construction

Building Codes Decisionmakers Need a Climate-Friendly Makeover. You Can Help Make It Happen.

Building Codes Decisionmakers Need a Climate-Friendly Makeover. You Can Help Make It Happen.

If you're reading this, you may have an interest in sustainability in the built environment or in how buildings' energy use impacts climate change. However, applying for an open seat on the Bureau of Codes Division (BCD) Advisory Boards may not have crossed your mind. You may have never thought about how building codes are developed or how often they are updated. But if you care about climate change and future generations, you should know that buildings account for approximately 40% of Oregon's energy use and emit around 28% of the greenhouse gas pollutants that are harmful to our health and contribute to more and worse climate destruction. Volunteering for a seat on a BCD Advisory Board is an excellent way to help reduce the climate impact of the built environment. 

The ZERO Coalition Urges Governor’s Housing Production Advisory Council to Proactively Consider Climate Impact

The ZERO Coalition Urges Governor’s Housing Production Advisory Council to Proactively Consider Climate Impact

In response to calls for Gov. Kotek’s Housing Production Advisory Council to expedite residential construction by relaxing energy efficiency and climate mitigation building requirements, the ZERO Coalition has submitted a series of policy papers urging the Council to ensure that climate impact remains a key consideration for equitably increasing housing stock. The papers outline recommendations that can be adopted to ensure the state meets both its housing supply and building decarbonization goals.

Cost-Effective Retrofits: 7 Steps to Zero Energy

Cost-Effective Retrofits: 7 Steps to Zero Energy

Due to the sheer number of existing buildings, it’s not enough to focus solely on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through new construction. And wider implementation of energy-efficient systems through retrofitting will have a massive impact. Moreover, retrofitting presents opportunities to address longtime inequities in the housing sector, providing broader access to energy-saving measures. The most common barriers are capital costs, and owners’ lack of knowledge that today’s reliable technologies pay dividends far into the future.

Energy Code Advancement and EDI Training: Amid tough conditions, ZERO Coalition has an active year in 2020

Energy Code Advancement and EDI Training: Amid tough conditions, ZERO Coalition has an active year in 2020

Attention to energy efficiency and indoor air quality is higher than ever before, and although 2020 wasn’t what anyone had expected it to be, the ZERO Coalition continued to pursue an active year thanks to all of our members and committee chairs. Read more to see what specific committees have been up to this year, and consider joining us to make 2021 an even better year for ZERO.