OSD NEWS
December 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
JoEllen Carothers
Public Relations, OSD
503-823-4165
joellen.carothers@ci.portland.or.us
Brendan Finn
Chief of Staff to Commissioner Dan Saltzman
503-823-3110
bfinn@ci.portland.or.us
City seeks public input on innovative green building policy
Proposed policy seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and
accelerate growth of green jobs
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.
“In addition to cutting emissions related to buildings, this policy will put more money in people’s pockets by creating monthly savings on utility bills and increasing the number of local, living-wage jobs,” said Saltzman. “For every year the policy is in place, Oregon’s economy will see a net increase of about 100 jobs.”
An analysis of the proposed green building policy by ECONorthwest found that the policy would result in a net annual addition of between 70 and 128 jobs statewide. Total economic output would increase by $8 to $15 million, depending on the extent builders and developers adopt green building practices.
The draft green building policy was developed by OSD staff with input from stakeholders in the design, development, construction and real estate sectors. The policy would begin to be implemented in phases starting in 2010. It includes the following components to encourage energy efficiency, sustainable site development and material use, waste reduction, water conservation, and improved indoor environmental quality:
· New commercial buildings larger than 20,000 square feet would receive a reward payment if they achieve a high performance green building certification, such as LEED Gold or Platinum, or would qualify for a fee waiver by meeting LEED Silver certification. Projects that build to the minimum Oregon code would pay a one-time fee to offset emissions from future operations.
· Existing commercial buildings larger than 20,000 square feet would be required to participate in a reporting program to assess water use, indoor environmental quality and building characteristics. Owners also would need to identify whether the building qualifies for Portland’s Clean River Rewards incentive for stormwater management.
· For new residential projects, a performance target would be set for the percentage of homes to be built to green building standards. If the target is met, no new regulations would be enacted. If the target is not met, an incentive program similar to that for new commercial buildings would be established.
· Existing residential buildings would have no new requirements. City staff are currently developing options to make it easier to finance home upgrades.
Full details of the proposed policy are available online for review and comment at www.portlandonline.com/osd/gbpolicy.
In addition to the Web site, comments can be submitted via e-mail to gbpolicy@ci.portland.or.us or by mail to:
City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development
Attn: Comment on proposed green building policy
721 NW 9th Ave, Suite 195, Portland, OR 97209
A public meeting will be held in January to accept comments. Please visit the Web site listed above for date and time information. Comments submitted by January 20, 2009 will be provided to City Council before consideration in early 2009.
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