Energy Trust Insider

Energy Trust of Oregon - Real Estate Ally Orientation
2017-03-22 01:00 - 02:00, 2017-06-14 01:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Webinar
Help your clients save on energy costs and set yourself apart from the competition!
Collaborate with Energy Trust of Oregon to provide energy-efficient solutions to homebuyers and sellers that reside in Energy Trust service territory.
This webinar will cover:

Energy Trust’s history and the benefits of being a Real Estate Ally
Energy Trust resources for you and your customers
Tips on marketing energy efficiency to your customers
Ways to recognize and promote EPS in the marketplace

Benefits of participation:

Expand your business opportunities
Differentiate yourself as an environmental steward
Receive customer leads through Energy Trust’s real estate ally directory
Access materials to market energy-efficient products and upgrades to your customers
Be an ambassador for EPS™, brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon

Read this recent Insider article to learn more about EPS and the 10,000+ energy efficient homes that have utilized EPS to help address home energy use since 2009.

Solar PV Systems Best Practices & Energy Trust Installation Requirements + 2014 NEC Code Change
2017-04-14 07:00 - 16:00 | Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 NW Carden Ave, Pendleton, OR, 97801, United States
Course Description:

The Solar PV Systems Best Practices & Energy Trust Installation Guidelines course will provide participants with knowledge of the industry’s current best practices and Energy Trust of Oregon’s current installation requirement to ensure consistent and uniform installations for Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course will be focused on the current products, safety practices and installation requirements. The course is intended for code electrical contractors, solar installers, building officials, engineers and designers and to better understand current installation best practices and Energy Trust Installation requirements.
The 2014 NEC course will provide participants with knowledge of the NEC requirements to ensure consistent and uniform installation and inspection methods for Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course will be focused on the changes to the 2014 National Electrical Code that affect PV system installations.

Continuing Education Credits: Energy Trust Installation Guidelines course offers 4 hours of Code Related credits with Oregon BCD and the following NABCEP CEUs: 4 hours. The 2014 NEC course offers 4 hours of Code Change CEUs with the Oregon BCD, and the following NABCEP CEUs: 4 Hours Technical
Instructor: Andy Marks

PTCS Heat Pump Class
2017-05-09 07:00 - 15:00 | CSC Weatherization Training Center, 2995 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR, 97322, United States
Mark Jerome of CLEAResult will lead this Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Class on commissioning and troubleshooting heat pumps.
Community Services Consortium’s Weatherization Training Center works to raise community awareness about home energy efficiency and conservation and to bring training and certification opportunities to individuals in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. In addition, the Center also serves as a facility to bring other trainings to the Mid-Willamette Valley. They have hosted a range of trainings. The CSC Weatherization staff pride themselves on excellence and have taught and hosted trainings in Weatherization for over 450 students since our first class of graduates in October, 2009.

All About ADUs
2017-06-09 07:30 - 11:30, 2017-11-17 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 Specifications Manual Orientation - Part 2
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.

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.

Energy Trust of Oregon - Real Estate Ally Orientation
2017-09-13 01:00 - 02:00, 2017-12-06 08:00 - 09:00 | Webinar
Help your clients save on energy costs and set yourself apart from the competition!
Collaborate with Energy Trust of Oregon to provide energy-efficient solutions to homebuyers and sellers that reside in Energy Trust service territory.
This webinar will cover:

Energy Trust’s history and the benefits of being a Real Estate Ally
Energy Trust resources for you and your customers
Tips on marketing energy efficiency to your customers
Ways to recognize and promote EPS in the marketplace

Benefits of participation:

Expand your business opportunities
Differentiate yourself as an environmental steward
Receive customer leads through Energy Trust’s real estate ally directory
Access materials to market energy-efficient products and upgrades to your customers
Be an ambassador for EPS™, brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon

How Homebuyers Ask for Green Without Saying the Word
2017-09-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Rogue Valley Association Realtors, 629 Franquette St, Medford, OR, 97501, United States
Did you know that all homebuyers are actually looking for green homes?
Do you know why?
Are you prepared to help them find or upgrade to a green home?
Everyone wants a comfortable, secure, healthy, durable, efficient home. In fact, 81% of people who expect to buy a new home in the next two years say higher energy efficiency would cause them to choose one new home over another.*
What realtors need to know is…

What are the different ways homebuyers can find/create a green home?
Which of these homebuyer desires are most important to focus on?
How can I differentiate myself in the market so homebuyers know I’m a green professional?

This course will provide multiple opportunities for you to reflect on your approach to serving your clients and helping them find or upgrade to a ‘green’ home.
By taking this course, you will:

Understand the importance of ‘green’ with today’s homebuyers
Learn how to talk about energy and green considering the role emotions play in homebuying
Learn the current green trends in the housing market
Understand the differences and similarities between an ‘energy efficient’ and a ‘green’ home
Match green features to different homebuyer expectations and segments
Learn how to market a green home and yourself as a green professional

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

All About ADUs + Zero Energy ADU Tour
2017-09-29 07:00 - 12:30 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This half-day course + zero energy ADU tour is intended for real estate, building and design professionals looking to increase their knowledge about Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development in Bend.
> All About ADUs class | 8AM – 12PM | McMenamins Old St Francis School
> Zero Energy ADU tour (optional) | 12:15PM – 1:15PM | Address sent via email (5-min drive from McMenamins)
The number of ADUs being developed in Bend is on the rise thanks to a 2016 measure by the Bend City Council that makes it easier, more predictable, and less expensive for homeowners to build an ADU. More ADUs were developed in 2016 than in any previous year and this Bend Bulletin article shows permit applications are increasing exponentially. Meanwhile, in the summer of 2016, the Oregon Department of Revenue codified some important rules around the proper property taxation treatment of ADUs.
Realtors, builders and designers on the cutting edge of this emerging development trend will be able to help homeowners/developers understand site selection, development process, costs of development, and the return on investment of ADUs. Earth Advantage Brokers may also take an exam and earn the ADU Specialist designation in order to respond to increasing client demand for properties with ADU potential. Learn more about this class and how to earn the ADU Specialist Designation.
Instructor
This course will be taught by Portland-based ADU expert Kol Peterson, who has been teaching this class in the Portland region for more than three years. Kol also teaches a day long ADU class for homeowners and runs Portland’s city-wide tour of ADUs. Kol will also be hosting an ADU Q&A Happy Hour event on Thursday evening (9/28) in collaboration with The Energy Challenge Week.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x20

All About ADUs
2017-10-18 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

Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP)
2017-10-20 08:00 - 16:00 | Earth Advantage, 623 SW Oak St, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join the Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) program and learn cutting edge building best practices from our expert instructor, Stephen Aiguier of Green Hammer, as he guides participants through the entire spectrum of high performance building best practices and shares practical insights on the following:

Building science fundamentals & moisture management
High performance wall & roof assemblies
HVAC product selection & integrated system design
Water conservation techniques
Indoor air quality, green material considerations & health impacts
Local green/energy efficiency building programs & incentives

SHP is a comprehensive, interactive, experience-driven education program for residential and multifamily building and design professionals looking to take their work to the next level of quality. Each of the six monthly SHP modules can be taken individually and each module provides participants with an opportunity to gain valuable insights and eliminate common barriers to high performance building via under-construction home tours, expert guest speakers, and a cumulative final project that puts principles into practice. Participants that complete all six modules can earn the designation of an accredited Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP). Learn more >>

Course Modules

Fall 2017
Portland, OR

Module 1: Green Building Intro & Integrated Design
Oct 20 & 21

Module 2: Building Science Fundamentals
Dec 1 & 2

Module 3: High Performance Building Envelopes
Jan 5 & 6

Module 4: Mechanical Systems and Performance Testing
Feb 2 & 3

Module 5: Health, Materials, and Water
Mar 2 & 3

Module 6: Final Presentations and Certification Exam
Apr 6 & 7

*Note: Individual modules can be taken in random order over various sessions to achieve SHP accreditation

Interested but can’t commit just yet? Fill out our Interest Form and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on future course developments and opportunities.

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

Appraising Energy Efficient Homes
2017-10-26 08:00 - 16:00 | Rogue Valley Association Realtors, 629 Franquette St, Medford, OR, 97501, United States
Gain competency and make well-supported and accurate valuation decisions.
Attend this free 7-hour CE training provided by Energy Trust of Oregon and Earth Advantage and gain a wealth of appraisal expertise, including principles and practices that distinguish energy efficient homes from traditional code constructed homes, methods for appraising these high performance homes, and approaches to solar PV valuation.
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 can turn to who meet this standard.
This course is intended to provide appraisers with the information and resources needed to make well-supported and accurate valuation decisions for high performance properties. It will provide an overview of the most current data available for the valuation of energy efficient homes, and then present the cost approach as it applies to these properties. Participants will then perform an in-depth analysis of the sales comparison approach and other valuation techniques that can be applied to high performance homes. The approaches to value covered by this course are not exclusively related to high performance properties and will also help broaden your tool kit for conventional appraisal assignments.
By taking this course, you will…

Gain the data/tools needed to apply adjustments to appraisal assignments using different approaches to value
Understand recent housing market forces and the latest valuation studies and how they affect appraisers
Learn how EPS-rated homes provide energy efficiency data to appraisers, as well as healthier, more durable, and more comfortable homes to consumers
Learn about appraisal addendums developed by Earth Advantage and Appraisal Institute and the different benefits/uses of each

Background
The Appraising Energy Efficient Homes course has been approved to provide 7 CEs for OR appraisers and has been recommended as qualifying green home valuation education by the Appraisal Foundation and the Oregon Appraiser Certification & Licensure Board (ACLB). This 1-day course was developed by Taylor Watkins, a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on high performance home valuation committees with the Appraisal Foundation, and has been derived and updated based on the comprehensive 3-day green home appraisal designation program provided by Earth Advantage, Accredited Green Appraiser (AGA). AGA has been offered live across California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington and Alabama, and an online course is currently under development. Visit the AGA course page and click the “Reviews” tab to view participant testimonials and course evaluation summaries.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503-968-7160 x20.

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.

PTCS Heat Pump Class
2017-11-30 07:00 - 15:00 | CSC Weatherization Training Center, 2995 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR, 97322, United States
Mark Jerome of CLEAResult will lead this Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Class on commissioning and troubleshooting heat pumps. This one-day class is from 8:00am to 4:00pm Dennis Feeney and the class starts at 9:00 AM.

Sustainable Homes Professional - Module 2 - Building Science Fundamentals
2017-12-01 08:00 - 2017-12-02 16:00 | Earth Advantage, 623 SW Oak St, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
This course explores how properly designing and constructing a building’s envelope, or thermal and moisture barrier, is essential for a comfortable, healthy, durable, and energy-efficient home. Learn more>>
Attend this course and you’ll be one step closer towards earning our Sustainable Homes Professional designation! This course comprises Module 2 of our Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) accreditation course.
Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or 503.968.7160 x20.

PTCS Duct Sealing Class
2018-01-09 08:00 - 16:00 | CSC Weatherization Training Center, 2995 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR, 97322, United States
During this 3-day class a student is trained in heating system pressure diagnostics and to properly seal duct systems to PTCS standards.
Cost: $600

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

PTCS Heat Pump Class
2018-02-02 07:30 - 16:00 | CSC Weatherization Training Center, 2995 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR, 97322, United States
Mark Jerome of CLEAResult will lead this Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Class on commissioning and troubleshooting heat pumps. This one-day class is from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

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

All About ADUs
2018-04-04 08:30 - 12:30 | 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. Increasing rates of prospective home buyers are interested in building an ADU on their property, and 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. This course is intended to help brokers understand the basic planning and building regulations for ADU development in Portland in order to better assist their clients.
Become an ADU Specialist!
Display your tiny home expertise and credentials with our ADU Specialist designation. You must be an Earth Advantage Broker, take this All About ADUs course, and pass the ADU Exam to earn the ADU Specialist credential. Here’s how it works:

Already an EA Broker? Attend the All About ADUs course & take the ADU Exam.
Not yet an EA Broker? Attend the All About ADUs course, complete EA Broker (either online for 7 CEs or live for 14 CEs) & take the ADU Exam for free!

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

Earth Advantage Broker
2018-04-05 - 2018-04-06 | Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR, 97215, United States
The Earth Advantage Broker accreditation course provides real estate professionals with a competitive edge in communicating features and benefits for green and energy efficient home opportunities in their market.
Are you prepared to meet increasing homebuyer demand for healthy, comfortable, efficient homes?
A nationwide study* in 2016 found that 81% of people who expect to buy a new home in the next two years say higher energy efficiency would cause them to choose one over another AND that they would be willing to pay more for a healthier home. Plus, homes listed for sale in the City of Portland are required to obtain a Home Energy Score and roughly 45% of all new homes built in Portland (57% in Beaverton) have earned Earth Advantage certification and/or EPS® from Energy Trust of Oregon.
The big picture shows a dramatic rise in the popularity of green and energy efficient homes that provide a healthier living environment and greater energy, water, and resource efficiency. Stay on top of your game by becoming an Earth Advantage Broker so you can continue to exceed homebuyer expectations with savvy recommendations.

Earn the Earth Advantage Broker designation
Take the course & pass the accreditation exam in order to become an EA Broker. Earth Advantage provides marketing support in the form of logos and an professional listing on the accredited professionals registry to help you display and promote your green credential to future clients.
Maintaining your accreditation
Brokers must earn 4 CEs in green real estate education every 2 yrs to maintain the EA Broker designation. Earth Advantage regularly offers high quality, relevant education courses via in-person, online and webinar formats. Learn more here >>Questions? Contact Heather Kendall at hkendall@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x20
*Statistic from Energy Pulse 2016 – Shelton Communication Group, Inc.

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 class 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.
