CUB Supports the Oregon Building Resilience Package
Posted on March 20, 2023 by Jennifer Hill-Hart
Tags, Energy
Editor’s note: Lawmakers are currently considering the Building Resilience Package. Take action today and let your representative know that Oregonians support energy-efficient and resilient buildings!
This year, Oregon lawmakers are considering a package of bills that will help make our buildings more energy efficient and resilient. These four bills, the Building Resilience Package, include:
- Healthy Heating and Cooling for All (SB 868)
- Build Smart from the Start (SB 869)
- Building Performance Standards (SB 870)
- Smart State Buildings (SB 871)
By making buildings more efficient from the start, we can eliminate current and future energy costs. Incentives for updating existing buildings will help current occupants reduce energy bills without breaking the bank.
Oregon Needs Energy Efficient Buildings
Energy Efficiency Means Lower Energy Bills
More efficient buildings can significantly lower energy bills while making our homes more comfortable. The less energy we use, the less we pay for our bills!
Building for Current and Future Generations
When we create a building, decisions are made that impact how much energy our homes, schools, and offices will use. Since buildings are often used for 50+ years, these impacts add up over generations. Updating standards for new construction and offering incentives for upgrading current buildings will help make our communities more resilient for years to come.
2023 Legislation: Building Resilience Package
Healthy Heating and Cooling for All (SB 868)
SB 868 supports the switch to electric heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling while using less energy. As our summers get hotter, having cooling in our homes is a matter of public safety. Electric heat pumps are about 200% more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems. This bill sets a goal of getting 500,000 heat pumps into Oregon residences by 2030, prioritizing environmental justice communities and homes without adequate heating and cooling. This bill makes it easier for building owners to receive energy efficiency incentives and access efficient heating and cooling.
Build Smart from the Start (SB 869)
SB 869 would ensure new construction is built with greater energy efficiency and be more resilient to climate impacts. We need our homes and buildings to have more insulation, more efficient appliances (HVAC, water heating, cooking, etc.), and better ventilation. Raising these standards and more will lower energy bills and reduce climate emissions. This will also protect against climate change impacts, including safety from wildfire smoke and other air quality issues.
Building Performance Standards (SB 870)
SB 870 would establish a Building Performance Standard for large commercial buildings to
reduce their energy use and climate emissions over time. Older commercial buildings were not built up to current energy-efficient building codes. They also face more barriers to energy upgrades. This bill requires large commercial buildings to meet energy standards and reduce emissions while providing incentives for owners.
Smart State Buildings (SB 871)
SB 871 removes barriers to accelerate energy retrofits and upgrades in state buildings. State buildings can lead by example and reduce energy consumption while increasing resilience. This bill allows Oregon to adopt rules that cut climate emissions, improve energy efficiency, and provide resilient public spaces. Similar measures have proved impactful in other states, including our neighbor Washington.
The Road to Building Resilience
In 2022, CUB joined a state-wide task force to create new legislation to make Oregon buildings more energy efficient. This came out of a law we supported that created the Resilient Energy Efficient Building (REBuilding) Task Force.
The Task Force examined building greenhouse gas reduction policies, including building codes. Now, it is recommending the above policies for 2023 to improve new and existing buildings. CUB is proud of the work that the Task Force did and applauds the thoughtful consideration from all members.
Now, we need lawmakers to support these recommendations and make Oregon’s buildings more energy efficient and resilient for current and future generations. CUB supports the Building Resilience Package and urges lawmakers to vote “yes” on these bills.
Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues
CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.
To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
04/06/23 | 0 Comments | CUB Supports the Oregon Building Resilience Package