How Our Homes Stay At The Forefront of Sustainability

Alex Vidal • June 11, 2025

At Noyes Development, sustainability isn’t a feature we tack on at the end — it’s the foundation of everything we build. For over three decades, we've led the charge in building energy-efficient homes across the NW Portland suburbs. Today, as sustainability expectations grow and technology evolves, we continue to set the pace by constructing homes that blend comfort, performance, and responsibility to the environment.


But what does it really mean to live in a sustainable home? And how do we ensure our homes are built not just for today, but for generations to come? Here's how Noyes Development remains at the forefront of sustainable building.


We build homes that exceed energy codes

While many builders aim to meet local building codes, we believe that's just the starting point. At Noyes Development, we go far beyond what’s required, using the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program as our benchmark. This means our homes are so energy efficient that all or most of their energy needs could be offset with solar panels.


What this means for you:


  • Lower utility bills from day one.
  • Year-round comfort without energy waste.
  • A home that performs better, feels better, and costs less to maintain.


This forward-thinking approach ensures every home we build meets or exceeds the most advanced energy efficiency standards in the country.


Our homes are certified to perform

You don’t have to take our word for it. Every home we build is third-party tested and verified to meet the rigorous requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. We don’t just claim our homes are energy efficient — we prove it.


Certification means:


  • Independent validation of your home’s performance.
  • Quality control at every stage of construction.
  • Peace of mind knowing your home is truly built to last.


These certifications aren’t marketing fluff — they’re a reflection of our commitment to quality and our transparency with homebuyers.


We prioritize comfort just as much as efficiency

Sustainability isn’t just about the planet — it’s about your comfort, too. That’s why we invest in top-tier building materials and systems designed to create a more comfortable, quieter, and healthier indoor environment.


In every home we build, you’ll find:


  • Superior insulation and air sealing for consistent temperatures.
  • Advanced HVAC systems that filter indoor air and improve ventilation.
  • Quiet interiors, free from the drafts and noise pollution common in older homes.


When you walk into a Noyes Development home, you feel the difference. It's not just better for the environment — it's better for your everyday life.

We use the best building science available

Sustainability is only as strong as the science behind it. That’s why we continually update our techniques and materials based on the latest research in building performance and energy efficiency.


We stay on the leading edge by:


  • Partnering with industry-leading consultants.
  • Rigorously testing our homes during and after construction.
  • Leveraging proven methods that balance performance and cost.


Our building envelope strategies, ductwork layout, moisture control techniques, and material selections are all guided by science. We don’t experiment on your home — we use data-driven approaches to ensure every detail works together for maximum sustainability.


We lead by example in Portland and beyond

Noyes Development is proud to be a leader in sustainable homebuilding. As a trusted local builder, we’re proud to deliver high-performance homes that are certified Earth Advantage Platinum and exceed ENERGY STAR requirements. We’re committed to certifying all of our new homes to the rigorous DOE Zero Energy Ready Home standard — a level of performance we’re not just striving for, but delivering today.


These certifications reflect our ongoing commitment to energy efficiency, healthier indoor environments, and lasting value for homeowners. 


Our commitment has earned us:



  • National awards for innovation in homebuilding from the U.S. Department of Energy
  • Honors from Earth Advantage for our leadership in sustainable design
  • A strong reputation as one of the region’s most environmentally conscious homebuilders
  • The trust of homeowners who care about quality and responsibility.


Every home we complete is part of a larger mission to raise the bar for sustainable building practices, both locally and nationally.

Our homes are solar-ready by design

Energy efficiency is crucial, but true sustainability also involves planning for the future. That’s why every Noyes Development home is designed to be solar-ready. With the right efficiency measures already in place, your home is set up to generate its own clean power whenever you're ready to add solar.


This offers homeowners:


  • Flexibility to install solar when it fits their budget.
  • Faster, easier solar integration.
  • The option to take control of their energy usage over time.


We see this as a natural step in empowering homeowners to live more sustainably without having to compromise on comfort or aesthetics.


Sustainability is our promise to the future

Building a sustainable home isn’t just about meeting a checklist. It’s about doing right by our community, our planet, and our future homeowners. At Noyes Development, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in building better homes because better homes build a better future. 


From the materials we choose to the way we educate our homeowners, everything we do is rooted in a long-term vision. 


Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a smarter, more sustainable home.


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