A Commitment to Sustainability
The homes we build together with our clients reflect our aspirations and values— including our attitudes about sustainability. At Bensonwood, we believe that building a home is not just about shelter, but about crafting spaces that respect the environment and connect inhabitants with the natural world. Sustainable building is about more than reducing harm to the environment; we aspire to make the world better. Sustainability requires using resources wisely, designing for efficiency, and thinking long-term. From the earliest stages of design to the moment homeowners step inside their new home, we work to minimize waste, use renewable and non-toxic materials, and construct homes that honor both the people who live in them and the land they occupy.
Bensonwood’s approach is rooted in craftsmanship, guided by experience, and driven by our mission to–in all ways–improve lives. This philosophy is at the heart of every structure we build—and that process begins in our solar-powered factory.
A Solar-Powered Approach to Homebuilding
Our factory is a testament to what is possible when thoughtful design meets renewable energy. Bensonwood’s talented team assembles complete insulated panels for high-performance homes, as well as other buildings, in our 110,000-square-foot facility in southwestern New Hampshire. This facility is powered by a 136 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar array, allowing us to operate as a net-zero energy producer—meaning our factory generates as much electricity as it consumes over the course of a year.
By using renewable energy at the core of our production process, we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and set a standard for the type of homes we believe in. But sustainability begins in the factory, then extends to every home we build. Many of our clients opt to use solar energy, integrating PV systems into their homes as part of a larger vision for self-sufficient, energy-efficient living. From design to construction, our goal is to help homeowners create spaces that work with the environment rather than against it.
Supporting Local Economic Growth
Our focus on sustainability includes important efforts to strengthen our community and foster craftsmanship. In 2017, Bensonwood partnered with the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in a lease agreement to share a manufacturing facility. Through this collaboration, we secured funding for renovations and expansions of an existing structure, including an $8.6 million financing package and a $270,000 Community Development Block Grant to support our growth.
As of the summer of 2024, we proudly own the facility outright! This milestone not only solidifies our presence in the region but also reinforces our role as a leader in offsite construction. Through this expansion, we are deepening our commitment to using both technology and experienced craft skills to build healthy, sustainable homes, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities in advanced construction techniques
“Our commitment to sustainable building practices and innovative construction methods is unwavering. A critical aspect of our intended impact is to expand employment opportunities in off-site advanced construction.”
– Tedd Benson, Founder and CEO of Bensonwood and Unity Homes
High-Performance, Net Zero-Ready Homes
A home should be a sanctuary—comfortable, efficient, and built to last. At Bensonwood, we design and construct homes with meticulous attention to building science principles to optimize energy efficiency and maximize human comfort. These company objectives are about conserving energy, but also about creating homes that endure through generations.
The materials and methods we use—dense-pack cellulose insulation, triple-pane windows, and advanced heating and cooling systems—all work together to minimize energy waste. Every Bensonwood home is fully electric and net-zero ready, meaning it is designed to operate with peak efficiency and can easily be powered entirely by renewable energy. With the addition of solar panels, a Bensonwood home can generate as much energy as it consumes over a year—sometimes even producing a surplus. For those seeking true energy independence, our homes can also be built to function entirely off-grid.
Homes Built for Life
A home is more than just a structure—it’s a place to gather, to find peace, and to feel connected to the natural world. Every home should be built to honor the finest traditions of building craftsmanship, while utilizing the benefits of 21st century technologies and science. It should be a place that stands strong for generations, reflecting a deep respect for materials, the environment, and the people who call it home.
Choosing a Bensonwood home means taking an active role in a greener future. We are honored to collaborate with homeowners who share our vision for a world where sustainability is not just an option, but a way of life. Together, we are building homes that support both people and the planet, fostering a legacy of resilience, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
