PORTLAND, Ore. — February 2, 2016 — The Association of Energy Service Professionals, AESP, announced that Energy Trust of Oregon has won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Program Design and Implementation for its Path to Net Zero offering.

The first offering of its kind in the country, Path to Net Zero is designed to dramatically move the commercial building market toward higher energy efficiency and use of renewable power. To be part of Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero, a building must be designed to exceed Oregon’s current energy code by at least 40 percent, with the goal of eventually consuming only the amount of energy produced on site. Designers and developers can receive Energy Trust incentives and technical assistance. Buildings that have participated in the Path to Net Zero initiative are some of the highest performance buildings in the nation.

“Oregon has long been a leader in green building, with some of the most advanced buildings and experienced design professionals committed to delivering more than just an average building,” said Jessica Iplikci, program manager, Energy Trust. “We’re proud to support the state with this offering that helps designers and developers innovate and collaborate to reach the highest energy-efficiency building standards.”

More than 30 buildings across Oregon are currently enrolled in Path to Net Zero, with construction expected to complete in 2016 and 2017. The buildings range from the ecoFLATS apartments in North Portland to the Cowhorn Vineyard in Southern Oregon. Energy Trust expects enrollments to grow as commercial building teams see the successes of past Path to Net Zero projects.

AESP was founded in 1989 and is a member-based association dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources. The award was presented Monday, February 1 at AESP’s 26th National Conference & Expo in Phoenix, Ariz.

For more information about Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero, visit www.energytrust.org/zero.

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 and Cascade Natural Gas save $1.9 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.