Have a Green Weekend

Just in case the TBA Festival, the Affair @ the Jupiter Hotel, various concerts and football games aren't your thing, this Saturday brings the sixth annual "Build It Green!" homes tour and information fair.

The tour, featuring 18 remodels and new homes, two high-rise condominiums and one co-housing development, will be held from 11AM to 5PM. The idea, according to my handy press release is to showcase "a variety of ways homeowners are conserving energy and other natural resources while creating beautiful, unique and healthy homes." Tickets are $15 or $10 for one on a bike or bus, or if you're a student or senior.

Some of the homes on the tour are carbon-neutral and/or very low energy users. There are also examples on passive solar and hydronic heating, salvaged materials, cob building, rainwater catching and more. There is also an 1899 Victorian home that was severely damaged by fire that was remodeled green. Another house was purchased for $1, moved to a new site, and fully renovated.

After the tour there is also an "information fair" at Environmental Building Supplies at 819 SE Taylor Street from 4:30 to 7PM.

The "Build It Green!" tour is part of the 2007 Oregon Green and Solar Tours program, coordinated by Solar Oregon and the National Solar Tour, sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society. It's presented locally by the Portland Office of Sustainable Development.