Existing Buildings

Advance your firm’s carbon commitments


Energy Trust of Oregon makes funds available to select architecture and engineering firms working on projects in Oregon through its Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship grants. The grants provide funds to hire young professionals who can help advance their industry carbon commitments.

To date, the grant has provided funding for 30 interns who have helped firms establish data collection and reporting infrastructure. Firms have benefitted by gaining insights on energy and carbon performance of their buildings and given the grant program high marks.

“Great program! Our firm noted that we wouldn’t have been able to report as many projects without our intern and support from Energy Trust.” – Scott Edwards Architecture LLP

If your firm may be interested in participating, here’s what you should know:

  • The grant provides up to $8,000 for firms to pay students or recent graduate interns.
  • The interns help your firm meet and track progress toward the American Institute of Architects’ AIA 2030 Commitment, Carbon Leadership Forum’s MEP 2040 Commitment or Structural Engineering Institute’s SE 2050 Commitment.
  • Firms offer a 12-week paid internship in the first quarter of 2025 and participate in a cohort with mentors and interns at other firms who are working on activities related to one of these commitments.
  • To be eligible, firms must have Oregon projects in design and be a commitment signatory by the grant application deadline.

The Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship grant application is now open. Recipients will be selected in late summer of 2024.

Submit your application by June 14, 2024.

Apply now.

Learn more about the Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship grant.

If you have questions about the Net Zero Fellowship, please contact Naomi Cole, Net Zero Grants manager, at 503.956.0244.