The 2026 BuildRight Conference, held at The Redd, and presented by the Home Building Association of Greater Portland,and Energy Trust of Oregon, offered builders and verifiers insight on policy issues, proven business practices, and the chance to network and share ideas.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive as the conference delivered relevant content, informative speakers, and a format that balanced high-level presentations with technical learning in breakout sessions and live demonstrations.

Hands-on demos

Nationally recognized experts and local builders led live demonstration sessions, giving attendees the chance to watch proper window flashing techniques and correct continuous insulation installation in action.

One session introduced the logic and sequencing behind modern wall control layers, with a focus on water-resistive barriers, airtightness strategies, and the relationship between the WRB and the rest of the enclosure.

Another session provided practical applications of exterior insulation in residential wall assemblies, while attendees learned more when vented attics work, when unvented assemblies make more sense, and how to execute both correctly.

Updated energy code and EPS New Homes’ role

The upcoming 2026 energy code was one of the conference’s most popular and well-attended sessions.

At the “2026 ORSC Is Coming: What Builders Need to Know,” session, Kira Taylor, field account manager for EPS New Homes, joined by Mark Heizer, PE, LEED AP and Kelly Thomas, both from the Oregon Building Codes Division, walkedthe audience through aupcoming code compliance changes.

For builders facing these new compliance requirements, the ability to ask questions directly to the code’s authors proved invaluable with more than 20 questions answered on the spot.

Kira also explained how EPS New Homes can support builders who want to exceed the current 2023 ORSC requirements. Homes performing at least 5% above code can qualify for a whole-home efficiency incentive, while homes performing at least 10% above code may receive a larger incentive through available federal funding.

Here’s a quick recap of 2026 ORSC changes you’ll need to know about:

• There are now 3 pathways to ORSC compliance instead of 1 to 2
• Solar has been added as an additional measure
• Ducts inside need 2 AMs, while ducts outside need 3 AMs plus performance testing
• There’s now an exception for small homes that are 1,500 square feet or less
• A/C must be a first stage heat pump, unless you use “gas a/c option”
• Whole Home Ventilation strategies will no longer be able to use the fan motor in the air handler

If you missed the 2026 BuildRight Conference, planning for next year is already underway. Stay tuned for event details!

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