Pulled from the many green building pamphlets they circulate up there in the Pacific Northwest.
Event: Coming up this month is the Village Building Convergence in Portland, where urban humanization group City Repair performs "urban alchemy", transforming spaces (like intersections) into places for people to hang out together. Check it out at vbc.cityrepair.org, May 27-June 5.
Get rebates through federal programs for weatherizing homes. MOney for home improvements to the tune of 6 billion is coming through State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation BLock Grants(EECBG). You gotta be ready to start this Sept, though. Congress also considering Home Star, aka Cash for Caulkers, with rebates up to $4k. See what Portland's offering at www.cleanenergyworksportland.org. Seattle's Earth Advantage is runnin a pilot Energy Performance Score.
Solar water systems can generate up to 60% of energy needs for hot water in the home. Oooo.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) of smaller than 800 square feet don't require a permit in Portland for the next 3 years. Great for empty nesters who might want to rent their homes and live in the guest cottage. Read about standards for green homebuilding: Passive House (qualifies for Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM) money through fed programs) and the Living Building Challenge.
More about EEMs and Energy Improvement Mortgages...
Available through regular lenders, but not promoted, EEMs give you extra money for home projects based on future energy savings. EIMs make you eligible for tax credits to cover new installations. First step is a HERS energy audit (home energy rating system).
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