On the Build it Green Tour this month is Portland’s very own Ash Creek House, Oregon’s first official USGBC certified LEED for Homes Platinum gut-rehab. In partnership with Green Restoration-Development, Paolo Design Group, Green Hammer Construction and DeSantis Landscapes, the remodel officially received Platinum certification during May 2009 and shortly thereafter won the 2009 ORA Outstanding Remodeling Achievement Award for Green Building Remodel.

The project involves a major green remodel of an existing 1957 daylight ranch in Southwest Portland, transforming a 3-bedroom, 2-bath dated and inefficient home into a 5-bedroom, 3-bath sustainable home within the existing footprint. The Energy Trust of Oregon recently gave the home the highest Energy Performance Score ever achieved estimating monthly utility bills at less than $70/mo.

Summary of Home Highlights:

· Photovoltaic solar panels generate 1/3 of the homes electricity and rolls excess energy back to the grid for a credit on the homeowner’s electric bill.
· Ultra-efficient ground source heat pump uses the constant temperature of the earth to cool the home in the summer and heat the home in the winter.
· Staggered stud, “double wall” advanced framing, and spray foam insulation help maximize energy efficiency.
· Salvaged materials, reclaimed wood, all new wood is FSC certified, Energy Star appliances, low flow fixtures, zero VOC finishes
· 99% of the waste generated from the remodel was either recycled or reused on site.
· All organic and native landscaping, rain garden, major creek restoration project and so much more!

When combining the recent LEED for Homes Platinum certification, rain garden, and creek restoration, this house serves as a unique opportunity for viewers to learn about sustainable design, construction, and how individually we all may improve the health of the environment. We hope to gain your interest in this project to further educate the community and find this beautiful healthy home a new owner.