Building a net-zero neighborhood for the future with Matt Grocoff

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, a bold experiment in community building is underway. Veridian at County Farm is a 14-acre net-zero neighborhood redefining what sustainable living can look like.

In this episode, host Kate Gasparro sits down with Matt Grocoff, the visionary developer behind Veridian. Matt shares the story of how he discovered the site, the ethos driving its design, and how a virtual power plant with onsite solar and batteries will allow the community to be self-sufficient while also serving as an asset to the regional grid.

Together, Kate and Matt also explore how Veridian integrates energy, water, and food systems to create a model for resilient, regenerative living. Veridian is proof that sustainability can be woven into everyday life- not at a premium upgrade, but as the foundation for a healthier, more resilient community.

Resources:

Energy-Efficient Isnt' Enough, So Homes Go "Net Zero" (NYTimes)

Residents have almost no energy bills int his self-powered Ann Arbor neighborhood (M Live)

"Net Zero" Living in a Green Home in a Walkable, Historic Neighborhood (Smart Cities Dive)

Ann Arbor's sustainable energy utility aims to build the electric power grid fo the future- alongside the old one (The Conversation)

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