May 23, 2023

BetterBuiltNW May 2023 Newsletter

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters – just in case you missed it.

Case Study: Habitat for Humanity—NW Cottages and 27th Street Townhomes

In 2020, central Oregon affiliate Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity began building at the NW Cottages, which was followed by the 27th Street Townhomes build in January 2023. Builders installed above-code insulation in ceilings, walls, and floors, ductless heat pumps for heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, and high-performance windows to make each unit as energy efficient as possible. To read this article, click here.

Triple-Pane Windows Factsheet

Recent advancements in triple-pane window technology have resulted in the broad availability of American-made windows with a U-Factor of ≤ 0.22 from most major manufacturers. These triple-pane windows deliver greatly improved energy performance without the added weight and thickness of early designs—at prices close to double-pane windows. To read this article, click here.

BBNW Trainee Spotlight: Justin Wolverton, Noyes Development

Last month, BetterBuiltNW published a case study that detailed how Noyes Development went all-in on building above-code to differentiate themselves from competitors. In this article, Noyes’ quality assurance director, Justin Wolverton, describes how Earth Advantage’s Sustainable Homes Professional training helped him find the most cost effective way to elevate the status of their most challenging house from Earth Advantage Platinum to Zero Energy Ready. To read this article, click here.


Programs in the News

Montana Energy Code Compliance Best Practices Newsletter: Post-Frame Construction
Post-frame construction is an engineered wood-frame building system that meets all Montana code requirements. This construction method uses large wooden posts or columns as the main structural support system instead of traditional framing methods that use smaller, load-bearing walls. Post-frame construction has advanced with new technologies and engineering to become an attractive alternative to traditional stick framing. Learn more.

RESNET: Building the Sustainable American Neighborhood

RESNET® board of directors member Jacob Atalla, KB Home vice president of sustainability and innovation, received a full-page coverage in the Los Angeles Times for receiving the prestigious Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award. The article details how KB Home used electrification and digitization to build resilient and sustainable microgrid communities. Read the article.

RESNET: Registration is Now Open for the 2023 RESNET Conference

The RESNET Conference
, which takes place Nov. 15-17 in San Diego, offers a diverse and dynamic venue where you can obtain usable solutions in an evolving industry. Get updated on strategic solutions for you and your business, network with like-minded professionals, and receive fresh information from the nation’s best experts in the industry. Click here to learn more.

RESNET: New RMI Report on Embodied Carbon in New Homes

Home builders can take immediate steps to achieve 30%-50% emissions reductions at cost parity with currently available tools and materials. This key takeaway is from the RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute’s) report on the hidden climate impact of residential construction, which examines the cradle-to-gate embodied carbon emissions of building materials. Read the article.

Energy Trust of Oregon Energy Performance Score (EPS): New 2021 Washington State Energy Code

The 2021 Residential Washington State Energy Code (WSEC-R), which takes effect July 1, 2023, includes several updates that significantly increase stringency for new homes in Washington. This article details a few of the major changes compared to the previous 2018 WESC-R. Read the article.

Energy Trust EPS: New EPS Incentive Available for Rural, First-Time Builders

Builders of new homes in rural regions of Oregon have multiple options to qualify for Energy Trust incentives. Newly participating builders constructing qualifying homes in rural regions can also take advantage of a $1,000 bonus incentive. To read this article, click here.

Energy Trust EPS: Green Building Registry Now Includes EPS New Homes

Energy Trust recently worked with Earth Advantage to add EPS data to their Green Building Registry for all homes that have received, or will receive, an EPS rating. This will give EPS new homes even more visibility among customers. Learn more.

Built Green: Going Green For Less

Although energy and water efficiency improvements have a positive return and relatively short payback period, they are not as alluring as a new kitchen or addition because they cannot be seen or admired. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and its investment in reducing carbon emissions, there is now more money than ever before available to go green for builders of new construction, single and multifamily projects. Read the complete article here.

Zero Energy Project: Green Concrete—The Foundation for a Sustainable Home

Concrete, the most widely used construction material on the planet, has a serious pollution problem. Fortunately, a variety of new, “green” concrete options have emerged that help lower the embodied carbon of homes and buildings and achieve global climate goals. Learn more here.

Zero Energy Project: Home Electric Vehicle Charging Made Simple

Electric vehicles are quickly gaining market share, and the infrastructure to support public and home charging needs to keep pace. To help this along, Zero Energy Project developed a primer on home electric vehicle charging stations, from model options and installation to pricing and solar storage. To read the article, click here.


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