Although the green building movement seems to be slowly making its way across the United States on a whole, certain areas of the country are making the environment a priority. As the owner of Northwest Energy Savers, a window company that has been serving Northern Oregon and Southwest Washington for the past three years, Joe Yosso believes in doing his part for the planet as well by helping homeowners in the Portland metro area incorporate energy-efficient windows into their homes. Fortunately, Yosso is not the only professional in the Pacific Northwest who has the earth’s best interests at heart. The following are some of the area organizations that are working with people like Yosso to put our planet first:
Building Green Council
The Building Green Council is a group of construction-related professionals who have come together in an attempt to promote green business practices and building programs. Part of the goal of the Building Green Council is to encourage homeowners and builders to make residential areas more energy efficient on a whole. To further this objective, the council spends much of its resources developing and promoting green building education among both professionals in the industry as well as consumers. By teaching homeowners about what they can do to go green, the organization is able to not only further its message, but help many save money in the process. After all, the more energy efficient one’s home is, the less energy he is likely to waste – a fact that can serve the environment as well as one’s wallet on the utility front.
Built Green
Built Green is a network of building professionals such as builders, land developers, contractors, and other such individuals that have joined together to improve the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. To accomplish this goal, Built Green has implemented an educational system to help people in the area find housing that conforms to the standards of earth-friendly building practices. By identifying houses that are easy and cost-effective to own and maintain, Built Green is providing a great service not only to the community, but to the planet.
Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping locals benefit from energy efficient home solutions and renewable resources. To date, Energy Trust of Oregon has helped save millions in energy costs, and its goal is to continue to do so while promoting a sustainable energy future for the area. Additionally, the organization maintains a list of environmentally conscious local contractors who make a practice of introducing energy-efficient products into residential homes.
If you happen to live in the Pacific Northwest, then you’re in a better position than most people to truly go green. Thanks to the numerous resources in the area, all you have to do is go online and learn more about these organizations in order to kick start your personal energy efficiency revolution. After all, when it comes to taking care of the planet, every little bit helps.
