New Homes
Opportunities for single-family residential construction projects
Energy Trust’s New Homes program supports your efforts to improve energy efficiency beyond Oregon building code in new single-family dwellings. We work with builders to help design, construct, test, certify and market energy-efficient new homes through technical assistance, training and financial incentives. Building energy-smart homes will help you:
- Increase sales and profits by offering homes that are highly valued by homebuyers
- Improve customer satisfaction and reduce callbacks by providing a home that has been performance tested
- Enhance your reputation as a quality builder of homes that have lower operating costs
- Distinguish your business as a company that offers third-party verified homes with an Energy Performance Score that meet important construction requirements
The New Homes program also offers opportunities for contractors trained in heat pump commissioning and duct testing to ensure that new home systems and equipment work as designed. Call 1.877.283.0698, option 1, to learn more about becoming an Energy Trust approved performance testing contractor.
Another good reason to join our trade ally network: In 2009, we launched the Energy Performance Score, a clear and quantitative way to assess a new home’s energy consumption, carbon emissions and estimated utility costs. EPS helps builders:
- Document their newly built homes’ energy performance
- Give homebuyers a sense of how many energy upgrades were made to the house beyond what code requires, and how the home compares to an average home built in Oregon
- Provide homebuyers with information to shop on features other than location, neighborhood and amenities
EPS is assessed for new homes, including homes receiving Earth Advantage (Silver®, Gold® and Platinum®), ENERGY STAR®, LEED for Homes® or other energy efficiency certifications. Read more about EPS or contact us at 1.877.283.0698, option 1.
In order to take full advantage of available customer and contractor cash incentives and state and federal tax credits, builders and developers should contact us in the design phase—but even if the slab has been poured, it’s not too late. It’s still a “new home” until it has been occupied.
The New Homes program also provides cash incentives and marketing opportunities for small multifamily trade allies and new manufactured home retailers.
Not a member of our contractor network? Check out the benefits and requirements of becoming a trade ally. Or view the current list of residential trade allies.
Have questions? Contact the appropriate program staff member or call us at 1.866.368.7878.