engineering Services of Middletown are all part of this year's competition. The design and build competition involves both single and multi-family homes built in Connecticut between May 2009 and December 1, 2010.

Completed homes will be ranked based on a performance score determined by the presence of energy-efficient features that curb overall energy use. Winners, who will be announced on Dec. 8th, will be given cash prizes.

The Killingworth house being developed by Consulting Engineering Services is a 3,600 square foot single family home with a detached garage and barn, said George Keithan, who is president of the company.

“In addition to focusing on insulation, only the most energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures on the ENERGY STAR® scale were installed, and compact fluorescent lamps or LEDs were the sole types of lighting used throughout the house,” Keithan said.

The CK Architects entry is a 4,300 square foot residence with an additional 330 square feet of conditioned basement space. The Essex home being built by Celebration Development Group has four bedrooms and is just under 3000 square feet.

The state's Energy Efficiency Fund promotes efficient energy use and helps residents and businesses save on their electric and natural gas bills.