Green industry professional tools
The case for designing and building green
To have a building that performs well, outlasts traditional building, conserves resources and is comfortable and beautiful. A green building will strive to incorporate several, if not all, these features:
- Saves energy and conserves water
- Minimizes material use
- Protects the site
- Uses low-impact, low-toxicity materials
- Maximizes longevity and durability
- Minimizes construction waste
- Is healthier for occupants
- Recycles existing buildings
- Has a low carbon footprint
Green building is growing in popularity with good reason – it makes sense. Building green is also about adventure and exploration – finding those one-of-a kind pieces of salvaged wood or lighting fixtures that add character to your living room or learning new ways to save energy and save water. Your decisions help drive sustainability in the local and national marketplace, ultimately creating more cost effective green product choices.
It makes sense. Every decision you make while remodeling and building has an impact on your health, your community and the environment at large. Whether you are planning a simple or complex project, if you plan ahead, you can make green choices that achieve your goals and dreams of a high-performance, accomodate your budget for a healthy, functional and beautiful home.
Does green cost more?
No matter what your style and budget, you can build green by making informed choices and researching and planning ahead. Some green options may cost more upfront, but significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs over time. Other green options cost the same as typical products, but perform better and are more environmentally friendly.
Green building 101
Check out our simple residential new and remodel green building checklist.
The basics of residential green building 101 power point in a .pdf file.
LEED 101 for City contractors power point in a .pdf file.
New Green Building for City of Portland Projects power point in a .pdf file.
Construction waste and recycling
Construction, demolition and remodeling debris in the City of Portland.
To help you meet recycling targets and find recyclers: Metro's Construction Salvage and Recycling Toolkit.
Clickable local salvage depots and online materials exchanges
Incentives
City of Portland Ecoroof Grant, and Community Watershed Stewardship Grant.
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) has financing for builders and developers.
Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Restoration and Enhancement and Capital Grants.
Energy Trust of Oregon residential and commercial cash incentives paid directly to their Trade Allies (approved contractors).
Oregon High Performance Home tax credits and Oregon Homebuilder Installed Renewable Energy Facility tax credits.
Solar Now! solar systems financing.
Certifications and training
City of Portland Bureau of Sutainabilty annual ReTHINK series, five classes held each Spring.
Local trainings, events and conferences are posted on our Green Building Calendar.
Earth Advantage Builder and Remodeler Advantage Program and Sustainabilty Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals (STAR) - regional third-party non-profit training and certification program.
Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Allies are builders, subs and real estate professionals around Oregon who are approved and familiar with applying for the Trust's cash incentives.
The statewide eco-friendly certification for landscapers (and automotive shops) is Ecobiz.
US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) is a professional accreditation acknowledging proficiency in the LEED building certification process.
US EPA WaterSense Landscape Irrigation Professional certification is a federal certification program recognizing irrigation professionals who excel in water efficiency.
Certified Passive House Consultant Training from the Passive House Institute (PHIUS).
Networking
NW Ecobuilding Guild is a non-profit regional association for those interested in ecologically sustainable building.
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