The Portland Home Energy Score (HES) Ordinance took effect on January 1, 2018. Newly built homes that receive an EPS™ through Energy Trust of Oregon’s EPS New Construction offering were previously eligible for a waiver from the ordinance, but that waiver expired on December 31, 2019. All new homes listed on or after January 1, 2020, will require a Home Energy Score and Home Energy Report link in the listing or advertisement for the home.

To meet the new requirements, certification companies that offer HES services must have authorized HES assessors on staff. Anyone who models or uploads an HES must be an authorized HES assessor. Energy Trust added new functionality to AXIS enabling verifiers to produce an HES in AXIS with reduced data entry.

Energy Trust does not require EPS homes to have an HES, but does provide an option for EPS verifiers and builders to utilize EPS systems to streamline production of an HES, thereby complying with the city ordinance.

EPS builders planning to list new homes on or after January 1, 2020, can connect with their verifiers to learn whether they offer HES services and have authorized HES assessors on staff. If not, EPS builders should ensure they have an established relationship with an HES assessor. Verifiers with questions about producing an HES in AXIS can email eps@energytrust.org or call the Trade Ally Hotline at 1.877.283.0698.

For additional information about the Portland Home Energy Score Ordinance, visit the Portland HES website.