MILWAUKIE, Ore. — June 14, 2019 — Today, Waverley Greens Apartments unveiled its new solar electric system. Mounted on 13 different buildings, the system constitutes the largest solar system in Milwaukie and the largest on a multifamily housing complex in Oregon.

The clean energy generated will power community spaces at the complex, including the community’s leasing office, recreation hall and fitness center. The system is expected to generate more than 425,000 kilowatt hours of renewable electricity, equivalent to powering 38 homes for a year and offsetting more than 200 tons of carbon emissions annually.

“This investment marks the biggest we’ve made yet to improve the energy efficiency of Waverley Greens and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Waverley Greens Owner Scott Wyse. “We hope that we can become a model to show other apartment, townhouse and condominium owners and residents that making these kinds of investments is good for business and the planet, and adds value to our community.”

“For the last 10 years, Waverley Greens and the Wyse family have proven that energy efficiency, and now solar power, really do pay off — on the bottom line, for the environment and for residents. Investment by investment, Waverley Greens’ commitment to reducing its energy use and carbon impact is a shining example for Oregon building owners and managers,” said Energy Trust of Oregon Executive Director Michael Colgrove.

Working with the nonprofit Energy Trust, Waverley Greens has carried out multiple energy-efficiency upgrades to its buildings and units, including efficient lighting, water heating systems and heating systems. For the energy efficiency and solar projects, Waverley Greens received $93,744 in Energy Trust cash incentives to make the investments more affordable.

At the solar system unveiling today, Waverley Greens was joined by City of Milwaukie Mayor Mark Gamba and Portland General Electric President and CEO Maria Pope, as they celebrated this project as an example of Milwaukie’s commitment to a clean energy future and what can be accomplished when working toward a common vision.

“Milwaukie is thrilled that our largest apartment complex has joined us in our efforts to combat climate catastrophe,” said City of Milwaukie Mayor Mark Gamba. “The Wyse family have been great community partners on many things. I would challenge all businesses to explore the good business sense that improving energy efficiency and adding significant solar make. There is no better time to invest in our collective future than right now.”

“Waverley Greens is a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together as a community to fight climate change,” said PGE CEO Maria Pope. “I commend the Wyse family, Energy Trust, Mayor Mark Gamba and the City of Milwaukie for helping create a clean energy future for Oregon.”

At the event, Waverley Greens also unveiled its new partnership with Platt Auto Group, including using a new electric vehicle powered with energy from the solar panels to help service the complex’s six apartment communities. As part of this partnership, this first five residents to purchase an electric vehicle from Platt Auto Group will receive free electric charging right from their homes, just one more example of Waverley Greens’s commitment to carbon reduction.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $3.2 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866.368-7878.