What do high school seniors think about current issues such as climate change and energy independence? How much do they know about where our energy in the U.S. comes from and how we get it? Do they understand the difference between fossil and renewable fuels, and do they have any idea how much we use … Continue reading The Next Generation of Energy Users
A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials
The material selection process for energy efficient upgrades in affordable multifamily projects often prioritizes cost, durability, and aesthetics. However, the content of materials and influence they can have on occupant health must also be considered. In the United States chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise, and not all manufacturers disclose the full chemical content … Continue reading A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials
Oregon’s 10 Year Plan to Reduce the Energy Burden
Pursuant to Governor Brown’s Executive Order No. 17-20 and in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Public Utility Commission, OHCS created a 10-year plan to reduce energy burden and improve energy efficiency in affordable housing across the state. The plan, which is accompanied by an interactive assessment of energy use in affordable housing, … Continue reading Oregon’s 10 Year Plan to Reduce the Energy Burden
New Construction Envelope Bundle
This month the Multifamily Energy Program is highlighting the New Construction Envelope Bundle. Improved building envelopes have multiple benefits for both building owners and occupants. For building owners and developers, an improved envelope can lead to longer life cycles for the building and an overall more durable structure that is less likely to be vulnerable … Continue reading New Construction Envelope Bundle
New Construction & Existing Building DHW Bundle
Water heating is now the second largest residential energy user, with space heating being the largest. More than 40% of U.S. households provide domestic hot water using electric resistance storage water heaters. A significant opportunity exists to improve water-heating energy efficiency in these households through the use of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), which offer … Continue reading New Construction & Existing Building DHW Bundle
New Construction & Existing Building Lighting Bundle
Efficient LED lighting have numerous benefits including high energy savings, reduced electricity cost, and a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. But they also have the added benefit of keeping your home cool during the summer. It’s been a record hot summer in Oregon this year, and any relief from the heat is welcome, so … Continue reading New Construction & Existing Building Lighting Bundle
Existing Buildings Smart Apartment Bundle
Summer is in full swing, with 90°F days hinting at a long, warm season. It’s at these times that we often are very grateful, or completely distraught about whether or not we have air conditioning in our home. Participants in the Multifamily Energy Program that select the Smart Apartment Bundle, will find that not only … Continue reading Existing Buildings Smart Apartment Bundle
New Construction HVAC
During National Healthy Homes Month, we’re highlighting the new construction HVAC Bundle, which promotes better indoor air quality with efficient ventilation strategies through the following two measures: Balanced Ventilation systems supply fresh air to living areas while exhausting stale air at an equal, balanced rate resulting in improved air quality. The fresh filtered air supplied … Continue reading New Construction HVAC
Existing Buildings Unit Turnover
The summer season between May and July is a frequent time property managers and landlords experience tenant turnover. While this can result in a busy time to fill vacancies, property managers can take advantage of this opportunity to assess apartment units not only for wear and tear, but also for energy efficiency. Unit turnover is … Continue reading Existing Buildings Unit Turnover