Better for Homeowners,
Better for the Environment

Home affordability and sustainable building go hand in hand.

We’re building energy efficient homes and combining renewable energy sources with conscientious building practices to reduce utility bills, cut waste, and reduce construction costs.

Affordable

From heating to plumbing, every system in our homes is designed to optimize energy consumption. This results in an average of 33% less consumption than the typical household in Oregon and a significant reduction in monthly energy expenses for our homeowners.

Healthier

Using extra insulation and advanced air sealing, we construct homes that maintain a consistent internal temperature. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) filters the outside air supply as it is exchanged with inside air – mitigating pollutants and pollens and improving indoor air quality.

More Durable

Green building reduces mold, rot, and pest issues, while xeriscaping with native plants decreases water consumption, improves drought tolerance, and ensures fire resistance. This durability ensures homes will continue to provide affordable housing for decades.

Sustainability = Equity

Households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are disproportionately affected by energy insecurity, with more than 10% of their income spent on energy bills. Due to housing costs, they often have to rent older or under-maintained homes, which causes higher energy consumption and unhealthy, potentially unsafe living conditions. Studies also show that energy insecurity perpetuates a cycle of lower educational attainment and generational poverty.

By building energy efficient, affordable homes, we are reducing cost of living expenses, improving overall health, and ensuring families have every opportunity to thrive and grow.

How We Build

Since 2020, our homes have been built Net Zero, Net Zero Ready, or Half Net Zero

Net Zero

    • A net-zero building produces as much energy as it consumes annually. Our net-zero homes average $12/month in energy bills. 

Net Zero Ready

    • A net-zero ready building has minimized energy consumption and is wired for solar. On average, our energy modeling shows our homes using around 8,000kWh annually, while the Oregon average is 12,000kWh. We prewire for solar, so that if funding becomes available, the homes can upgrade and become net zero.

Half Net Zero

    • A half net-zero building has minimized energy consumption and has a solar system that produces half of the home’s annual electricity needs. Sometimes we receive funding that does not cover a fully net-zero system, but any amount of solar makes a big difference for homeowners and the environment. Our half net-zero homes average $35/month in energy bills. 

Go Zero Tour – Quince Townhomes

Example Energy Costs

From Energy Trust of Oregon’s Energy Performance Score

Our Partners

Earth Advantage – Certification and third–party inspections

Energy Trust of Oregon – Incentives for Solar and Energy Performance Score

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – Triple pane windows for no additional cost 27th St. Townhomes

Sunlight Solar – Apply for incentives and often reduce their costs to fit our budget

Northwest Aerobarrier – Air sealing at NW Cottages

Wooster Design Inspirations – Energy efficient home design