This fall, the City of Beaverton unveiled its first permanent, year-round homeless shelter. A former mattress store, the remodeled shelter is now fitted and ready to serve residents with safety, comfort and a variety of supportive services. And thanks to collaboration with Energy Trust of Oregon, it is also one of the most efficient buildings of its kind in the region.
Energy efficiency and solar energy generation are key to helping the shelter create a comfortable environment while keeping operating costs low. To achieve this, Energy Trust played a critical role in the shelter’s design from the earliest stages of the project. By providing design assistance and energy modeling, Energy Trust helped identify and integrate energy-saving measures into the shelter’s plans. With these measures, the building is estimated to save approximately 78,000 kWh annually—equivalent to powering at least seven homes for a year.
“This building is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize both sustainability and community care,” said Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty. “Thanks to our partnership with Energy Trust, we’re not only providing a safe and welcoming space for our most vulnerable residents but also taking meaningful steps toward Beaverton’s climate goals.”
Some of the energy features include:
- Solar energy generation, which helps to offset electricity use and lower utility costs.
- LED lighting, which lowers energy use and reduces maintenance costs.
- An efficient HVAC system for heating, cooling, and fresh air ventilation.
- A high-efficiency heat pump water heater, providing hot water for showers and laundry while reducing energy consumption.
Through its design guidance, Energy Trust helped the project team make informed decisions about materials, systems and construction practices that would maximize energy performance and cost savings. Along with technical expertise, Energy Trust also provided approximately $51,200 in cash incentives to reduce upfront costs, making these sustainable features more affordable.
The impact of energy features go beyond reducing energy use. By saving energy and lowering operating costs, the shelter will be able to allocate more funds to essential services like food, healthcare and housing assistance for its guests. It also ensures that guests have a safe place to go during extreme heat or cold.
“Energy efficiency is about more than just saving money,” said Shelly Carlton, senior program manager at Energy Trust. “It’s a way to ensure the shelter remains a reliable, comfortable space for residents into the future, even during extreme weather.”
The Beaverton Shelter reflects the ongoing collaboration between the City of Beaverton and Energy Trust. From hydropower turbines at the Sexton Mountain Pump Station to energy-efficiency improvements across city buildings, Energy Trust has supported Beaverton’s efforts to achieve its ambitious climate action plan. Since 2005, Energy Trust has provided more than $1.7 million in funding while helping Beaverton create a more sustainable future for the city and the people who call it home.
Energy Trust is proud to be part of this project and is ready to help other organizations and municipalities see similar success. Together, we can create spaces that support people while building a more sustainable future for all.
For more information about how Energy Trust supports community-focused projects, visit www.energytrust.org/newbuildings.