EEBA's High Performance Home Blog

Noyes Development, based in Oregon, is a high-performance home builder and EEBA Member Builder who is empowering their staff to learn about building science and advances in sustainably constructing better homes through the EEBA Academy. Founded in 1993 by Peter Noyes, they have secured a solid reputation over the past 30 years by building high-quality, classy, and innovative homes while setting the leading standard in home building. Alex Vidal, their Marketing Coordinator, is one of their staff dedicated to deepening his knowledge and has completed over 10 EEBA courses and designations - which he displays in his office. 

Tell us about your display!  

I initially had a blank wall in my office, but after hanging up my first certificate, followed by the second, and then the third, I felt compelled to continue. Not only does it serve as a personal achievement, but it also showcases the expertise of our team when visitors, whether current homeowners or prospective ones, stop by our office. 

What designation or course was the most insightful for you and why?  

As the Marketing Coordinator, I found Selling High Performance Homes to be incredibly beneficial. Yet, being employed by Noyes Development, a renowned builder of high-performance homes, I realized the necessity of comprehending all the features of the home to enhance my marketing efforts. Learning more about building science has only deepened my fascination with the subject. 

As a first-time homeowner, I’m constantly seeking ways to update my residence. The prerequisites of the High Performance Builder Designation encompass a diverse range of methods for improving the performance of both new construction, and updating existing homes, which align perfectly with my goals. 

Each course I took contributed to my ability to effectively educate the public about high-performance homes through marketing. For instance, while taking the Medical Impact of Poor Indoor Air course from my own home, I became increasingly aware of topics like IAQ, VOCs, PM, and more.  

After finishing the course, I bought an Air Quality Monitor to better understand what my family is breathing and if the home is healthy and safe. The significance of education in home health ties directly into marketing, as it underscores the importance of understanding high-performance features to make informed purchasing decisions. 

Any advice to professionals looking to expand their building science knowledge?  

Numerous resources are available on the internet for individuals looking to acquire and expand their knowledge of building science. EEBA proved to be an exceptional resource, offering a user-friendly catalog of courses that are conveniently laid out for easy navigation and comprehension. 

Even if you're not directly involved in the building science industry, I highly recommend considering the basic courses to gain a better understanding of how homes function, particularly if you're a homeowner. It can provide invaluable insights into maintaining and improving your living space.