Verde, an Oregon environmental justice nonprofit based in Portland, is harnessing the power of ductless heat pumps to help low-income and minority communities gain equitable access to energy.

Since 2019, the Verde Builds Ductless Heat Pump Activator Program has been installing low- and no-cost heat pumps in the homes of qualifying residents, and their latest video shows what a difference clean, affordable energy makes in the lives of its clients. The organization’s efforts are focused primarily in Cully, a mixed-income and racially diverse Portland neighborhood.

Homes in low income communities often have less efficient heating systems that consume more energy. This leads to higher energy costs, burdening residents with higher energy bills. Installing a ductless heat pump can potentially help residents save up to 40% on their heating bills – money that can go towards necessities like food, a mortgage, rent and healthcare.

Verde demonstrates that having access to efficient heating is central to people’s quality of life. Verde’s ductless heat pump program is supported by a Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund grant, along with enhanced Energy Trust incentives to help the nonprofit bring clean, efficient and affordable energy to the Cully community.