Portland Building Energy Efficiency

Vital Statistics

Offsets: 374,000 metric tons carbon dioxide
Equivalent to taking 74,502 cars off the road for a year
Project Type: Energy Efficiency
Project Lifetime: 5 years
Starting Date: August 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

• Portland Office of Sustainable Development

• What methodology did you use to monitor/calculate the greenhouse gas emission reductions? How is the baseline established?

  by Anne Arquit Niederberger - 1/3/2007 8:23:13 PM

• The project is winding down now, what are the results?

  by Jake - 2/8/2007 7:38:07 PM

• Good work. Interesting posts, besides those spam...

  by Dora - 6/14/2007 2:13:08 PM

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