Habitat for Humanity’s independently operated ReStores sell donated household items and building materials to raise money for Habitat projects. But as energy consumption rose due to a leaky roof and recurring extreme weather, more of the profits were going towards maintaining operations. To reduce energy costs, management worked with NW Natural and Energy Trust of Oregon to make energy-efficient property upgrades.

Because profits are used to build and renovate homes for community members in need, ReStore must keep energy and maintenance expenses as low as possible. “Utility bills are some of the bigger expenses we incur,” said Julie Carter, vice president of ReStore retail operations in the Portland/Vancouver area. “Every little bit of savings is crucial to us.”

To lower operation costs at the ReStore location in Vancouver, the building owner and store management worked with NW Natural and Energy Trust to help fund the cost of new, energy-efficient roof insulation. They received $35,000 in cash incentives to help cover more than half of the entire project cost.