Verde Builds responds to community needs in the face of climate change, rapidly rising utility rates, and other environmental harms.
As a licensed contractor, the team helps community members upgrade energy efficiency in their homes, access affordable solar power, and develop green infrastructure solutions to improve the environment.
Participants in the Home Heating and Cooling Program and Community Solar see significant savings on their utility bills, allowing them to redirect those funds to other household needs, such as rent and groceries.
Our team is making investments to build climate and economic resilience for our community. We work with contractors from our community and provide workforce development whenever possible, ensuring access to high-paying jobs.
What We Do.
Home Heating and Cooling Program
Verde's Home Heating and Cooling Program helps Portland residents upgrade their heating and cooling systems at low or no cost. For a typical household, the expense to heat and cool a home makes up between 43-50% of the household's overall utility bill. By improving the energy efficiency of these systems, homeowners can significantly reduce their utility bills.
Outdated or inefficient heating and cooling systems can have serious consequences for both health and finances. When homes aren’t properly equipped to handle extreme temperatures, families may be forced to choose between comfort and affordability. Unsafe indoor temperatures can lead to illness, reduced productivity, and long-term health impacts. Upgrading heating and cooling systems helps create safer homes, lowers energy costs, and improves overall quality of life.
Community Solar Program
Solar energy plays a critical role in addressing both energy affordability and public health. It will continue to play a key role in Oregon's goal to achieve zero climate emissions by 2050. Solar is also one of the most affordable energy sources. For many, installing solar panels and accessing the cheap, reliable power source is not an option. Community solar allows renters and homeowners to opt into clean, affordable solar energy, saving community members millions of dollars on their electric bills over time.
Impact of This Program
>500
energy-efficient home heating and cooling upgrades
90%
Utilization of minority and women-owned contractors in our projects
180
households opted into clean, affordable community solar
SUPPORT VERDE
Verde needs your support to build climate resilience for our communities! By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about our transformative work, you are helping us further our environmental justice agenda.