PORTLAND, ORE. – In its continuing effort to address climate change and create local economic growth, the City of Portland is seeking public input on an incentive-based green building policy.

“The unprecedented urgency of global warming, rising energy prices, and the need to create new jobs makes this a key moment for Portland.” said Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “The proposed green building policy will add local jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will keep energy costs affordable for families and businesses.  I am mindful of these tough times, which is why I’m soliciting public input on this policy.” In 2007, City Council directed the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) to develop a sustainable building policy that would improve the environmental performance of buildings and reduce emissions.

Although transportation and industry also result in carbon dioxide emissions, the primary cause of global warming, nearly half of Portland’s carbon dioxide emissions come from residential and commercial buildings due to the consumption of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil. More than half of Portland’s electricity is produced by coal and natural gas power plants. By providing financial incentives and resources to builders, developers, businesses and homeowners, the proposed green building policy will help put Portland on a path to reduce carbon emissions from buildings 80 percent by 2050. Strategies for reducing other sources of city-wide carbon dioxide emissions are also being developed. [Read full press release]