ZERO Coalition Blog

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.