Property Analysis Report: 224 East Street, Dalton, MA

Executive Summary

This report provides an analysis of the residential property located at 224 East Street in Dalton, Massachusetts. Constructed in 2020, this single-family home is notable for its modern design, quality craftsmanship, and significant integration of features that align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The property’s emphasis on energy efficiency, health and safety, and sustainable infrastructure positions it as a forward-thinking example of modern residential development.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The property’s design and integrated systems demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, directly contributing to the following SDGs:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The home is equipped with multiple systems designed to promote the use of clean energy and enhance efficiency, reducing both environmental impact and utility costs for residents.

• Solar Panels: The installation of solar panels provides a source of renewable energy, decreasing reliance on the traditional power grid and lowering carbon emissions.
• Energy Star Appliances: The property includes a full suite of Energy Star-rated appliances, ensuring high efficiency and lower energy consumption.
  1. Washer
  2. Stove
  3. Refrigerator
  4. Dishwasher
  5. Dryer
• High-Efficiency Systems: An on-demand hot water system and an underground propane tank for heating provide efficient, targeted energy use, minimizing waste.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

This property contributes to the development of safe, resilient, and sustainable housing infrastructure.

• Durable, Modern Construction: As a newly built home (2020), it utilizes quality materials and modern construction techniques, ensuring longevity and reducing the future need for resource-intensive renovations.
• Health and Safety Infrastructure: The proactive installation of a radon mitigation system addresses a key indoor environmental health risk, contributing to safer housing.
• Efficient Land Use: The 2,318-square-foot home is situated on a 0.35-acre lot, representing a functional use of residential space.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Several features of the home directly support a healthy living environment for its occupants.

• Air Quality Management: The presence of a central air conditioning system helps regulate indoor temperature and humidity, while the radon mitigation system protects against harmful gas exposure.
• Modern, Clean Environment: The newness of the home and its materials contribute to a clean, bright, and inviting atmosphere with ample natural lighting, promoting mental and physical well-being.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The home’s core components encourage sustainable consumption patterns.

• Energy Efficiency: The combination of solar panels, Energy Star appliances, and efficient heating/cooling systems drastically reduces the property’s overall energy consumption over its lifecycle.
• Quality and Longevity: The use of high-quality systems and craftsmanship means major components like the roof, heating, and electrical systems will not require replacement for many years, reducing future consumption of materials and resources.

Property Specifications and Features

General Specifications

• Year Built: 2020
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3.5
• Total Area: 2,318 sq. ft.
• Lot Size: 0.35 acres
• Garage: 2-car, attached

Key Design and System Features

1. Modern Open-Concept Layout: The main floor features a bright, open layout connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas, which opens to a back deck and yard.
2. Contemporary Kitchen and Bathrooms: The kitchen is highlighted by a large central island and modern finishes. Bathrooms are conveniently located on each floor, with the primary suite featuring a private bathroom with double sinks.
3. Primary Suite: The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a private en-suite bathroom.
4. Finished Basement: A partially finished basement provides additional living space, with mechanical systems thoughtfully separated from the finished area.
5. Advanced Infrastructure: The home is equipped with high-speed wiring to support modern technological needs.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article extensively discusses the home’s energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. It highlights features like “solar panels,” “Energy Star-rated” appliances, and an “underground propane tank for heating,” all of which are central to ensuring access to clean and modern energy.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The focus on a “new” home built with “quality systems, quality materials and quality craftsmanship” relates to providing safe and sustainable housing. The inclusion of a “radon mitigation system” directly addresses the safety aspect of housing, a key component of sustainable communities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article’s emphasis on “energy efficiency” and systems designed to “curb the cost of all that energy use” aligns with the goal of promoting resource efficiency. Features like “on demand hot water” and Energy Star appliances are examples of technologies that support more sustainable consumption patterns.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   This target is directly addressed through the mention of “solar panels” installed on the property. The article notes that these panels “helped curb the cost of all that energy use,” indicating they contribute to the home’s energy supply, thereby increasing the share of renewable energy at the household level.

2. Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

   The article provides multiple examples of features that improve energy efficiency. It lists “Energy Star-rated washer, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and dryer,” “central air,” and “on demand hot water” as key attributes of the home, all of which contribute to achieving higher energy efficiency.

3. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.

   The property is described as a “new” home with “quality systems, quality materials and quality craftsmanship.” Furthermore, the proactive installation of a “radon mitigation system” is a specific measure that ensures the housing is safe, directly aligning with this target’s objective.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 7.2: Presence of renewable energy technology.

   The article explicitly states the house is equipped with “solar panels.” The existence of this renewable energy installation serves as a direct, tangible indicator of progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy.

2. Indicator for Target 7.3: Use of energy-efficient technologies and standards.

   The mention of appliances that are “Energy Star-rated” serves as a specific indicator of energy efficiency. The Energy Star certification is a recognized standard for energy-efficient products, making it a measurable data point.

3. Indicator for Target 11.1: Measures to ensure housing safety.

   The installation of a “radon mitigation system” is a specific, measurable action taken to improve the safety of the living environment. This system directly addresses potential health hazards from radon gas, serving as an indicator of safe housing.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: iberkshires.com