September 27, 2023
BetterBuiltNW September 2023 Newsletter
A New Home for High-Performance Windows
The BetterBuiltNW website now features a dedicated space for high-performance windows. Check out the Resources page for the most up-to-date information about triple-pane windows, including articles, case studies, and other content. To learn more, click here.
New Training Videos on BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage Now Available on YouTube
Access training videos by visiting the BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage YouTube channels. To learn more, click here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters – just in case you missed it.
Programs in the News
Every month, BetterBuiltNW highlights different programs in the news to keep builders and Raters/Verifiers informed about key updates, program changes, and features. This month’s Programs in the News features the following updates:
Oregon Department of Energy: Oregon Department of Energy Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive Extended to 2025
In response to the ongoing efforts rebuilding communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill to extend the Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive Program to June 1, 2025. This program helps wildfire survivors incorporate energy efficiency as they rebuild their homes and businesses. Click here to read the article.
RESNET: EMPOWERED Program: Free Online Clean Energy Safety Training Available
EMPOWERED is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded program that provides free online education and training on clean energy technologies safety and installation. The program aims to support contractors, code officials, and electricians by offering the latest information on Distributed Energy Resource applications and safety. To read this article, click here.
Sightline Institute: Oregon’s Land Use Law Creates Wildfire-Adapted Communities
Since passing in 1973, Oregon’s land use law has silently protected life and property from wildfires across the state. The city of Bend has applied this law by guiding growth away from areas with a higher risk of fires and encouraging the infill of new homes within existing urban areas. This is a prime example of how smart growth management policies result in wildfire-resilient communities. Learn more here.
Zero Energy Project: Start with Structural Insulated Panels: Cost Savings, Efficiency, Health, Resilience
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are prefabricated, high-performance panels for framing residential and light-commercial buildings. Because SIPs are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions, they can be fabricated precisely to fit nearly any design. While panelized construction may seem more expensive up front, SIPs offer savings over stick-built due to decreased construction and labor costs. Click here to learn more.
Energy Vanguard: Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop Ground Source Heat Pumps
Deciding between an open- or closed-loop system when installing ground-source heat pumps comes down to what best fits the home. Energy Vanguard covered the two systems’ distinct benefits and drawbacks on their blog. Read the article here.