Hi all, I am planning on building a new home next spring and I am having a tough time finding a contractor in south jersey who wants to do an energy efficient building.  I am planning a 3000 sf home, icf basement, not sure about the rest but want very tight insulated constructions and very well insulated.  Cost my drive me to a cellulouse construction for insulation but would like to find a contractor who has a clue.  Planning on using geo for the heat and air and augmenting the rest with solar.  One idea I was given was to build to passive house standard, use a conventional heat and ac unit and augment that with solar.  Any thoughts and references will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

3000 square feet is a large size for an energy efficient home. Are you planning on just using energy efficient appliances, or are you trying to do a green build? All contractors can build energy efficient homes by using a higher R value insulation and using energy star appliances, water heaters, HVAC etc. It just depends on what you are looking for.

I am trying to do more than just energy star. How crazy I want to go well that depends on the $$ associated with it. Right now I am leaning towards ICF construction, all though I have talked to many who say I can achieve the same result with other techniques that are not so pricey. Looking for the really good windows and a very high R roof system. As well as energy efficient appliances. If ICF puts me out of my pricing ball park then I will probably do a 2x6 wall with cellulouse and 2" of foam board on the outside of the house. If you have any other ideas I am all ears. thanks.