Oregon Energy Trust Sets New Guidelines for 2008

Sustainable Forest 

"Going Green" has been pretty painless for us so far, although long journeys in the hybrid are sometimes a challenge. We're happy knowing the products we have been replacing meet the 2008 Oregon Residential Energy Standards, even though we already changed out our windows and doors in 2005-2006 long before these new standards came to be. We have used all tax credits and rebates we are eligible for, helping offset some of the costs associated with these changes. With our winter heating bills 40% lower than they were before making the changes, the air flow we have in the house spring/summer/fall, and the tremendous gasoline costs saved with the hybrid vehicle, it was pretty easy to decide to take on the extra costs to do the right thing for our children and grandchildren.

Sustainable Forest ResourcesWe've been "Greening" our home and business. We've replaced our windows and doors with Energy Star products, replacing two of the windows that were stationary with opening windows in order to increase air flow. We've switched out our thermostat to a digital one with timer features. Our insulation is incredible. We use and reuse again anything we can. Our friends and family send the same gift bags around, some of which have made the rounds for many years. Glass jars become paint brush holders for our youngest, storage containers, or are turned in to beautifully decorated vases. If all else fails, they'll end up in the recycling bin. As light bulbs burn out, they are replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs, with those fluorescent bulbs properly disposed of when they go. When the time comes to get new flooring, my husband and I will battle it out between wood floors from sustainable forest products (my preference) and carpet from recycled products (his preference- stay tuned to see who wins THAT battle :->). Low VOC paint products are used as we repaint.

                                            

Our personal vehicle is a hybrid gas/electric. The next one will likely be full electric, although we're looking in to one that will run off propane. Our next house will have more "green features" - either insulated concrete form system or straw bale construction, with net zero energy usage.

In the big picture, the steps we are taking constitute "baby steps", and we have a ways to go yet. To offset our electricity usage, we support Pacific Power's Blue Sky Usage program, offsetting 14.22 tons of carbon dioxide, equating to not driving 30,462 miles. Our business is also purchasing credits to support the renewable energy effort.

Go check these sites out and see what simple adjustments you, too, can make. Together, we CAN make a difference.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant

 

5 Comments on Oregon Energy Trust Sets New Guidelines for 2008

I was talking to a client the other day about how much I thought a buyer would pay extra for green.  I thought about $25k on a $500k house.  Would you agree?

02/22/2008 09:40 AM by Krista Bolf Ashland Agent, Ashland Real Estate & Medford Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Pro West)

I was talking to a client the other day about how much I thought a buyer would pay extra for green.  I thought about $25k on a $500k house.  Would you agree?

02/22/2008 09:40 AM by Krista Bolf Ashland Agent, Ashland Real Estate & Medford Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Pro West)

Karen, I'm glad to see that you are doing your part for the environment, but I think the "green" standards that will prevail are the ones that will save money and resources in the long run. It will be a matter of self-interest.

Bill Roberts

BTW I think a better choice for your next  car would be a diesel. You could make your own fuel out of reclaimed vegetable oil. It also has the advantage of being able to go anywhere and get fuel. What if there is an emergency and there is no electricity available?

02/22/2008 10:11 AM by Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning (Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate)

Krista - I think a 5% price tag for certain green features would be a reasonable expectation. Think I could get a net zero energy home in Southern Oregon for a 5% increase over a home with a similar location, age and size? :->

02/22/2008 09:50 PM by Karen Cooper - Quality Home Loans, Inc.

Bill- I have found "Going Green" is more prevalent in Oregon than in many other areas, and people here are willing to pay a little more to buy local. Not everyone, and there are plenty of people making their decisions with the "self interest" emphasis. I almost traded in the hybrid for a Jetta diesel, thinking exactly what you mention here. My issue is travelling back and forth between Southern California and Southern Oregon - biodiesel stations are not as readily available as we need, yet. Staying in the Jackson County area, we have several options, but those long stretches of California roads have made me wait.

02/22/2008 09:55 PM by Karen Cooper - Quality Home Loans, Inc.

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Mortgage Company: Karen Cooper - Quality Home Loans, Inc.
Karen Cooper - Mortgage Consultant OR/CA
Ashland, OR
More about me…
Karen Cooper - Quality Home Loans, Inc.

Office Phone: (541) 608-6003
Cell Phone: (541) 601-4303
Email Me
25 years experience providing Quality Home Loans to Southern Oregon and California| Assisting First Time Home Buyers in need of Down Payment Assistance in Oregon| Specializing in Oregon Bond Loan| Oregon VA Loans| Serving all of Jackson County Oregon including Ashland- Talent- Phoenix- Medford-Jacksonville- Ruch- Central Point- White City- Eagle Point- Shady Cove- Gold Hill, as well as Josephine County including Grants Pass- Merlin- Wilderville and Northern California communities in Siskiyou County| Helping Southern Oregonians and Californians on the road to fulfilling the American Dream of Homeownership

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