Green Building - Portland, Oregon

What is Green?

Green is a lifestyle choice. Green building at Prairie View Homes is not dogmatic, rather practical and pragmatic. Motivated by the fate of our children's future, rising energy prices, dependence on foreign oil and global warming, Owners of a Prairie View Home are making a difference for our future both with their economic voice in support of the green supply chain, and most importantly as role models for the 'tread lightly' generation.

The following elements comprise a green Prairie View Home:

Healthy
Comfortable
Durable
Energy Efficient
Environmentally Responsible

Consumer Benefits

The answers to these frequently asked questions should help clarify the benefits of green building using LEED for Homes. Here are the highlights:

30-60% more energy efficient
Protection of ecosystems and biodiversity
Improved air and water quality
Reduction in solid waste
Conservation of natural resources

The Green Home Guide

Making your home a greener place is a commitment - to yourself, your family, your community and the world. But more than that, it is a learning process. As exciting new technologies, products and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the hows - as well as the whys - of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible. We recommend you visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org.

Tax and Rebate Incentives

This section provides details of solar incentives for Oregon. You can learn more about renewable energy incentives in other states at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) website.

Oregon Residential Incentives

Solar Calculator

Does solar make sense for you? Do the math here with the Energy Trust of Oregon's solar calculator. It's an interactive tool designed to help you estimate how much it will cost to install a solar electric system for your home and how much electricity you can expect to produce.

Green Science

Each of our projects use industry-leading principles of building science and are 100% Green Certified™ based on the US Green Building Council's LEED for Homes (LEED-H) standard.

100% Green Certified™

Our green formula is designed to meet the demanding goals for high performance construction. Variations to the formula exist based on project type. Consult your sales associate for clarification.

Test and Measures

Residential Building Diagnostics

Structural Attributes

Conditioned crawl space for greater energy conservation and moisture management
Advanced framing techniques allowing for greater insulation value and lumber conservation
Kiln dried FSC or SFI certified lumber
Third-party framing lumber moisture certification of 18% or lower
Insulation R-values exceeding Oregon building code by 15-60%
Foam- and caulk-sealed envelope penetrations to eliminate energy loss
Hybrid spray-in foam and fiberglass batt insulation process for economical, maximum air seal and thermal break benefits
DensArmor Plus Paperless Drywall for highly mold-resistant bathroom, mudroom and laundry room applications
Complete Dupont Tyvek exterior weatherization system
Rain Screen siding system
Composite roofing shingles with 50 year warranty
Taylor Metal roofs and siding
Fiber cement siding material with 50 year warranty
Fiberglass or wood doors and windows with .35 U-value or less
Low VOC caulking, sealants and construction adhesives

Mechanical Attributes

90% or greater efficiency forced air heating system with energy recovery ventilator
Geothermal or radiant floor heating systems
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Water & energy saving structured plumbing systems and tankless water heaters
Solar preheat for hot water and photovoltaic power systems
Wind generated power systems
Rain water harvest and reuse systems

Finish Attributes

Natural, water-based wood finishes including OSMO Polyx-Oil
Low VOC interior and exterior paint by Kelly Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Timber Coating UV
Central vacuum system to deliver healthier indoor air
ENERGY STAR rated electrical fixtures and appliances
Regional kitchen/bath cabinet manufacturer meeting KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) certification

Landscape Attributes

Use of bioswales or rain gardens for onsite treatment of storm water
Water-wise design using limited turf and low-water use plants