Energy Trust Insider

How Homebuyers Ask for Green Without Saying the Word - Coos Bay
2017-05-18 04:00 - 05:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3201 Tremont St, North Bend, OR, 97459, United States
This class provides an in-depth look at the current state of the green housing market-trends, features and market segments-and provides participants with the information they need to talk with clients about “energy” and “green”
Learning Objectives

Understand the meaning of “green” in today’s market
Learn how the “green” market has changed and why
Understand the differences and similarities between “high performance” & “green”
Translate green features of a home into homeowner benefits that sell
Learn the value of the EPS – a smart, easy way to assess a home’s energy performance

Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x20

Existing Homes Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2017-05-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2017-06-22 07:00 - 10:00, 2017-07-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
This technical training provides a detailed overview of the Existing Homes Specifications Manual. The manual is revised and published once a year and articulates Energy Trust of Oregon’s requirements for measure installations in detached single family houses. This webinar will explain how projects are reviewed by the program through Quality Assurance visits, how to avoid common causes of corrective actions and other tips for ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the specifications.
This webinar is 2 hours long. Attendance is a prerequisite to enrolling in the trade ally network but all contractors performing work for Energy Trust customers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Cost is free and course is eligible for 2.0 BPI CEUs.

Sneak Peek Site Visit: Columbia Basin Student-built EPS Home
2017-06-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Hermiston, OR | Exact location TBD, Hermiston, OR
Get a sneak peek, first-hand look at the latest Hermiston student-built home before the public open house on June 9!
This is the third energy-efficient, EPS-rated home built by the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilders Program (CBSHBP) and Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a guided CE tour of the home on June 8, the day before the public grand opening on Friday, June 9.
This tour will help you understand how this home (and the 8 future homes that will be built by CBSHBP) can be a good fit for your homebuyer clients. Join us as we guide you on a tour of this home in the Fieldstone Crossing Subdivision and find out how it achieved above code standards and what that means for homebuyers: A more comfortable, durable home with healthier air quality and cost-saving energy efficiency that the homebuyer can feel good about.
“Our students are excited for the opportunity to show the completed home,” said Curt Berger, student home builder director. “We’re trying to give the students the best experience we can. The higher quality the home they’re building, the more they learn, and these are really nice homes. We encourage community members to stop by to see the home.”
Learning Opportunities

See first-hand what above-code features are included in this EPS home
Gain access to energy efficiency resources that you can pass along to your clients
Learn how to connect your new and existing home customers with Energy Trust builders/contractors and incentives
Translate energy efficiency into health/comfort/durability/savings benefits that will resonate with different clients

To learn more about this home and the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilders Program, visit this article by Energy Trust of Oregon and this home summary by the Hermiston School District.
The exact addresses for the home tour will be emailed to those that RSVP the week before the event.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x20

SW Washington - Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally Networking Event
2017-06-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Feral Public House, 1109 Washington St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
You’re invited to this free and informal networking event, sponsored by Energy Trust of Oregon and including representatives of BPA’s Air Northwest and Clark PUD at Feral Public House in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 21st, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Existing Buildings and New & Existing Homes trade allies working in the greater Southwest Washington region are invited to meet with program staff and network with other trade allies. Energy Trust outreach staff will be available to offer program guidance and updates, plus BPA’s Air Northwest and Clark PUD will be present to offer support and answer questions about their services.
Developing strategic partnerships with companies you trust can improve your ability to guide customers through a full spectrum of services, and help your company:

Tap into a new, qualified customer base
Increase sales
Expand existing customer relationships

Come prepared to network and discover how you can better connect with a variety of customers who are interested in energy efficiency. Appetizers will be provided and drinks are available at happy hour prices.

Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation – Part 1
2017-07-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
Participating in this webinar is one of the requirements for joining the Existing Homes Trade Ally Network. In addition to this webinar, contractors wishing to join the Existing Homes Trade Ally Network must complete these additional requirements:
1) Submit the appropriate paperwork including
a) Sending the Certificate of Liability Insurance Fax Request Form to your insurance carrier
b) Complete the Form 1171A – Trade Ally Enrollment Application
c) Complete the Form 371A – Existing Homes Trade Ally Addendum
2) Participate in the Existing Homes Specifications Manual Webinar. This webinar takes place the day after this Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation, at 9 a.m. you must register separately.
Cost: free

OAME Contractors & AEPT Meeting
2017-07-24 06:30 - 08:00
Formed in 1987, the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a nonprofit, tax exempt membership organization with a mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the state of Oregon and southwest Washington.
We are an all-inclusive organization and encourage everyone to live by our motto: “Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out.”
The 850 member association is a collection of entrepreneurs, public agencies, partner non-profits and large businesses. The mission is directed toward eliminating discrimination and racism.
From its Delta Park campus, OAME provides the following services to help businesses:

Free Technical Assistance and business counseling
Access to Capital, including SBA microloans
Clearinghouse, a program that matches small businesses with contracting opportunities
Incubator office spaces at below market rates
Large bi-monthly networking meetings to promote business growth

Every Second Friday, contractors gather to network, hear special guest speakers, hear about and share contracting opportunities, and introduce their businesses and themselves to the entire meeting.

Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation - Part 1
2017-08-16 08:00 - 09:00, 2017-10-18 08:00 - 09:00, 2017-11-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Webinar

Existing Homes Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2017-08-17 08:00 - 10:00, 2017-09-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2017-10-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
This technical training provides a detailed overview of the Existing Homes Specifications Manual. The manual is revised and published once a year and articulates Energy Trust of Oregon’s requirements for measure installations in detached single family houses. This webinar will explain how projects are reviewed by the program through Quality Assurance visits, how to avoid common causes of corrective actions and other tips for ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the specifications.
This webinar is 2 hours long. Attendance is a prerequisite to enrolling in the trade ally network but all contractors performing work for Energy Trust customers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Cost is free.

Portland’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Tour
2017-09-09 09:00 - 2017-09-10 15:00 | Portland, various locations, Various Locations, Portland, https://accessorydwellings.org/adu_tour/, United States
A tour for people interested in learning more about ADUs and meeting the homeowners, builders, and designers who built them.

Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation - Part 1
2017-09-20 08:00 - 09:00 | Webinar
Participating in this webinar is one of the requirements for joining the Existing Homes Trade Ally Network. In addition to this webinar, contractors wishing to join the Existing Homes Trade Ally Network must complete these additional requirements:
1) Submit the appropriate paperwork including

Sending the Certificate of Liability Insurance Fax Request Form to your insurance carrier
Complete the Form 1171A – Trade Ally Enrollment Application
Complete the Form 371A – Existing Homes Trade Ally Addendum

2) Participate in the Existing Homes Specifications Manual Webinar. This webinar takes place the day after this Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation, at 9 a.m. and requires separate registration.
Cost: free

Existing Homes Specifications Manual Orientation – Part 2
2017-10-20 07:00 - 16:00, 2017-10-24 07:00 - 16:00

High Performance Homes Training for Code Officials
2017-10-20 07:30 - 11:30 | H.H. DeArmond Room, First Floor, Deschutes County Building, 1300 NW Wall St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
High Performance Homes Training for Code Officials
OCTOBER 20, 2017 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Learn the essentials of building science and examine common building features and techniques being utilized by new home builders that achieve EPSTM (Energy Performance Score) from Energy Trust of Oregon.
The course will provide an overview of how builders participating in Energy Trust of Oregon’s New Homes Program are constructing residential structures to achieve EPS, a third party verification that signals high levels of energy efficiency. You will learn the why, how and where the most current building techniques and materials are being used to create high performing homes, and how the EPS standard helps the building industry prepare for increases in energy efficiency standards that are required in future code cycles.
What is EPS? EPS-rated homes are built and tested to exceed code minimum energy standards. With EPS, home buyers are able to compare how similar-sized homes use energy, review the features that make energy-efficient homes stand out, and even see the estimated utility costs before they buy. To determine the score, a third-party verifier analyzes the home’s features and construction techniques and tests performance factors such as air leakage and duct tightness. Builders that use EPS can also qualify for incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon. EPS has become the industry standard for new homes across Oregon, as nearly 40% of new home construction statewide has earned above code standards through third party verification and a total of 7 neighborhoods across Central Oregon that require EPS for 100% of homes built within their development.
Why does EPS matter to code officials? The new Oregon residential code that takes effect in October 2017 represents an approx. 9% increase in the energy efficiency requirement from the previous code standard. Similar increases in standards are expected to occur in future code cycles, and above-code EPS-rated homes help the building industry prepare for these changes. In other words, the high performance home of today can be considered the code home of tomorrow. This training will provide code officials with insights into the features and approaches builders are using today and how they factor into code changes in 2017 and beyond.
Learning Objectives:

Review building science concepts of thermodynamics, energy, and heat transfer
Learn about air movement and it’s effects on the thermal boundary’s insulating capacity

Gain an understanding of the features and techniques that go into EPS-rated high performance homes
Understand new home building approaches, technologies, and emerging wall systems

Look at an overview of solar technology and solar ready infrastructure
Anticipate future increases in energy code standards

Credits: ICC CEUs (exact number and approval pending), 4 CCB Series B, 4 OCHI
Instructor: John Spillman – BPI, LEED Green Rater, Energy Trust of Oregon (Profile »)

Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation – Part 1
2017-10-24 07:00 - 16:00

Existing Homes Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2017-11-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
his technical training provides a detailed overview of the Existing Homes Specifications Manual. The manual is revised and published once a year and articulates Energy Trust of Oregon’s requirements for measure installations in detached single family houses. This webinar will explain how projects are reviewed by the program through Quality Assurance visits, how to avoid common causes of corrective actions and other tips for ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the specifications.
This webinar is 2 hours long. Attendance is a prerequisite to enrolling in the trade ally network but all contractors performing work for Energy Trust customers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Cost is free.

All About ADUs
2018-01-12 07:30 - 11:30 | Earth Advantage, 623 SW Oak St, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
This half-day course is intended for brokers who are looking to increase their knowledge about Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development and earn the ADU Specialist designation in order to respond to increasing client demand for properties with ADU potential.
Brokers on the cutting edge of this emerging development trend will be able to help homeowners/developers understand site eligibility, development process and costs, and the return on investment of ADUs. Learn more >>

Earn our ADU Specialist designation!
You must be an Earth Advantage Broker, take the All About ADUs course, and pass the ADU Exam to earn the ADU Specialist credential.
Already an ADU Specialist?
Stay up to date with relevant ADU news and issues by taking our ADU Update: Taxation, Waiver & Zoning Changes in Portland webinar training. View all upcoming and recorded webinars on our Education Calendar.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x20

Existing Homes Trade Ally Orientation - Part 1
2018-01-17 08:00 - 09:00

Existing Homes Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2018-01-18 08:00 - 10:00

Energy Trust’s Existing Buildings Winter 2018 Trade Ally Session
2018-02-20 07:30 - 23:45 | Red Lion, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR, 97217, United States

Home Retrofit Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2018-02-22 08:00 - 10:00
This technical training provides a detailed overview of the Home Retrofit Specifications Manual. The manual is revised and published once a year and articulates Energy Trust of Oregon’s requirements for measure installations in detached single family houses. This webinar will explain how projects are reviewed by the program through Quality Assurance visits, how to avoid common causes of corrective actions and other tips for ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the specifications.
This webinar is 2 hours long. Attendance is a prerequisite to enrolling in the trade ally network but all contractors performing work for Energy Trust customers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Cost is free.

Home Retrofit Trade Ally Orientation - Part 1
2018-03-21 09:00 - 10:00
Participating in this webinar is one of the requirements for joining the Home Retrofit Trade Ally Network. In addition to this webinar, contractors wishing to join the Home Retrofit Trade Ally Network must complete these additional requirements:
1) Submit the appropriate paperwork including

a) Sending the Certificate of Liability Insurance Fax Request Form to your insurance carrier
b) Complete the Form 1171A – Trade Ally Enrollment Application
c) Complete the Form 371A – Home Retrofit Trade Ally Addendum

2) Participate in the Home Retrofit Specifications Manual Webinar. This webinar takes place the day after this Home Retrofit Trade Ally Orientation, at 9 a.m. you must register separately.
Cost: free

Home Retrofit Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
2018-03-22 08:00 - 10:00

What Makes a Home Use ‘Zero Energy’?
2018-04-19 14:30 - 16:00 | Rogue Valley Association Realtors, 629 Franquette St, Medford, OR, 97501, United States
Hear the latest on new and cost-effective approaches that make Zero Energy Homes more accessible to builders and homebuyers.
‘Zero Energy’ is defined as: A home that generates as much energy on site as it uses over the course of a year, making it essentially require zero energy.

The State of California’s building code requires that all new buildings in CA be built to zero energy standards by 2020, and the Oregon Governor issued an executive order in 2017 that requires all new homes to achieve a zero energy ready standard by 2023. A rapidly increasing number of architects and builders in Oregon are stepping up to the challenge by creating zero energy homes and have been doing so for many years. The question is, how can this be achieved cost effectively?
The old zero energy paradigm prioritized small, highly insulated and air sealed homes with expensive windows. But now that formula has changed, thanks to highly efficient and affordable technologies, lighting, and solar PV panels. This new development has fundamentally changed the way builders and homeowners design and construct zero energy homes, making the potential for widespread adoption within reach.
Join us for this webinar and learn what it takes to achieve zero energy, the homeowner benefits it provides, and how builders are cost-effectively achieving it in the Pacific Northwest.Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503-968-7160 x20.

Appraising Green Homes
2018-05-04 | Rogue Valley Association Realtors, 629 Franquette St, Medford, OR, 97501, United States
Attend this free 7-hour CE training and learn the differences between code, green, and solar PV homes in order to apply well-supported adjustments to appraisal assignments.
This course will provide information on the principles and practices that distinguish new and remodeled “green” homes from traditional code constructed homes, as well as the latest must-know approaches to solar PV valuation.
AM: Green Building & Certification
Gain up-to-date info on this rapidly expanding field and an in-depth understanding of the 5 pillars of green building and third-party certification programs in order to equip yourself to competently analyze these properties in appraisal assignments.
Trainer: John Spillman, Earth Advantage
Curriculum developer: Earth Advantage
PM: Valuation Resources for Solar PV
Appraisers who possess the knowledge and latest tools to properly value a solar home will have a market edge. This class will provide a comprehensive overview of the tools, resources and approaches to develop a solar home’s market value, including an overview of electric rate pricing plans to arrive at an accurate analysis of electric costs.
Trainer: Gary Kristensen, A Quality Appraisal LLC
Curriculum developer: Elevate Energy & US Department of Energy
Become an Accredited Green Appraiser
​Join a nationwide network of appraisers that have completed our Accredited Green Appraiser (AGA) course series in order to differentiate themselves to lenders and AMCs :

Module 1: Appraising Energy Efficient Homes
Module 2: Appraising Green Homes

Appraisers must complete both courses and pass an accreditation exam in order to earn the AGA designation. If you did not attend Module 1 when it was offered in Medford last October, then you may still attend Module 2.

Our Accredited Green Appraiser (AGA) program provides professionals with the opportunity to enroll in coursework that will both strengthen their expertise and promote their green appraisal qualifications to lenders and AMCs who are seeking “competent” green appraisers. AGAs benefit from professional differentiation by leveraging marketing support from Earth Advantage in the form of AGA logos and an online listing in our registry of designated professionals. Appraisers must earn 4 CEs in green real estate education every 2 yrs to maintain the AGA designation and can do so by completing additional green coursework offered by Earth Advantage or other providers.

Green Valuation Competency
Did you know the secondary mortgage market (Fannie, Freddie, and FHA) and Appraisal Foundation guidelines require “competency” in this topic area prior to accepting an assignment on an energy efficient home? Take this course and become one of the appraisers in your area that lenders and AMCs can turn to who meet this standard.
The Accredited Green Appraiser (AGA) program has been recommended as qualifying green home valuation education by the Appraisal Foundation and the Oregon Appraiser Certification & Licensure Board (ACLB). AGA has been offered live across California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington and Alabama, and an online course is currently under development.
Questions? Contact us at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or call 503.968.7160 x20.
