Building Quickly Without Cutting Corners in 2025: Clean Energy Strategies in Affordable Housing

As Oregon faces unprecedented demand for affordable housing, developers and public partners are being pushed to deliver new homes faster than ever. But speed alone can’t solve the housing crisis—and without careful planning, rapid construction can undermine long-term durability, livability, and climate goals.

This session, Fast But Not Flimsy, brings together the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), the Portland Housing Bureau, Evergreen Energy, and Walsh Construction to explore how Oregon can build quickly and build well.

The conversation examines how clean energy investments, quality-assurance practices, and early collaboration between developers, contractors, and energy experts can help maintain high performance even on compressed timelines. Panelists share lessons from real projects where timelines were tight but sustainability and equity commitments still guided decision-making.

Topics include:
• How PCEF funding is shaping the next generation of affordable multifamily buildings
• Strategies for integrating energy efficiency and climate resiliency into fast-moving developments
• Quality assurance practices that prevent failures and reduce long-term operating costs
• Partnerships that help teams coordinate early and avoid costly rework
• Practical tools developers can use to keep resident benefits front and center

Whether you’re a developer, housing advocate, contractor, or policymaker, this discussion offers actionable insights for meeting Oregon’s urgent production goals without sacrificing building quality or climate responsibility.

Speakers:
Moderator: Wendy Koelfgen, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
Presenters:
• Tanya Wolfersperger, Portland Housing Bureau
• John DeLance, Evergreen Energy
• Matt Godt, Walsh Construction

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/...