The "State" of Oregon Energy Code

Federal law requires that each state certify that their state energy code is at least equivalent to current federal model energy codes. Oregon took steps over a decade ago to improve energy codes as a means to help address state climate goals. Yet, the expectation that Oregon would continue to upgrade its codes has not been met, and progress to improve Oregon's energy standards for new homes, apartments, and commercial buildings has faltered. Oregon has moved from a aleader in code adoption during the 1970s-2000s, to falling behind federal standards. This presentation looks at how energy codes are determined in Oregon and outlines opportunities for creating a logical energy code pathway to decrease future energy costs and achieve important climate goals.

Learning Objectives: