Portland Building Energy EfficiencyVital Statistics Offsets: 392,035 metric tons carbon dioxide
Equivalent to taking 78,094 cars off the road for a year Project Type: Energy Efficiency Project Lifetime: 5 years Contract Signing Date: 2002 Location: Oregon Project Partners: Portland Office of Sustainable Development
Project Description The
Climate Trust has contracted to buy offsets from two City of Portland building
energy efficiency programs. These programs reduce carbon dioxide emissions
from grid power, natural gas, and fuel oil. The Multifamily Assistance Program
increases weatherization activity in multifamily housing units by serving as
a one-stop shop for project coordination, technical and financial advice, and
incentives.
The Commercial Green Buildings Program encourages building designers and owners
to construct to Portland’s highly efficient LEED Green Building Standards.
After the efficiency measures have been installed, The Climate Trust pays a
fixed price per ton based upon the anticipated carbon dioxide reductions over
the lives of the measures.
How the project reduces CO2
By increasing the efficiency of homes and commercial buildings in these programs,
there is a reduction in the electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil needed to
heat, cool and light these buildings. This decrease in fossil fuel demand leads
to less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. These increases in efficiency
then remain in effect for the life of the building. The City of Portland is
retrofitting buildings for floor and wall insulation, high efficiency lighting,
and Energy Star ® window installation.
Through the Multifamily Assistance Program and the Commercial Green Buildings Program, the City of Portland markets the benefits of energy efficiency in buildings directly to multifamily housing and commercial building property owners. Steps are taken to improve these owners’ access to technical information qualified contractors, and information regarding rebates, state tax credits, and low-interest financing.
Non-GHG Benefits
The building owners and tenants will experience a reduction in utility bills
estimated at $30 million
This program will reduce overall power demand, decreasing Portland’s
draw on vital natural resources
Other harmful air pollutant emissions will be reduced
Additionality Criteria: Why We’re Involved Without The Climate Trust’s funding, The City of Portland would not
be able to fund the staff needed for this project.
Partners
