Green Building Program

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Green Building Program

BDS Green Building Program

The Bureau of Development Services is committed to encouraging green building practices in the City of Portland.

Projects

Alternative Technology Advisory Committee - We have created an optional review process to help new, sustainable technologies be integrated into building projects sooner.
Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) Green Subcommittee - In 2007 DRAC convened a subcommittee to examine ways that the City and the building community could partner together to advance sustainable building on a citywide scale.
Solar Permitting Code Guides - We have created a streamlined permit review process for new solar installations on residential and commercial buildings.
Rainwater Harvesting Guide - Our rainwater harvesting guide has become a model for Oregon. We plan to update it soon to address code changes made on the state level to allow the reuse of rainwater inside buildings and wastewater harvesting for residential uses.
Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot - We have partnered with the Home Builders Association of Portland to create a grant program for home builders to track the costs associated with building a new home that is 15% or 30% better then the Oregon Energy Code.
Green Building Local Code Amendment - BDS is working with a Technical Advisory Group to develop a building code amendment that will incorporate green building technology.

Some Recommended Resources

This list represents just a few of the organizations in the Portland area that can help you make your next building project green.

Green Building 3 Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the City's Green Building program offers technical assistance, education and grants for innovative projects. You can also speak to a green building specialist by calling their Green Building Hotline at (503) 823-5431.

The Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements in both existing and new buildings. In addition, they can analyze your building plans to help you build a more energy efficient home or commercial building.

For Residential Projects: Earth Advantage is the region’s certifier of green homes. They are a great resource for any builder interested in building their first green home.

For Commercial Projects: Most local architecture firms have professionals on staff that can help you make your project more efficient and sustainable. The American Institute of Architects can help you find a green architect.

For Tenant Improvements: The Office of Sustainable Development's Tenant Improvement Guide is an excellent resource to help create green workspaces.

For Reducing Construction Waste: Metro has a variety of tools and information available to help you reduce construction waste with your project.

This website may contain contractor names and hyperlinks to their websites. The Bureau of Development Services expressly warrants that being listed on this page does not constitute any endorsement by the Bureau. The listed contractors are provided for your convenience and information only. Those persons who access this information assume full responsibility for the use of said information, understand, and agree that the Bureau is not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of any information contained in this site. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Bureau of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.