Oregon’s New Building Codes Are a Win for Home Energy Resilience

Last week marked an important step forward for healthy, affordable, resilient housing in Oregon.

The Oregon Building Code Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) voted to approve much-needed updates to the state’s residential energy code. Thanks to the foundation laid by two bills that OEC championed alongside our coalition partners in Building Resilience – the Build Smart from the Start Act in 2023, and the Oregon Climate Action Plan in 2020 – the new rules will make all new Oregon homes 27% more efficient than under the previous code.

Heat pumps are the key

A key provision in the new building code is a requirement that all new home builders that want to install cooling must use heat pumps instead of traditional AC units. These all-electric, ultra-efficient units provide cooling in the hotter months, and warmth in the winter.

It’s more than just a climate win – it’s also a win for our wallets. Since 2020, energy costs have increased by roughly 50%. Oregonians across the state are feeling the hit of these rising costs. But these new building codes have the potential to save residents an average of $125 per month – more than $1,500 a year – on energy bills. By building smarter from the start, we’re keeping long-term housing costs down, and letting Oregonians live more safely, comfortably, and equitably.

Wins like these don’t happen overnight

From the years of work behind the policies that these building codes build on, to countless hours of collaboration between elected officials, climate activists, and resilience organizations across the state, the new building codes are the culmination of strong partnerships – and dedication to follow-through.

Get involved

Even with federal rollbacks putting up roadblocks, state-level wins like these are possible – but they can take years of hard work, and all us rolling up our sleeves together. Here’s how you can help support future progress:

1. Sign up for our action alert emails. We’ll keep you up-to-date on opportunities to make your voice heard.
2. Become an OEC member. Your support is the backbone of our movement. Your membership will fund the fight for progress today, and lay the way for future wins.

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