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 focusing on air sealing, we construct homes that maintain a consistent internal temperature. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) also filters the air supply so outside air stays out – 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 gross income allocated to indoor energy expenses. These families often experience poor house quality, 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 2019, our homes have all been built net-zero, net-zero ready, or half-net

Net Zero

    • A building produces as much energy as it consumes annually.

Net Zero Ready

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

Half Net

    • A building has minimized energy consumption and has installed a solar system that covers half of the homes annual consumption. 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.

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 over–head costs to fit our budget

Northwest Aerobarrier – Air sealing at NW Cottages