Oregon Department of Energy Selects Earth Advantage as Statewide Implementer for Home Energy Scoring Program

Contact:
Jennifer Kalez, 503-480-9239
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Energy announced today that Oregon nonprofit Earth Advantage will serve as the statewide implementer for Oregon’s Home Energy Scoring program.

Earth Advantage was chosen following a public Request for Proposals process through ODOE. In its implementer role, Earth Advantage will help expand home energy scoring across the state, work with assessors to support education and training, and ensure scoring accuracy and consistency across communities.

The selection of Earth Advantage is the latest step in an Oregon Department of Energy initiative to develop a statewide, standardized approach to home energy scoring. A home energy score helps homeowners and homebuyers better understand a home’s energy use, and identify even small improvements that can make a big difference in energy savings. A certified assessor evaluates a home’s performance and issues a score, similar to the bright yellow Energy Guide label found on home appliances. Assessors will look for air leaks, check insulation levels, inspect windows and doors, determine the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, document rooftop solar systems, and more.

“Home energy scores are a great tool to see how you can save more energy at home,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “We look forward to working with Earth Advantage to build a robust scoring program for Oregonians statewide.”

Earth Advantage comes to its new role with home energy scoring already under its belt. The nonprofit has been working with the City of Portland’s required home energy scoring program since January 2018, and expects to be up and running for statewide scoring support by March 2019. “Our team looks forward to working with ODOE to expand home energy scoring to communities throughout Oregon,” said Anthony Roy, Earth Advantage Director of Programs. “Listing certified energy scores can give sellers a boost in a housing market where energy efficiency and renewable energy are highly valued. Scores can also help homebuyers – especially first-time buyers – understand how energy bills could affect their budget in a new home.”

Learn more about the State of Oregon’s home energy scoring program on ODOE’s website, including information about how to find or become a certified assessor.

To locate Oregon homes with energy scores or certifications, visit: us.greenbuildingregistry.com.