High-Performance Building is a wholistic approach that optimizes design/build practices to use less energy, water, and materials than conventional code-minimum buildings.
High-Performance
An independent, impartial organization or individual who assesses & confirms the quality & compliance of our building practices.
Third-Party
Verified
A highly energy-efficient home designed to produce as much renewable energy as it consumes.
Net-Zero
Designed & constructed
to withstand & adapt to changing climate conditions, such as extreme weather events & rising
temperatures.
Climate-
Resilient
The energy used
for ongoing building
processes -- translates as carbon emissions of
building & utility costs.
Operational
Energy
Healthy Indoor Environment
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Air sealing is a critical component of high-performance buildings.
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It reduces air leaks and stabilizes the indoor environment so that occupants have better air quality and temperature comfort.
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This can also help to reduce heat loss and gain, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills.
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Renewable Energy Sources
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​When the project site permits, our homes are built to be solar-ready. This helps create the infrastructure for a future of micro-grids that generate power on-site from within communities.
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When on-site solar isn't possible, we direct folk to community solar programs. These allow people to subscribe to a solar energy system that is located offsite from their home.
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Water-Wise Plumbing
Fixtures & Landscape
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We install low-flow fixtures in all our homes to conserve water.
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We also xeriscape with native plants that support native pollinators & local biodiversity.
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This is especially important in Central Oregon for responsible use of our water resources. We love our rivers & want to support the health of their ecosystems!
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Energy-Efficienct
Mechanical Systems
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We install advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems with smart thermostats, heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems, and energy-efficient water heaters.
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These components work together to remove stale air and pollutants from the indoor environment - important with climate change and increasingly dangerous smoke seasons.
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Sustainable Transportation​
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We believe in a sustainable future where transportation is no longer reliant on extractive non-renewables.
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Our homes are future-proofed with electric vehicle-ready charging stations.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
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​Our homes are equipped with highly-efficient Energy Star-rated appliances.
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These are designed to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing performance.
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In 2023 we eliminated gas stoves from all our projects in a move towards all-renewable power sources.
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Americans spend almost 40% of their lives indoors. This means that the materials used in our indoor environments can have a big impact on our health throughout our lives.
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We use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, in addition to other healthy or natural materials such as wool carpets and hardwood floor.