Energy Saving News
New Efficiency Code for Oregon
ACCORDING to officials in the Department of Consumer and Business Services, a new energy code been adopted in Oregon, USA that aims to reduce energy usage in new commercial buildings by 15%.
The Energy Efficiency Specialty Code comes into effect July 1 and focuses several areas for new construction, such as adding automatic lighting controls and more efficient mechanical systems.
As well as the required improvements, the state Building Codes Division is developing a set of optional standards, called the Reach Code, for companies that want to go beyond the minimum required by the new energy code.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski issued a statement Tuesday praising the new requirements, saying they are important because “buildings consume about 40 percent of our energy supply.”
“Oregon’s new energy code furthers our position as a national leader in sustainability and climate change policy,” he said.
Last year, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Oregon among the top 10 states doing the most to implement energy efficiency. Oregon ranked fourth — behind California, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Wednesday 12th May 2010
