Get scaled incentives based on verified energy-efficiency improvements above Oregon code. We have identified best practices in energy-efficient construction to help you maximize your construction efforts and your homebuyer's energy savings.

View the enhanced incentive options for building your energy-efficient homes.

To qualify for Energy Trust incentives, projects must be sited within the Oregon service territories of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural or Cascade Natural Gas. Additional incentives are available for solar upgrades. To apply for incentives, contact an approved verifier in your area.

Verifiers are available to provide personalized support for all levels of high performance design and construction. They can assist you with any questions you may have about meeting the New Homes program requirements and can guide you through the process of having your home modeled for energy consumption under our performance based program.

Regional training events offer opportunities to learn all you need to know about building more efficient homes. Topics include:

• Best Practices training
• Building Analyst
• Envelope Professional
• Heating Professional
• New technologies
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water heating
• Wall systems and insulation
• Moisture management
• Indoor air quality
• Duct sealing
• CheckMe! heat pump commissioning
• Air sealing and ventilation
• Thermal bypass
• Duct design
• Incorporating solar

Find out about upcoming builder workshops and events in your area.

Promote yourself as an Energy Trust trade ally builder and connect your name with a network of respected energy efficiency contractors and consumers in Oregon. Comprehensive marketing tools and incentives help you distinguish yourself in the marketplace.

Open a model or tour home and give potential homebuyers the opportunity to experience energy-efficient home features. With New Homes Marketing Support, builders are eligible to receive up to $1,500 per year in model home incentives, while funds are available through December 15, 2012. Builders can take advantage of tiered incentives for up to two model homes per year that exceed ENERGY STAR® standards and meet energy performance standards. Tiered incentives are based on the efficiency of your home.

For more information contact the trade ally coordinator at 1.877.283.0698.

Additional incentives are available through Northwest ENERGY STAR for certified ENERGY STAR homes.

Make prospective homebuyers aware of your commitment to excellence in energy efficiency building practices by incorporating Energy Trust branding into your model home materials. A full suite of EPS home branding tools are available to builders at no cost—including yard signs, banners and window clings.

All marketing forms must be submitted with a Substitute W-9 Form.

Builders of energy-efficient new homes can benefit from incorporating solar water heating or solar electric systems. Systems must be installed by an approved solar trade ally and meet Energy Trust performance and installation requirements. For more information contact the Solar program at 1.866.368.7878.

Solar ready option

A few simple steps during the design phase can prep your home for a more cost-effective solar installation by the future home owner. To help you through the process, Energy Trust’s Solar Ready Installation Requirements is available as a technical resource.

Having your subcontractors incorporate some or all of these elements in your home can attract homebuyers and prepare your team for easier solar integration in future construction. Plus, if you build your new home to meet or exceed the Energy Trust High Performance Home Builder Option and satisfy Energy Trust solar ready installation requirements with third-party verification, you can qualify for a solar ready incentive, up to $400.

In addition to following the performance based path of Energy Trust, builders can receive additional incentives and nationally recognized certification with ENERGY STAR®.

The Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes certification requirements are designed specifically for the Northwest market. The Builder Option Packages are a prescriptive method for labeling new homes as ENERGY STAR qualified. Additional information on certification requirements and technical compliance options can be found at Northwest ENERGY STAR.

Earth Advantage® and LEED® for Homes both furnish builders with a flexible menu of sustainable features that address homebuyer demand for healthier indoor air, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Dual-labeled homes receive incentives and builder support from Energy Trust and have the environmental sensitivity and quality construction that are part of all Earth Advantage and LEED certified homes. Approved verifiers provide on-the-ground support to assist builders in deciding which options will work to reach desired certification levels and understand the various certification requirements. Contact the trade ally coordinator at 1.877.283.0698, option 1 for more information.

• Submit your Energy Trust Trade Ally Application (PDF | Doc) or contact the trade ally coordinator at 1.877.283.0698, option 1.
• Submit your New Homes Builder Trade Ally Addendum (PDF | Doc)
• Complete the Faxable Request Form for Certificate of Insurance and submit to your insurance carrier(s).
• Complete the New Homes Trade Ally Orientation available on-demand. Enter your information at the end of the orientation to get credit.

After you submit all of the required application materials and complete the New Homes Trade Ally Orientation, we will review your application and you will receive a letter confirming your trade ally status.

Before construction begins, contact an approved Energy Trust Architect or Design Professional program ally. They can help incorporate energy-efficient designs by developing or redesigning your home plans. Adding these details can help you achieve larger incentives, and result in a better home for your buyer.

When you are ready to build an energy-efficient home, make sure you get the support and help you need by selecting a third-party certified, program approved verifier. Verifiers offer technical support, free project modeling and advice on best practices. By consulting with a verifier early in the home-building process, you will be able to save time, money and prevent costly callbacks.

During construction, your verifier will review building components and confirm compliance with EPS requirements. Inspections must be scheduled at two different points: before installing drywall and at project completion.

Please note that you are responsible for initial communication and contracting with a third-party certified program verifier in order to qualify for incentives.

In addition, your project will need to be approved by a performance testing contractor to ensure that systems and equipment work as designed. Visit the contractor search tool for a program approved heating and cooling contractor in your area, or have your subcontractor contact the trade ally coordinator at 1.877.283.0698, option 1, to get signed up.