100 years ago, walking across the expanse of Eastern Oregon would have revealed sprawls of sagebrush and native grass, pockmarked with the occasional juniper tree. Fast forward to today, and those picturesque western landscapes have become overgrown with juniper trees. Due largely to modern day fire suppression, junipers, a “native invasive,” have expanded from one million acres at the turn of the 20th century to a staggering 10 million acres today. Junipers are a thirsty tree, drinking up to 35 gallons of water per day in a high desert ecosystem that is already plagued by drought. As the trees expand, they push out sagebrush and grass, which affects vulnerable species…
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Oregon Tradeswomen’s Career Fair
The Building Industry in Oregon is experiencing a worker shortage. Oregon Tradeswomen, a Portland nonprofit organization, produces our annual Career Fair to connect career seekers with job openings, ap-prenticeship, and other training opportunities with local companies and organizations.
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City of Portland Home Energy Score Program
Starting at the begining of 2018, sellers of single-family homes in the City of Portland must obtain and disclose a Home Energy Report estimating the energy-related use, associated costs, and cost-effective solutions to improve the home’s energy efficiency.
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Tall Wood Buildings
Tall wood buildings are on the rise in the Northwest thanks to the recent development of a wood product known as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT).
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Simple Fixes for 6 Common HVAC Problems
Top Hint – Clean and replace the air filters regularly. Dirty, clogged or damaged air filters reduce air flow, which makes your HVAC system work harder. They can also allow dirt to enter your system, causing further damage.
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Green & Efficient Ways to Cool Your Home This Summer
Summer time. Kids home from school, pool parties, barbecues, summer road trips, spontaneous adventures and … high energy bills. Everyone wants to stay cool.
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3 HVAC Considerations for an Eco-Friendly Home
A sustainable home is one that will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also enable homeowners to enjoy significant savings on their utility bills every year.
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Sustainable Neighborhoods: The Value of the Community
In modern neighborhoods, a move towards sustainability has become the expectation, and for good reason.
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Upcycling Windows & Doors – Urban Gardening Projects
Upcycling — has become increasingly common among city dwellers due to its ease, accessibility and artsy appeal.
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How to Beat Your Heat Bill in 10 Simple Steps
As the temperatures outside drop this winter, keep your home’s interior warm and comfortable with these effective heat-saving strategies. These tips will also help your household conserve energy and reduce utility costs throughout this season.
