Building Codes Assistance Project

Legislation passed in 2009 (SB 79) requires the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) to improve the energy efficiency of commercial structures by 15-25% over the existing energy requirements for commercial buildings. For the first time, the energy efficiency provisions will be published as a stand-alone code and based on the IECC. Chapter 5 of the 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) will take the place of Chapter 13 of the 2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC). At its February 3 meeting, the Building Codes Structures Board reviewed code change proposals and amendments to the 2009 IECC requirements for the building envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems. The Board recommended that the BCD adopt the 2009 IECC with Oregon amendments as the 2010 OEESC, and to move forward with rulemaking.

Join over 700 of energy efficiency's most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation) and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency. Visit www.eeglobalforum.org for detailed information about this exciting event!

[Updated August 5, 2009]

On January 12, a bill (SB 79) was introduced in the Oregon State Legislature that provides for updates to the state building code to increase building energy efficiency to the level of the national model codes.  The bill also mandates the adoption of an optional alternative to the state building code which provides even more stringent energy-efficient construction standards and methods.