Earth Advantage
Earth Advantage is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship in the real estate and construction industries. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Earth Advantage works to accelerate the adoption of green building techniques, energy efficiency, and renewable energy solutions.
The organization offers a range of programs and services designed to support builders, developers, and homeowners in creating healthier, more sustainable buildings. Some of the key initiatives and services provided by Earth Advantage include:
-Green Building Certification: Earth Advantage offers certification programs that assess and verify the sustainability performance of buildings. These programs, such as Earth Advantage Certification and Earth Advantage Multifamily, evaluate criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and responsible material sourcing.
-Energy Efficiency Training and Education: Earth Advantage provides training and educational resources to professionals in the building industry, including builders, architects, and contractors. These programs help to improve knowledge and skills related to energy-efficient building practices, building science, renewable energy systems, and green building codes and standards.
-Sustainable Development Consulting: Earth Advantage offers consulting services to builders, developers, and organizations seeking guidance on sustainable development strategies. Their team of experts can assist with project planning, energy modeling, green building design, and compliance with green building standards and regulations.
-Research and Advocacy: Earth Advantage conducts research on sustainable building practices, market trends, and policy development. They actively advocate for policies that support energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainability in the built environment. Their research and advocacy efforts aim to drive positive change and promote environmentally responsible building practices at local, regional, and national levels.
-Home Energy Scores: Earth Advantage manages the Home Energy Score program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy. This program provides homeowners with a standardized energy efficiency assessment for their homes, helping them understand their energy usage and identify opportunities for improvement.
Through its comprehensive programs and services, Earth Advantage plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable building practices, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental awareness and responsibility in the real estate and construction sectors.