Resources
Construction Process
A program approved verifier will review building components and verify compliance with ENERGY STAR® certification requirements at two different points: before installing drywall and at project completion. Please note that you are responsible for initial communication and contracting with an independent certified program verifier in order to qualify for incentives.
In addition, a program approved performance testing contractor needs to be contacted. The contractor will test your project to ensure that systems and equipment work as designed. If you do not see your heating and cooling contractor’s name on the trade ally list, contact the trade ally coordinator at 1-877-283-0698 for information on how to encourage them to sign up.
Tax Credits
When you build an energy-efficient building through Energy Trust’s ENERGY STAR New Homes program, you may also be eligible for:
Beyond ENERGY STAR
Earth Advantage®
For builders who want to construct a green building, the preferred path is a dual-labeled ENERGY STAR and Earth Advantage building. Earth Advantage furnishes builders with a flexible menu of sustainable features that address building owner and tenant demand for healthier indoor air, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Dual-labeled projects receive incentives and builder support from Energy Trust and have the environmental sensitivity and quality construction that are a part of all Earth Advantage buildings. A Builder Outreach Specialist provides on-the-ground support to assist builders in meeting both Earth Advantage and ENERGY STAR certification requirements. Visit Earth Advantage for more information.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to promote the design and construction of high performance "green" homes.
LEED is a voluntary rating system that is the nationally recognized standard for green building. LEED certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, and gives homeowners confidence that their home is durable, healthy and environmentally friendly.
Earth Advantage has been selected by the USGBC to be a LEED Program Provider. As a Program Provider, Earth Advantage is responsible for working with those entities that wish to build their projects to the LEED for Homes standard. In this role, Earth Advantage works with building professionals to help them understand and incorporate high performance green building practices and materials into their projects. This includes performance testing and compliance with the pilot rating system. To learn more, visit USGBC or contact Earth Advantage, the Oregon Program Provider.
Other Resources
- ENERGY STAR appliance incentives — buy today, start saving tomorrow
- Change a Light, Change the World Fundraiser — earn money for your organization, school, or congregation by selling compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Technical School Outreach — designed to integrate energy efficiency and building science curriculum into technical school education
- Solar electric — Energy Trust helps make solar energy affordable and easy to install in your home
- Solar water heating — tap into Oregon sunshine; preheat your water with energy from the sun
- Purchase green power or carbon offsets through your utility — both PGE and Pacific Power offer a variety of green power options and NW Natural offers a carbon offset program
For questions or more information, contact the trade ally coordinator at 1-877-283-0698 and press option 1 or eshomes@energytrust.org.
If this information does not fit your type of multifamily project, contact Energy Trust at 1-866-368-7878 or info@energytrust.org for other incentive offerings for your multifamily property.