16th Annual Green Tour
Saturday, September 24th, 2016
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The 16th Annual Green Tour is organized by The Bend Energy Challenge with support from the Energy Trust of Oregon. The 2016 Tour features 9 sites packed with energy saving features. They vary from zero energy homes to a 1936 energy retrofit to the new Central Electric Cooperative Community Solar Project.
No matter where you are in your home journey, you’ll get information to help you save energy. Get the latest information on home performance, solar, efficient building, electric vehicles and much more!
You can pick up your full Tour Guide at The Environmental Center (16 NW Kansas Ave) or at the Good Energy Fair on the day of the tour at Bend High from 10:00 – 4:00. You can also view the Tour Guide online here.
Make the Tour even greener and Tour by bike! Join the bike tour leaving Bend High at 11:00. Or,you can view our bike route map.
Site 1: Midtown Convenience meets Affordable Efficiency
637 NE Isabella Lane, Bend
New Construction
Builder: Palmer Homes
High Performance Contractor: Earth Advantage
Preliminary Energy Performance Score (EPS): 75
Year Built: 2016
3 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 2233 Sq Ft, For Sale
This Midtown home in Orchard Hill offers walkability, convenience and nearby park access for easy living. But there is more to this home than just curb appeal. With a price point similar to many homes on the east side, this home offers efficiency features that will help its occupants save on monthly utility costs for decades to come – showing that the average home buyer doesn’t have to sacrifice other features for efficiency.
Energy efficiency features include above code insulation, air sealing, high performance windows, ENERGY STAR appliances, high efficiency HVAC, and 80% LED lighting. Sound insulation in interior walls and between floors ensures quiet privacy. All this helps the home gain Earth Advantage Silver certification.
The great room offers built-in bookcases and a cozy gas fireplace. The large kitchen with island features quartz counters, farmhouse sink, and extra large walk-in pantry. The spacious main floor master bedroom suite has private patio, walk-in closet with sliding barn door entrance, walk-in tiled shower and skylight. Upstairs bedrooms have large walk-in closets, and the large loft/bonus room provides room for entertaining and family fun with a sliding barn door entrance.
Site 2: Cozy West Side Bungalow upgraded to be as green as can be
1615 NW Awbrey Rd, Bend
Energy Retrofit
High Performance Contractor: GreenSavers
Year Built: 1936
900 Sq Ft
For many homes, charm comes with age and with that age, efficiency goes right out the window. Literally.
Old Bungalows, even those that are 80 years old, don’t have to be cold and drafty! Simple upgrades can make a home more energy efficient AND comfortable.
This small home has a conditioned basement, which means that it is inside the heating and cooling envelope of the home and is intended to be a living space. Utilizing this space maximizes use of existing materials in a small footprint, and requires a lot less energy. Comfort was achieved by adding insulation in the floors and attic up to Energy Star levels. There was also a lot of air sealing around windows and doors.
A new high efficiency natural gas furnace was installed with ducts inside conditioned space. Putting ducts inside the conditioned space is a major energy saver—this way, if any air leaks out as it’s being circulated around the home, it’s not being wasted in an attic or basement that isn’t being used. A Honeywell Pro 8000 wifi programmable thermostat makes controlling the climate inside even easier, and further increases the efficiency of the HVAC system.
The biggest challenge of this energy retrofit was removing the old Volkswagen-sized, inefficient furnace out of the basement, which required much disassembling. Adding to the challenge, old ductwork was wrapped in asbestos, and had to be removed carefully.
The end result? This old Bungalow is now comfy and cozy and a safer place to live.
Site 3: Efficient new construction? This is your neighborhood!
1639 NW Scott Henry Place, Bend
New Construction
Builder: Jim Guild Construction
Designer: Neal Huston & Associates Architects Inc
Solar Contractor: E2 Solar
Energy Performance Score (EPS): 50
Year Built: 2015
2+ Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 2105 Sq Ft, For Sale
This model home in the Saginaw Sunset subdivision is the first of what will be a 20-home development of high-performance custom homes. Each home will meet at least Earth Advantage Platinum standards and include features such as staggered stud framing, super-efficient HVAC systems, Energy Star appliances, extra insulation, solar power production, and water
conservation. This home’s power is supplemented by a grid-tied solar system that is also backed up with batteries – meaning that the home will still have electricity when the power goes out.
The finishes in this home include beautiful local EcoCrush countertops throughout, renewable cork flooring, and long-lasting Italian tiles. The custom white oak cabinets were milled in the house and make the most of tricky storage spaces in the kitchen and laundry room.
Set amid native Ponderosa pines, this home sits on an extremely steep lot with limited access for construction, showcasing the developers’ commitment to filling in vacant urban property and is landscaped with deer and drought in mind. The vision for these properties is that homeowners will be able to age in place which is why this split-level home features an elevator.
19 more lots are available awaiting their transformation to your custom, efficient home!
Site 4: Good energy really is the key to using no energy!
2112 NW Black Pines Dr, Bend
Solar and Energy Retrofit
Solar Contractor: Sunlight Solar Energy
Year Built: 2002
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1600 Sq Ft
Electric bills with zero kilowatts used! This solar house produces more energy than it uses, even with an electric vehicle charging in the garage. A great example of how improving a built-to-code home – coupled with energy saving behavior by the occupant – can make a huge difference!
Part of the extremely low utility costs for this house (very small natural gas bills, too) is achieved through the owner’s efficient behaviors – hanging clothes to dry (she hasn’t used her clothes dryer in 15 years!)and saving water for her xeriscaped yard through rainwater collection.
Working with a home performance contractor, extra insulation was added and a furnace was converted to an electric heat pump to heat the home. The washer and refrigerator are ENERGY STAR models. Carolyn uses her Smart car to get around town and charges after about 8 short trips and when she’s ready, plugs it in to charge up in her garage.
A huge factor in lowering utility bills is the 3.4 kW solar installation on the roof. Twelve panels manufactured by Oregon-based Solar World and installed by Sunlight Solar produce more energy than used by the house – this extra energy goes back into the grid.
Carolyn is excited to show you her electric bills and show that she hasn’t paid for electricity since her solar panels were installed. Stop by to be inspired by her good energy and take away a few tips to use at your own home.
Site 5: Living like the Jetsons
1696 SW Knoll Ave, Bend
New Construction
Builder: Alcove Homes
Designer/Architect: Nick Holdeman/ Steve Puckett
Energy Performance Score (EPS): 73
Year Built: 2016
Main: 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 2186 Sq Ft • ADU: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 564 Sq Ft
A 3-story Modern Home, inspired by the “Jetson’s Apartment,” takes creative advantage of a challenging small, sloped lot. A 1-bedroom ADU on the first floor allows for multi-family usage.
This house passively harnesses the sun’s energy through southern windows, large overhangs, and daylighting provided by four big skylights. The Exterior tower is reflective on the inside, with skylights open from the 3rd floor down to the 2nd story – flooding the home with natural light. Water conservation is a priority with onsite water retention using rain collection barrels and native plant xeriscaping.
Earth Advantage Platinum-certified, this home features staggered stud framing, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency HVAC, 100% LED lighting, and extra insulation in the stylish, leaning exterior walls. High density foam insulation creates efficiency as well as quiet comfort. The interior finishes are all natural materials, including low-VOC paints and formaldehyde-free insulation.
This home was built “solar ready” which means that it was designed with a future solar installation in mind. A roof with a great sun exposure will eventually hold a 5,000 Watt solar installation. Room was left in the electrical panel for an easy tie-in to pass off the energy produced on the roof to the house.
Site 6: The Peak of Environmental Mindfulness
22 NW Shasta Place, Bend
Builder: Timberline Construction
Architect/Designer: Tozer Design
Home Performance Contractor: Earth Advantage
Solar Contractor: E2 Solar
Energy Performance Score (EPS): 0
Year Built: 2013
Main: 2 Bedroom, 2 Baths, 2236 Sq Ft • ADU: Studio, 1 Bath, 489 Sq Ft
Desert Lookout Apartment: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 815 Sq Ft
Desert Rain is the first residential property to qualify for certification under the international Living Building Challenge (LBC) – a program that defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today – with stringent requirements in 7 performance areas. Desert Rain is in the final audit period required for full certification.
This residential compound, comprised of three living units and related outbuildings, is also Earth Advantage Platinum-certified, and goes far beyond the normal energy efficiency measures of LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, and extra insulation. Vacuum toilets, reclaimed lumber from the two original homes on the site as well as a potato barn near Prineville, recycled glass formed into bathroom tile, and triple-paned windows are some of the unique features of this property.
Desert Rain is designed to produce all the energy it uses in a year — a standard known as net zero — from on-site renewable sources. A 14.95-kilowatt solar-electric system generates electricity for the home’s appliances and lighting — and powers two electric vehicles. Solar-thermal heating systems heat the floors and domestic water.
The orientation of the home on the property, along with design features — nearly floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows in the south side of the home, no glass on the north side, roof overhangs and other elements — are part of the passive solar design.
To meet the challenge’s water standards, the property captures and processes rain and snowmelt on-site for drinking and other household needs. There is a 35,000-gallon cistern to store rainwater tucked under the two-car garage. Both graywater and blackwater are treated and returned back to the site.
This project models a new level of energy efficiency and sustainability that the owners hope will serve as a learning tool for others, in a design that is warm and welcoming for all. Open, artfully aesthetic, and practical in how the spaces are used, the Desert Rain home intimately engages with its environment and calls all that enter to be mindful of how they engage as well.
Site 7: Modern design meets walkability in Urban Infill project
55 SW Wall Street Unit 4, Bend
New Construction
Builder: Walsh Construction
Architect/Designer: Corey Martin, Hacker Architect
Home Performance Contractor: Earth Advantage
Preliminary Energy Performance Score (EPS): 77
Year Built: 2016
Main: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 1995 Sq Ft • ADU: Studio, 1 Bath, 300 Sq Ft
Basecamp is an urban infill townhome development based on modern design and walkability. Large windows and skylights give natural light in all interior spaces. Efficient floorplans, attached ADUs, and shared amenities (central outdoor area with dining area and fire pit) bring density to a central Bend neighborhood.
The idea behind Basecamp is simple: 25 graciously conceived townhomes, born of the natural wonder and beauty of Central Oregon, brought to a walkable location close to downtown. One block from the Deschutes River, and minutes on foot to Downtown Bend or the Old Mill.
Earth Advantage Platinum-certified, this home features above code insulation, continuous weather barrier, high performance windows, tankless hot water heaters, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, low flow water fixtures, and bathroom lighting/fan controls. A beautiful covered deck expands the living space.
The 300 square foot ADU with separate street entrance features a full size gas range, ample kitchen cabinetry, spacious bathroom, and concrete floors.
Site 8: Country cottages nestled into compact, urban lot
61435 SE Brosterhous Road, Bend
New Construction
Builder: Rundle Construction and Development
Architect/Designer: Adam Peterson, Muddy River Design
Home Performance Contractor: Earth Advantage
Preliminary Energy Performance Score (EPS): 57 (house), 30 (ADU)
Year Built: 2016
Main: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 1930 Sq Ft • ADU: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 576 Sq Ft
This urban compound highlights some of the issues of building on a single, urban lot – all utilities had to be brought to the site, including water, sewer, power and natural gas. The property had existing trees and a rock outcropping at the rear of the lot, but the builder managed to retain 90% of existing trees on the property.
ENERGY STAR and Earth Advantage certified, this home features above code insulation, high performance windows, ductless heat pump, tankless water heater, and 100% LED lighting. Indoor air quality is improved with 100% hard surface flooring, and low-VOC paints and finishes. Plans for a future detached garage will retain this high indoor air quality.
Living is easy with a Great Room concept and simple footprint. The home has an east/west orientation to make it easier for future solar panels. The detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) offers accommodation for higher density living.
Site 9: Bringing Solar to the Masses
CEC Community Solar Project
61090 SE 27th St, Bend
Renewable energy from the sun is expanding in Central Oregon! Come check out the Central Electric Cooperative community solar project as part of the Green Tour, AND also view the solar car built by local high school students!
The 200,000-watt solar array is centrally located at the CEC local office and service center, and is connected directly to the nearby CEC distribution grid. It is designed to expand to 500,000-watts in increments of 100,000 watts. Installed by local solar contractor Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc., the system is built with American-made equipment and materials, including 700 Solar World 285-watt panels.
The community solar project, created through the voluntary support of CEC members, reflects community values towards increasing renewable energy in Central Oregon. Grants were received from the Oregon Department of Energy, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Members can subscribe to the energy produced by individual panels, or half or quarter panels. They receive an energy credit on their monthly bill that reflects the amount of electricity produced by their subscription that month. The Shared Solar program appeals to members who cannot install a rooftop solar system because they don’t own their home, their rooftop is not ideally oriented to the sun’s path, or systems are cost prohibitive.
The Oregon High School Solar Car Team, made up of local high school students, has built two solar-powered cars since 2007. Their goal is to build a car that is strong, fast, light, energy efficient, and powered by the sun. These cars have raced on the Texas Motor Speedway for the national High School Solar Challenge.
With the help from Oregon State University’s Solar Vehicle Team and Lancair, the team has been able to create an all-composite car, Heliocentric II. This is the first car in The Solar Challenge to build not only its body, but also frame of the car, out of composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
