Our research work has focused on providing market transformation information to city and state governments and home builders. That work aids in designing new policies, energy efficiency program designs, and building best practices in aid of advancing better buildings. We have done studies on the value of green buildings in the Northwest, effective energy label design, and sustainable earthquake resilient wall assemblies, to name a few. This work looks to fill in the gaps necessary for removing barriers to a more sustainable, resilient, and energy efficient homes across America.
April 2021
An overview of the significant changes to the energy code in the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) that will become mandatory on October 1, 2021
Download the fact sheet here >>
February 2021
A case study in partnership with the City of Portland Home Energy Score program, this features the viewpoints, and experiences of real estate professionals and homeowners.
Download the case study here >>
December 2019
Steps states can take to support city-based home energy labeling initiatives. Prepared for National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) by Earth Advantage.
March, 2018
Improving Energy Efficiency and
Seismic Resiliency in Older Housing Stock
January 2017
A high performance home data cost addendum for builders and contractors to provide detailed high performance improvements to professional appraisers and real estate professionals.
October 2015
The Market Valuation of Energy Efficient and
Green Certified Northwest Homes.​ With support from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Download the full report (PDF - 30.5 MB) »
Download the Appraiser Reference Sheet (PDF - 11.6 MB) >>
July 2015
Three printable posters that provide builders with detailed information on mini-split technology, thermal enclosures, and HRV system best practices. Download the individual posters using the links below:
HRV Best Practices for NW >>
Thermal Enclosure: Efficient Walls & Airtightness >>
Mini-split Technology in New Construction >>
October 2014
A case study highlighting the financial benefits to green and high performance fully certified communities.
October 2014
A snapshot of the ADU financing options available in the Portland, Oregon metro area during the fall of 2014.
July 2014
A Bullitt Foundation-initiated project aimed at developing technical, administrative, and marketing best practices in residential energy labeling and disclosure.
May 2014
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an emerging type of residential development with unique legal uses. This short guide outlines the best practices to follow when valuing a property with an ADU.
Februrary 2014
One pathway for making home energy ratings more visible to the real estate market is to include them as part of official government property records, such as on property tax records.
Februrary 2014
Cost premiums for select high performance home building components investigation, conducted in 2013.
April 2013
The assessment is an introduction to this policy topic and the first step in a multi-stage project to support a regional framework for residential energy ratings and disclosure policies.
Download PDF (5.9 MB) »