Beaton's Passive House on Surrey Lane in Shrewsbury.

SHREWSBURY, Mass. – State Rep. Matt Beaton will speak on home energy efficiency next month after recently completing his "Passive House" as the guest speaker of the Earth Stewardship Ministry of the First Congregational Church.

Beaton (R-Shrewsbury) of Beaton Construction will walk guests through the construction of his recently completed Passive House, currently considered the most rigorous energy-efficiency standard in the world. His home is one of the first certified in Massachusetts and one of only a dozen nationwide.

The home, built on Surrey Lane in the neighborhood Beaton grew up in, is approximately 3,000 square foot home and integrates passive solar design principles with a super-tight, super insulated building envelope and heat-recovery ventilation for fresh air exchange, all while preserving the aesthetic characteristics that the Beatons' desired.

Beaton will be discussing the advantages of energy-efficient design and his practical experience living in one of the most energy-efficient homes in the country.

"My family and I just spent our first winter in the residence, which I know challenged many people's heating bills, and we now face the heat and humidity of a New England summer," Beaton said last summer when his home was completed. "No matter the season, the home has maintained a remarkable level and comfort and our heating and cooling bill is essentially non-existent."

He'll also be discussing how all homeowners can apply the same principles toward making improvements in their own homes to help save money on heating and cooling bills.

"The Passive House standard may presently be too unconventional for many people to consider, but we are starting to see our energy efficiency incentive programs recognize the same principles and slowly help the general public move incrementally in this direction," Beaton said. "Our business philosophy is grounded in helping people realize 'green' savings through both small and large weatherization/energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. While my home was built to a very rigorous standard, most homeowners can see significant long-term savings in their energy bills through better insulating their homes."

The First Congregational Church will host Beaton on Sunday, March 4 at 11 a.m. The even is free and open to the public. Parking is available on Church Road and across Route 140 at the Shrewsbury Public Library.