Inside one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s push for renewables

After the death of President Jimmy Carter last December, many of the tributes mentioned his environmental legacy and push for energy-efficient development. And one unusual part of his plan was focused here in Colorado.  

Carter’s administration had backed the design of some experimental homes along the Front Range. They were warmed by the sun and fueled by renewable sources – an exciting idea in the late 1970s.  

John Avenson was paying attention back then, and wanted to live in one of those homes. He got the plans, hired a contractor and built his very own Carter home in Westminster in 1981 – even as Carter’s successor in the White House, President Ronald Reagan, scaled back renewable energy development.  

Avenson still lives in that home today. It’s featured in an episode of the PBS series Heart of a Building, which focuses on innovative building construction.   

Erin O’Toole spoke with Avenson and Heart of a Building host Paul Kreischer in February to learn about life in one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes. We’re listening back to that conversation today. 

Here’s where to watch the Heart of a Building episode featuring Avenson’s home. 

In the months after this interview, President Trump rolled back many clean energy incentives and tax credits for homeowners and developers with the passage of his budget bill. 

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
 
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.