Energy Trust Insider

Getting to Know EPS New Construction's Net Zero and Energy Smart Home Incentives Webinar
2020-03-25 08:00 - 08:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Webinar
New technology is changing homes for the better, and it may be easier and more affordable than you think to include the latest innovations in your plans. This training is the first in a series brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon, sharing about two new incentive opportunities for newly built homes: Net zero and energy smart homes. During this training you’ll learn:

What it takes to qualify for net zero and energy smart homes incentives
How Energy Trust can support you to incorporate new technologies into your homes

Zero Energy Homes: Updates & Cost Effective Approaches Webinar
2020-03-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
A rapidly increasing number of architects and builders in Oregon are ahead of the curve and building homes to Zero Energy (ZE) and Zero Energy Ready (ZER) standards, and have been doing so for many years. Oregon also recently announced a proposed zero energy ready standard for the 2020 code. The question is, how can this be achieved cost effectively?
Join us for this free 1-hour webinar and gain valuable info on the latest developments and construction approaches to ZE & ZER construction.
Attendees will benefit from learning about:

Available Energy Trust EPS incentives through new Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings
Spotlights on three spec builders who are achieving ZER in today’s market
Main differences between various ZE & ZER certifications programs in our region
Oregon’s ‘Zero Energy Ready Residential Building Code’ that is anticipated to go into effect Oct. 1, 2020
Two most common pathways to cost-effective ZER homebuilding
How gas-heated homes can qualify for ZE & ZER certification
Upcoming one-day Zero Energy Homes trainings being offered this April in Hood River, Portland, Medford & Bend

Advanced heat pump technology, lighting, and solar PV options are challenging the old zero energy paradigm of investments in air sealing, insulation, and expensive window upgrades. Help educate your clients on what will really help them save energy versus what might drive the cost of construction out of reach.
Attend this free 1-hour webinar and learn the different interpretations of what ZE & ZER mean and how spec builders are currently achieving it in the Pacific Northwest.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503-968-7160 x20.

Delayed until further notice: How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes - Hood River
2020-04-08 08:00 - 16:00 | Hood River County Library, 502 E State St, Hood River, OR, 97031, United States
Updated March 19, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Please let us know if you are interested in a training that has been postponed due to COVID-19 and may be rescheduled and/or potentially made available online.To receive updates regarding this and other postponed trainings please fill out this interest form.
Join EEBA (Energy & Environmental Building Alliance) and Earth Advantage for this 1-day training and learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of home building business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints.
This 7-hour class lays out numerous elements of zero energy design and construction, so that building professionals can formulate a package appropriate for their situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Participants in this class will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Sales and marketing ideas, as well as localized resources, builder spotlights, programs and next steps will also be presented.
Attendees will:

Identify factors that are driving the U.S. housing market toward ZE.
Name barriers to the widespread adoption of ZE homes.
Describe three ways to present the financial benefits of ZE homes.
List six affordable ZE features that you can incorporate into your practice.
Be invited to bring house specs and evaluate possible advancements along the 12 steps to ZE.
Create a marketing and sales messages that your company can use to promote ZE homes.
Learn about available Energy Trust EPS incentives through their just released Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings.

Delayed until further notice: Solar & New Construction Networking Event (Hood River)
2020-04-08 16:30 - 19:30 | 3 River Grill, 601 Oak Street, Hood River, OR, 97031, United States
Updated March 17, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Are you a builder or developer who is curious about installing solar and achieving net zero for your projects? Or perhaps you are a solar contractor looking to create more connections with the building community?
To help create connections between the building community and the Solar Trade Ally network, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a series of solar networking events this Spring, with a specific focus to announce Energy Trust’s new residential Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings. This event will take place in Hood River on April 8th from 4:30pm- 7:30pm (specific location to be announced)
Who should attend?

EPS New Construction Builder and Verifier Trade Allies looking to learn more about incorporating solar on single family projects

New Buildings Trade Allies who are exploring solar options for new multifamily and commercial projects

Solar Trade Allies who want support builders and developers to incorporate solar during the design process

This event is free to attend. Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and full bar menu will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Matthew Mills, Solar Outreach Coordinator, at (503) 773-8665 or mmills@trccompanies.

Delayed until further notice: How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes - Portland
2020-04-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Earth Advantage Classroom, 623 SW Oak St., Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Updated March 19, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Please let us know if you are interested in a training that has been postponed due to COVID-19 and may be rescheduled and/or potentially made available online.To receive updates regarding this and other postponed trainings please fill out this interest form.
Join EEBA (Energy & Environmental Building Alliance) and Earth Advantage for this 1-day training and learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of home building business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints.
This 7-hour class lays out numerous elements of zero energy design and construction, so that building professionals can formulate a package appropriate for their situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Participants in this class will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Sales and marketing ideas, as well as localized resources, builder spotlights, programs and next steps will also be presented.
Attendees will:

Identify factors that are driving the U.S. housing market toward ZE
Name barriers to the widespread adoption of ZE homes
Describe three ways to present the financial benefits of ZE homes
List six affordable ZE features that you can incorporate into your practice
Be invited to bring house specs and evaluate possible advancements along the 12 steps to ZE
Create a marketing and sales messages that your company can use to promote ZE homes
Learn about available Energy Trust EPS incentives through their just released Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings

Questions? Contact hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503-968-7160 x20.

Delayed until further notice: How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes - Talent
2020-04-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Talent Community Center, 104 E Main St, Talent, OR, 97540, United States
Updated March 19, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Please let us know if you are interested in a training that has been postponed due to COVID-19 and may be rescheduled and/or potentially made available online.To receive updates regarding this and other postponed trainings please fill out this interest form.
Join EEBA (Energy & Environmental Building Alliance) and Earth Advantage for this 1-day training and learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of home building business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints.
This 7-hour class lays out numerous elements of zero energy design and construction, so that building professionals can formulate a package appropriate for their situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Participants in this class will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Sales and marketing ideas, as well as localized resources, builder spotlights, programs and next steps will also be presented.
‘Zero Energy Builder’ Designation
Participants will have the opportunity to earn EEBA’s ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation and be listed on EEBA & EA registries of accredited professionals. To earn the designation, attendees must pass a designation exam and have completed and passed one of the following prerequisite trainings (or sets of trainings): EA’s Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP); EA’s Sustainable Building Essentials; EEBA’s HERS Associate & Taking the Performance Path + Houses That Work + High Performance Mechanicals.
12 Steps to Affordable Zero Energy Design & Construction
It’s generally accepted that improvements to the thermal envelope are fundamental. These include high levels of insulation, reduction of thermal bridges and advanced air sealing. However, significant efficiency improvements in heating and cooling equipment and the rapid drop in the cost of rooftop solar electric systems offer new options for cost-effective efficiency packages. There have never been so many ZE options to choose from. This course gives building professionals the knowledge to build ZE homes that are affordable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable to live in.
The training material is organized into 12 easy steps:

Start with Smart Design
Orient for Sun Tempering
Optimize with Energy Modeling
Super-seal the Envelope
Super-insulate the Envelope
Select Optimum Window Efficiency
Ensure Clean, Fresh Air
Specify High-performance Heating and Cooling
Heat Water Wisely
Select High-Efficiency Lighting
Choose Efficient Appliances
Use Renewable Energy

Each step describes the most recent developments with a strong emphasis on affordability. Other topics include: housing market drivers, ways to assess and communicate economic benefits, available incentives, along with marketing and sales concepts for ZE homes.

Attendees will:

Identify factors that are driving the U.S. housing market toward ZE
Name barriers to the widespread adoption of ZE homes
Describe three ways to present the financial benefits of ZE homes
List six affordable ZE features that you can incorporate into your practice
Be invited to bring house specs and evaluate possible advancements along the 12 steps to ZE
Create a marketing and sales messages that your company can use to promote ZE homes
Learn about available Energy Trust EPS incentives through their just released Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings

Credits: 7 CEs for AIA, NAHB, NARI, NATE, CCB and OREA; 0.7 for ICC; 5 for RESNET, 3.5 for BPI
Cost: $49 (Regularly $175)
Audience: Building industry professionals (builders, raters, architects, HVAC, subcontractors, utility representatives & code officials)
Instructor: Bruce Sullivan of BASE zero, LLC
Questions? Contact hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503-968-7160 x20.
This training made possible thanks to:

Delayed until further notice: Solar and New Construction Networking Event (Talent)
2020-04-15 16:30 - 19:30 | Talent Cafe, 160 North Pacific Highway, Talent, 97540, United States
Updated March 17, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Are you a builder or developer who is curious about installing solar and achieving net zero for your projects? Or perhaps you are a solar contractor looking to create more connections with the building community?
To help create connections between the building community and the Solar Trade Ally network, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a series of solar networking events this Spring, with a specific focus to announce Energy Trust’s new residential Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings. This event will take place in Talent on April 15th from 4:30pm- 7:30pm at The Real Talent Cafe.
Who should attend?

EPS New Construction Builder and Verifier Trade Allies looking to learn more about incorporating solar on single family projects

New Buildings Trade Allies who are exploring solar options for new multifamily and commercial projects

Solar Trade Allies who want support builders and developers to incorporate solar during the design process

This event is free to attend. Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and full bar menu will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Matthew Mills, Solar Outreach Coordinator, at (503) 773-8665 or mmills@trccompanies.

Delayed until further notice: Solar & New Construction Networking Event (Bend)
2020-04-16 16:30 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing Company, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, 97701, United States
Updated March 17, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Are you a builder or developer who is curious about installing solar and achieving net zero for your projects? Or perhaps you are a solar contractor looking to create more connections with the building community?
To help create connections between the building community and the Solar Trade Ally network, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a series of solar networking events this Spring, with a specific focus to announce Energy Trust’s new residential Net Zero and Energy Smart Home offerings. This event will take place in Bend on April 16th from 4:30pm- 7:30pm at Worthy Brewing.
Who should attend?

EPS New Construction Builder and Verifier Trade Allies looking to learn more about incorporating solar on single family projects

New Buildings Trade Allies who are exploring solar options for new multifamily and commercial projects

Solar Trade Allies who want support builders and developers to incorporate solar during the design process

This event is free to attend. Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and full bar menu will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Matthew Mills, Solar Outreach Coordinator, at (503) 773-8665 or mmills@trccompanies.

Delayed until further notice: How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes - Bend
2020-04-17 09:00 - 19:00 | Bend Central Oregon Association of REALTORS®, 2112 NE 4th St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Delayed until further notice: Solar and New Construction Networking Event (Portland)
2020-04-22 16:30 - 19:30 | McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 N.E. 33rd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97211, United States
Updated March 17, 2020: Delayed until further notice
Are you a builder or developer who is curious about installing solar and achieving net zero for your projects? Or perhaps you are a solar contractor looking to create more connections with the building community?
To help create connections between the building community and the Solar Trade Ally network, Energy Trust of Oregon is kicking off its new residential Net Zero and Energy Smart Home incentive offerings with four solar networking events this Spring. This event will take place in tandem with the Portland Metro Home Builders Association’s BuildRight Conference & Expo on April 22nd from 4:30pm- 7:30pm at the McMenamins Kennedy School. Attendance to the conference is encouraged but not required to attend the networking session.
Who should attend?

EPS New Construction Builder and Verifier Trade Allies looking to learn more about incorporating solar on single family projects

New Buildings Trade Allies who are exploring solar options for new multifamily and commercial projects

Solar Trade Allies who want support builders and developers to incorporate solar during the design process

This event is free to attend. Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and full bar menu will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Matthew Mills, Solar Outreach Coordinator, at (503) 773-8665 or mmills@trccompanies.

How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes Webinar Series
2020-05-15 12:00 - 14:00
Join EEBA and Earth Advantage for this three-part webinar series on affordable Zero Energy (ZE) home design and construction. Learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of home building business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will layout numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Fri, May 15 @ 12PM-2PM – Intro to ZE, Affordability, Design, Site Orientation, Energy Modeling, Certification Programs, Oregon Case Studies, Local Market & Policy Development. Guest speaker: Ryan Shanahan, Earth Advantage
Fri, May 22 @ 12PM-2PM – Air Sealing, Insulation, Windows, Programs & Incentives. Guest speaker: Energy Trust of Oregon
Fri, May 29 @ 12PM-2PM – Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy, Marketing/Sales

Participants in this class will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Sales and marketing ideas, localized resources, Oregon case studies, incentive programs, and next steps will also be presented.
‘Zero Energy Builder’ Designation
Participants will have the opportunity to earn EEBA’s ‘Zero Energy Builder’ designation and be listed on EEBA & Earth Advantage registries of accredited professionals. To earn the designation, attendees must pass a designation exam and have completed and passed prerequisite trainings.
12 Steps to Affordable Zero Energy Design & Construction
It’s generally accepted that improvements to the thermal envelope are fundamental. These include high levels of insulation, reduction of thermal bridges and advanced air sealing. However, significant efficiency improvements in heating and cooling equipment and the rapid drop in the cost of rooftop solar electric systems offer new options for cost-effective efficiency packages. There have never been so many ZE options to choose from. This course gives building professionals the knowledge to build ZE homes that are affordable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable to live in.

The training material is organized into 12 easy steps:

Start with Smart Design
Orient for Sun Tempering
Optimize with Energy Modeling
Super-seal the Envelope
Super-insulate the Envelope
Select Optimum Window Efficiency
Ensure Clean, Fresh Air
Specify High-performance Heating and Cooling
Heat Water Wisely
Select High-Efficiency Lighting
Choose Efficient Appliances
Plan for Renewable Energy

Each step describes the most recent developments with a strong emphasis on affordability. Other topics include: housing market drivers, ways to assess and communicate economic benefits, available incentives, along with marketing and sales concepts for ZE homes.
This training is made possible thanks to:

Designing for Net Zero Webinar
2020-05-26 08:00 - 08:45 | Webinar
New technology is changing homes for the better, and it may be easier and more affordable than you think to include the latest innovations in your plans. This training is the second in a series brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon, sharing about two new incentive opportunities for newly built homes: Net zero and energy smart homes. During this training you’ll learn:

Strategies to maximize your home’s solar production to offset electric use
How to minimize your home’s energy load and maximize incentives from Energy Trust

Virtual Networking Event for Solar & New Construction
2020-06-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Webinar
Are you a builder or developer who is curious about installing solar and achieving net zero for your projects? Or perhaps you are a solar contractor looking to create more connections within the building community?
To promote collaboration between the building community and the Solar Trade Ally network, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a virtual networking opportunity on June 10, 2020 to bring awareness to the recently introduced EPS New Construction net zero and energy smart home incentive offerings. Please join us to virtually meet local industry professionals and learn about some exciting EPS New Construction projects in the works.
Who should attend?

EPS New Construction Builders and Verifier trade allies looking to learn more about incorporating solar on single family projects
Solar trade allies who want to support builders and developers to incorporate solar during the design process
Curious Individuals looking to establish a deeper understanding of how solar and energy efficiency measures can be designed into new homes

We will be using the ZOOM webinar platform, so please come prepared with your microphone and camera ready so we can see and hear you. Upon registration, a link to join the event will be sent to your email.
For more information contact Matthew Mills, solar outreach coordinator, at 503.773.8665 or mmills@trccompanies.com.
This event is free and open to all who are interested in attending.

Designing & Planning for an Energy Smart Home: Making a Home Ready for Solar, Storage, and Electric Vehicles
2020-08-12 08:00 - 09:30 | Webinar
New technology is changing how we live in homes for the better, and it may be easier and more affordable than you think to include the latest innovations in your plans. This training is the third in a series brought to you by Energy Trust, sharing about two new incentive opportunities for newly built homes: net zero and energy smart home.
During this training you will learn:

How to overcome design constraints that come with electric vehicles combined with solar and storage, anticipating needs for space in the garage and on the electrical panel.
The recommended installation practices and options for storage and charger systems, and how they integrate into other decisions for energy efficient and high-performance homes.

How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes (Central Oregon)
2020-11-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation
This course gives building professionals the knowledge to build ZE homes that are affordable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable to live in. Participants will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Other topics include: housing market drivers, localized resources, Central Oregon case studies, incentive programs, ways to assess and communicate economic benefits, and next steps to put principles into practice.

Net Zero: It's All Part of the Plans
2021-06-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Webinar
Are you looking to learn how builders are earning net zero incentives by designing solar into their projects?
This webinar will give an overview of the net zero incentive offering introduced in 2020 and will dive into multiple builder case studies that showcase the various methods used to design for solar.

Best of the 2022 Homes of Tomorrow Today Tour
2022-12-14 08:00 - 09:30 | Webinar
The Homes of Tomorrow Today tour showcases new homes throughout the Portland region, featuring the best in sustainable building practices, comfort and durability. Now Energy Trust of Oregon will highlight some of the best homes from this year’s tour in a free webinar, “The Best of the 2022 Homes of Tomorrow Today Tour”.
Homes participating in the 2022 tour demonstrated cutting-edge technologies like heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, solar or solar ready options, net zero techniques and additional sustainable-building certifications and designations. Webinar attendees will learn more about these homes from participating builders and the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, coming away with even more ideas to incorporate into new homes.

Solo Training Webinar
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Energy Trust is pleased to announce Solo has been approved as a solar resource tool for establishing incentive eligibility for Energy Trust of Oregon’s Solar + Storage program. Our incentive processing team will now accept solar resource reports from Solo with incentive applications.
Join us for a training with Solo representatives on how to use their solar resource tool.

Post Occupancy Evaluations with Net Zero Fellow Maggie Harris in Lincoln City
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Pelican Brewing, 5911 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR, 97367, United States
Connect over lunch and dive into new affordable multifamily research—save your spot today
Join your peers on May 5 in Lincoln City for a free lunch and engaging in-person discussion with Energy Trust of Oregon’s latest Net Zero Fellow, Maggie Harris of Holst Architecture. Maggie will share her team’s research, which establishes a practical post-occupancy evaluation methodology for affordable multifamily housing projects that explores the relationship between building performance and resident perceptions.
Come learn how Lincoln City is advancing net-zero projects on the Oregon Coast—insights gained in the research have the potential to strengthen net‑zero strategies across the entire coastal region.
Hear Maggie share her report, produced in collaboration with colleagues at Holst, which includes:

An overview of traditional post-occupancy evaluations and why a human-centered approach is critical when assessing affordable housing projects

Key themes that emerged from a pilot study for a permanent housing program, including resident‑identified priorities such as comfort, safety, maintenance and community connection, alongside early building‑level findings related to ventilation performance and energy use

How this new mixed-methods approach can be applied as a practical solution for other affordable multifamily housing projects

We hope to see you there!
1.5 AIA HSW CEUs are available, pending approval.
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 5
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Pelican Brewing – Siletz Bay
5911 SW Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR 97367
About the presenter:
Maggie Harris
Senior associate, Holst Architecture
Maggie Harris is a lifelong Oregonian who currently resides in Portland. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Communication from the University of Oregon and earned a Master of Architecture, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Real Estate Development, from Tulane University. As a project manager at Holst Architecture and a Ph.D. student at Portland State University’s School of Urban Studies, she is entrenched in both housing design and research. Her research focuses on the intersections between housing and health, examining the impact of housing on the mental health and well-being of low-income populations.
During her career, she has managed a range of housing projects throughout the country, including permanent supportive, affordable, market-rate and student housing. Working across a range of geographies and project scales has helped Maggie understand the importance of distinct housing solutions tailored for specific population sets. In September 2024, Maggie joined the Oregon Housing Stability Council, which reviews and sets policy for the development and financing of affordable housing in Oregon. Maggie is also a mother of a busy toddler and is passionate about ensuring he grows up understanding that housing is a human right, as reflected by the community in which we live.

Post-Occupancy Evaluations with Net Zero Fellow Maggie Harris in Bend
2026-05-14 16:30 - 18:00 | The Breakroom, 1055 “B” NW Newport Ave., Bend, 97703
Join your peers on May 14 in Bend for free catered bites and engaging in-person discussion with Energy Trust of Oregon’s latest Net Zero Fellow, Maggie Harris of Holst Architecture. Maggie will share her team’s research, which establishes a practical post-occupancy evaluation methodology for affordable multifamily housing projects that explores the relationship between building performance and resident perceptions.
As communities in Central Oregon pursue interests in net‑zero development, this research offers timely insights that can help strengthen sustainable building strategies across the region.
Hear Maggie unveil her report, produced in collaboration with colleagues at Holst, which includes:

An overview of traditional post-occupancy evaluations and why a human-centered approach is critical when assessing affordable housing projects
Key themes that emerged from a pilot study for a permanent housing program, including resident‑identified priorities such as comfort, safety, maintenance and community connection, alongside early building‑level findings related to ventilation performance and energy use
How this new mixed-methods approach can be applied as a practical solution for other affordable multifamily housing projects

We hope to see you there!
1.5 AIA HSW CEUs are available, pending approval.
WHEN:
Thursday, May 14
4:30 – 6 p.m.
WHERE:
The Breakroom
1055 “B” NW Newport Ave.
Bend, OR 97703
Enjoy post-event networking at the Broken Top Bottle Shop.
About the presenter:
Maggie Harris
Senior associate, Holst Architecture
Maggie Harris is a lifelong Oregonian who currently resides in Portland. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Communication from the University of Oregon and earned a Master of Architecture, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Real Estate Development, from Tulane University. As a project manager at Holst Architecture and a Ph.D. student at Portland State University’s School of Urban Studies, she is entrenched in both housing design and research. Her research focuses on the intersections between housing and health, examining the impact of housing on the mental health and well-being of low-income populations.
During her career, she has managed a range of housing projects throughout the country, including permanent supportive, affordable, market-rate and student housing. Working across a range of geographies and project scales has helped Maggie understand the importance of distinct housing solutions tailored for specific population sets. In September 2024, Maggie joined the Oregon Housing Stability Council, which reviews and sets policy for the development and financing of affordable housing in Oregon. Maggie is also a mother of a busy toddler and is passionate about ensuring he grows up understanding that housing is a human right, as reflected by the community in which we live.

EPS New Homes Webinar: Real World Strategies for High Performance Model Homes
2026-08-19 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
In this EPS New Homes webinar, attendees will learn about the program’s solar + storage and Net Zero model home offerings, get a step-by-step walkthrough of completed solar + storage model homes from a local builder in the Portland area, and more!
