For over a decade, Arbor Builders has been at the forefront of sustainable home construction in Central Oregon. Our commitment to environmentally responsible building practices isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s a reflection of who we are and the legacy we aim to leave behind. As an Earth Advantage Legacy Builder, we don’t just build homes—we create healthier living environments that stand the test of time, designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of the families who call them home.
What Is Earth Advantage?
Earth Advantage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the homebuilding industry by promoting sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthy building practices. Their certification process is rigorous, evaluating homes on a variety of factors including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and overall sustainability.
To achieve Earth Advantage certification, builders must meet stringent criteria that go beyond standard building codes. This ensures that certified homes perform better in terms of energy consumption, environmental impact, and occupant health. Arbor Builders has been proud to meet and exceed these standards for over 10 years, consistently delivering homes that reflect the best in green building practices.
Why Earth Advantage Matters in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is a region defined by its natural beauty—from the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades to the sprawling high desert landscapes. But with this beauty comes a unique set of environmental challenges, including extreme temperature fluctuations, wildfire risks, and water conservation issues.
Building Earth Advantage-certified homes in Central Oregon isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. The certification ensures that homes are designed to handle the region’s diverse climate conditions while minimizing resource consumption. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, advanced insulation techniques, and water-saving fixtures are just a few of the features that make a significant difference in both environmental impact and monthly utility bills.
Moreover, as the region continues to grow, sustainable building practices help preserve the natural resources that make Central Oregon such a desirable place to live. By prioritizing energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials, Arbor Builders contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint of residential development in the area.
Arbor Builders’ Commitment to Earth Advantage Principles
At Arbor Builders, our approach to sustainable construction is both comprehensive and deeply ingrained in our building philosophy. Here’s how we integrate Earth Advantage principles into every home we build:
Energy Efficiency: Our homes are designed to use less energy without sacrificing comfort. We achieve this through high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, advanced HVAC systems, and smart home technologies that optimize energy use. We also incorporate renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, wherever feasible, to further reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Healthy Indoor Air Quality: We understand that a home should be a sanctuary. That’s why we use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, adhesives, and materials to reduce indoor air pollutants. Proper ventilation systems ensure a continuous flow of fresh air, improving overall air quality. Additionally, we install advanced air filtration systems that help remove allergens, dust, and other contaminants, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Water Conservation: Central Oregon’s semi-arid climate makes water conservation a top priority. Our homes feature water-efficient fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and irrigation systems designed to minimize water waste. We also promote the use of rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling technologies, which help reduce the demand on local water supplies and support sustainable water management practices.
Resource Efficiency: Sustainable building starts with smart resource management. We minimize construction waste, source materials locally whenever possible, and use renewable or recycled materials to reduce our environmental impact. By employing efficient framing techniques and sustainable construction methods, we ensure that resources are used wisely without compromising the structural integrity and aesthetics of our homes.
Durability and Resilience: Building for longevity is a key aspect of sustainability. Our homes are constructed with durable materials designed to withstand Central Oregon’s diverse climate conditions, from harsh winters to hot, dry summers. We also implement design strategies that enhance resilience against natural disasters, such as wildfires and extreme weather events, ensuring that our homes provide safety and security for generations to come.
The Impact of Over a Decade of Earth Advantage Building
Looking back on more than 10 years of Earth Advantage-certified building, the impact is clear. Our homes not only reduce environmental impact but also provide tangible benefits to homeowners:
Lower Energy Bills: Energy-efficient designs and systems result in significant cost savings over the life of the home.
Healthier Living Environments: Improved indoor air quality leads to better health outcomes for residents, especially those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Increased Home Value: Sustainable homes are in high demand. Earth Advantage certification can enhance a home’s resale value and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Environmental Stewardship: Every certified home contributes to a larger goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.
Arbor Builders has had the privilege of seeing firsthand how sustainable homes can positively influence communities. We have observed neighborhoods where Earth Advantage homes not only reduce utility costs but also foster a sense of environmental responsibility among residents. This collective impact extends beyond individual households, contributing to broader community resilience and sustainability.
The Future of Sustainable Building with Arbor Builders
While we’re proud of our past, we’re even more excited about the future. The world of sustainable construction is constantly evolving, with new technologies and materials emerging that make it possible to build even more efficiently and responsibly.
Arbor Builders remains committed to staying at the cutting edge of green building practices. We continue to explore innovations in renewable energy integration, smart home technology, and sustainable materials. Our goal is not just to meet Earth Advantage standards but to set new benchmarks for what’s possible in sustainable home construction.
In the coming years, we plan to expand our efforts by incorporating more net-zero energy homes into our portfolio. Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume, making them a pinnacle of energy efficiency and sustainability. We are also exploring the potential of using advanced building materials, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other eco-friendly composites, to further reduce the carbon footprint of our construction projects.
As we look ahead, our mission remains the same: to build homes that are better for people and the planet. Homes that reflect the values of sustainability, health, and resilience. Homes that stand as a testament to over a decade of dedication to Earth Advantage principles.
When you choose Arbor Builders, you’re not just buying a house; you’re investing in a legacy of sustainability and quality that will serve you and future generations for years to come. That’s the Arbor Builders difference—building better, living greener, and making a lasting impact, one home at a time.
