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Portland Building Energy Efficiency

Portland Building Energy Efficiency

Portland Building Energy Efficiency
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 emissions
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.

Why carbon finance was needed
Without The Climate Trust's funding, the City of Portland would not be able to fund the staff needed for this project.

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VITAL STATISTICS


Funded by: Oregon Program

Project type: Building efficiency

Standard: Oregon Standard

Project term: 5 years

Contract date: 2002

Location: Oregon

Partners: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

OTHER BENEFITS
  • Reduces utility bills by an estimated $30 million
  • Reduces overall power demand, decreasing Portland's draw on vital natural resources
  • Reduces emissions of other harmful air pollutants


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65 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 400;
Portland, Oregon 97204
503.238.1915