Efficiency Isn't Easy
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski recently outlined his policy proposals for boosting energy efficiency (Click here for a summary of the Governor's remarks). His proposals include net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for all new residential and commercial buildings, energy performance certificates on all homes sold in Oregon, a new public awareness campaign, and expansion of the Oregon Business Energy Tax credit (BETC) and the State Energy Efficient Design program (SEED) .
The net-zero energy emissions goal is likely the most important of the Governor’s proposals because buildings are big energy consumers and have a big impact on the environment. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that commercial and residential buildings use almost 40% of the primary energy and roughly 70% of the electricity in the U.S. Energy demand is also on the rise, with commercial sector demand doubling in size between 1980 and 2000 and expected to grow another 50% by 2025.
In contrast, net-zero energy buildings produce the majority of their own energy needs over the course of a year. Designed to be exceptionally energy efficient, these buildings are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines located on site. Ultimately, net-zero energy buildings could result in less energy consumption despite an expected boom in demand.
Nevertheless, the Governor’s plan will encounter challenges beyond his worries of how to finance the policies. To begin with, there is no single definition of net-zero energy efficient building.
Another concern is that a net-zero energy buildings are not necessarily green or sustainable structures. Builders are not required to use green building methods, such as reducing waste or using recycled building materials, to earn a net-zero structure certification.
All this goes to show that gaining energy efficiency isn't easy. Oregon will have many choices to make, on energy efficiency and other green options, as it marches into a sustainable future.
Posted by Marc Sanchez, Summer Associate at Tonkon Torp LLP.
