Home Builders and Earth Advantage Launch Programs to Help Builders Go Green
September 15th, 2008
In April, Oregon’s new residential building code took effect, raising energy efficiency requirements to equal EnergyStar standards for new homes. To qualify for an EnergyStar rating a home must be 15 percent more efficient than the 2004 international residential code for buildings.
The new code aims to reduce home energy use by 10 to 15 percent in the state by 2015 in order to help meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals of 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
State building codes officials also expect to continue increasing efficiency and sustainability standards over the next decade. Industry associations and nonprofits have taken notice and are starting to offer more training for builders that want to be prepared.
The Oregon Home Builders Association plans to launch a pilot project this month with the city of Portland to build eight to 12 high-efficiency homes throughout the city to serve as models for green building practices. Also, Starting Sept. 26, Earth Advantage will offer a six-month certification course in green building for appraisers, architects, builders, real estate agents, inspectors and other building industry professionals.
Story from The Daily Journal of Commerce. Read more here…