If you’ve visited Bend, Oregon in the last few years, you’ve seen that it has grown. A lot. In fact, according to The U.S. Census Bureau it has the 7th fastest growth rate in the country. That kind of growth can have a big impact on the environment and the people of Bend are not only known for their friendliness, (you’ll often see bumper stickers ‘Be Nice, You’re in Bend’), but also a collective spirit toward being an Earth friendly community.
Have you heard of the national competition with the goal of reducing energy use? It’s called The Georgetown University Energy Prize and it’s underway – 50 cities and counties across the U.S. are competing for the $5 million prize which will be awarded in 2017. Bend, Oregon is among the final 50 competitors.
The Bend Environmental Center is heading up Bend’s representation in the competition, made up of a group of locals, who are committed to sustainability and seek to build a community in Bend that meets human needs equitably, lives within the planet’s ecological limits, and builds a prosperous economy for all.
An excerpt from the stated mission of The Environmental Center: “Achieving sustainability is no small task. So much needs to be done to tackle the big problems of our day—like climate change and the loss of biodiversity—problems rooted in individual daily choices and the systems and policies that influence them. It can seem overwhelming. But that does not stop us. We cannot do it, but we can be part of the solution.”
Green & Solar Tour of Homes
The 15th Annual Green Tour will feature seven homes exemplary for their energy-saving features. The tour is a free, public event on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., If tour-goers visit five of the seven homes, they will receive a free LED light bulb and be entered to win energy-saving prizes. The homes vary from new, zero-energy homes to a 1971 energy retrofit.
Check out this site for more info: bendenergychallenge.org/tour.
Saginaw Sunset – 1639 NW Scott Henry Place
One of the tour homes is a new home that is currently for sale. It is in Saginaw Sunset, a new 20-lot community set at one of the few remaining infill properties in Bend, Oregon – staying in the heart of Bend rather than expanding the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).
The focus of the community is to create an economically vital, transportation-efficient, sustainable, pedestrian and bike friendly community. The developers, Jim Guild and Nunzie Gould aim to build an impetus for clean, efficient and renewable energy in Bend by helping to dramatically reduce the community’s energy use and carbon footprint.
On Saturday, September 26th 2015 at 10:00 AM, 1639 NW Scott Henry Place will be featured on the 2015 Green and Solar Tour. A few of the home’s features:
— Tumalo Mountain and Mt. Bachelor views from 3 decks
— Extensive use of tile and wood
— Reclaimed redwood siding
— Roof top solar
— Battery backup
— Elevator
— EV charger
— Tankless water heater
— 98% efficient furnace
— LED lighting
— High efficiency windows
— Earth Advantage Platinum and Energy Trust Certified
The home was built by Jim Guild Construction and is 2+ Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 2105 Sq Ft and is listed at: $845,000
You can visit the home on the Green and Solar Tour, or to schedule a showing, call: 541-388-3569
