Earth Advantage Secures $3M in PCEF Funding for Energy Efficiency and Workforce Development Projects

Earth Advantage has received funding for two projects through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefit Fund (PCEF)’s most recent round of Community Responsive Grants. Totaling more than $3M over two years, these awards will support the installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment in affordable housing communities and accelerated training and support for new workers in the residential construction industry.

$2.9 million of the awarded funding will be used to install up to 450 innovative over-the-sill heat pumps in eligible affordable housing units across Portland, providing permanent, energy-efficient heating and cooling for residents. Earth Advantage will work closely with community-based partners to install the units, track energy savings, and conduct quality control checks to ensure residents receive the full benefits of these new heat pump units.

“Much of Portland’s affordable housing stock struggles to maintain a comfortable, safe temperature during extreme heat, placing residents at risk for health complications,” said Molly Hatfield, associate director of climate justice programs at Earth Advantage. “Over-the-sill heat pumps provide an innovative and cost-effective solution for multifamily buildings where traditional energy-efficient HVAC retrofits are often technically challenging or cost-prohibitive. This project will help lower energy costs and ensure safe, reliable cooling for vulnerable households.”

The second award provides $336,821 to connect job seekers with real-world career opportunities in energy-efficient residential construction. Program participants will complete Earth Advantage’s Introduction to Sustainable Homes and Careers training, and will have access to career mapping, employer panels, mentorship, and job navigation. A portion of participants will also receive career navigation support services and certification scholarships for industry-recognized credentials like the Building Performance Industry’s (BPI) Building Science Professional or Earth Advantage’s Sustainable Homes Professional. 

“This grant allows us to expand the impact of our residential training programs in support of local job seekers and those employers seeking new workers,” said Ryan LaPoma, associate director of workforce programs at Earth Advantage.

Earth Advantage is also a named partner in an awarded project led by Portland Youth Builders aiming to increase diversity in the climate workforce.


About Earth Advantage
Earth Advantage is a non-profit organization helping to advance a more informed and humane housing market. We work to ensure the US housing market recognizes the elements of homes that create climate risk and values the characteristics of homes that provide climate solutions. Our teams partner with entities across the country to develop tangible, systemic solutions for climate-friendly housing.