Building Performance Standards

Climate-friendly housing uses high performance building principles to achieve efficient energy utilization and lower embodied carbon emissions. Our work with federal, state and local governments helps ensure these principles are reflected in building codes for both new and existing buildings across the country to improve equitable access to safe and sustainable housing.

Advancing Building Performance Standards in Oregon

The U.S. Department of Energy Renewable Energy Building Technologies Office has awarded Earth Advantage a $2.9 million, 36-month grant to support the development of building performance standards (BPS) for existing buildings throughout Oregon. This project will help codify BPS policies for existing buildings across Oregon by supporting the development of a foundational statewide BPS program and working with local jurisdictions on the potential for enhanced BPS policies to address their specific climate and equity goals.

Current Project Goals

Develop statewide Oregon BPS policy and program to reduce total and peak building energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings.

Enable City of Portland to complete climate and health standards for existing multifamily and commercial buildings.

Empower local Oregon jurisdictions to engage in statewide BPS policy development process and analyze tailored options for further advancement of locally-applicable BPS policy.