Join our network. Make change happen.Oregon: Renovation Policy
Summary
Oregon’s Strategy for GHG emissions reductions includes state-wide emissions targets set at 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. Oregon’s building code has more stringent requirements than the standard US building code, IECC 2009. Energy Trust of Oregon and utility companies have organised electricity and natural gas efficiency programmes that provide funding and advice to citizens. Alongside these incentive programmes, Oregon set up a tax deduction scheme that supports efficiency improvements. Oregon is home to a number of research centres that focus on energy efficiency, specifically the Energy Trust Oregon acts as a one-stop solution centre which provides energy efficiency advice on incentives, services and how to reduce the amount of energy used in a building.
The Policy Tool for Renovation highlights two key areas where Oregon’s Renovation Policy Package excels: overall country reduction targets and building code requirements for renovation.
All consumption criteria decreased from 2000 to 2004. From 2004, all of the consumption indicators began to rise. The consumption per GDP has decrease between 2000 and 2011. Population of Oregon is 4 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).
Regulatory Measures
Overall Targets
Oregon’s Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions includes state-wide emissions targets to be 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 75% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Residential Buildings Renovation Targets
Oregon’s Global Warming Commission created a “Roadmap to 2020” in 2012 that provides recommendations for how the 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal can be achieved. This will be realised by improving 120,000 homes and businesses in 2014/2015.
More info: Government website
Public Buildings Renovation Targets
The mandated State Energy Efficiency Design Programme (SEED) requires for all renovation and construction projects for state facilities to exceed Oregon's energy conservation building codes by at least 20%. All existing state government buildings must reduce their energy use by 20% against a year 2000 baseline.
More info: Oregon Government Energy Plan
Building Assessment
Building Codes Requirements for Renovation
Oregon’s Residential Specialty Code, 2011, is revised every 3 years. Performance targets are included for repairs that have an energy component, however, the building owner/designer/builder can choose whether to use a prescriptive (component based) or performance based compliance path. Overall frame requirements are included in the requirements of the code. No value but airtightness is considered.
U-values:
- Window - 0.35 BTU/(F ft² h)
- Roof - 0.031 BTU/(F ft² h)
- Wall - 0.06 BTU/(F ft² h)
No Value for airtightness
Labelling Scheme
Oregon does not have a mandatory labelling scheme in place but does have a voluntary system. The certification system provides an Energy Performance Score (EPS) that reflects a home's anticipated energy use and carbon emissions. An EPS score can be determined through a Home Performance with Energy Star Contractor.
More info: Energy Trust
Financial Instruments
Incentive Schemes
Subsidies are available but most funding is through utilities and the Energy Trust of Oregon. Some of the incentives provide full funding for holistic packages and some cover individual elements. Nearly all parts of the building that have an impact on energy consumption are covered by the schemes. For whole house retrofits, additional funds are available for owners who choose to implement more holistic measures.
More info: US DOE Database
Taxation Mechanisms
A Tax Deduction Scheme was established in 2006 and will run until 2018. It is possible to claim up to $1,500 worth of tax credit per calendar year. This applies specifically to energy efficient heating and water heating systems. In some cases the tax credit will cover the entire cost of the product, this depends on the type of equipment.
More info: Government website
Economic Instruments
Utility-Funded Energy Efficiency Programmes
A combination of grants, loans and rebates exist for individual components and whole house retrofits in Oregon. The measures vary significantly. Some pay up to $1000 and offer financing for additional costs. Depending on the programme, the funding will increase the deeper the renovation.
More info: Energy Trust
Market Instruments for Energy Efficient Renovations in the Jurisdiction
Utilities in Oregon are required to consider energy efficiency as a resource in their planning.
General Information & Capacity Building
Training and Education Campaigns
Energy Trust of Oregon is an “independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable energy.”
More info: Energy Trust
One Stop Solution Centre
Oregon’s Energy Trust acts as a one-stop-shop for the residents of Oregon, providing them with energy efficiency advice on incentives, services and how to reduce the amount of energy used in a building.
More info: Energy Trust
Overall Performance
Please see Create Graphs tab above.
