The Energy Trust of Oregon has signed a five-year contract with CLEAResult, a provider of energy sustainability services, to enhance the energy efficiency of its New Buildings program.
Since its launch in 2009, CLEAResult has been instrumental in the New Buildings program, which supports design teams, contractors, developers, and building owners in creating energy-efficient structures that align with the energy goals of Oregon. The collaboration aims to improve building performance and reliability by using comprehensive energy modeling and efficient design practices from the start of the design process.
The latest updates to this program introduce three new initiatives: Whole Buildings for All, Market Capacity Development, and Pathway to Grid Interactivity. These initiatives are designed to guide energy-efficient renovations and new construction projects.
Kecia Davison, senior vice president at CLEAResult, emphasized the commitment to efficiency, stating, “As part of this next step, our teams will deliver on promises of the Architecture 2030 Challenge and ensure every building is designed with efficiency at its core.”
The Architecture 2030 Challenge, launched in 2006, sets ambitious targets for emissions reduction in the building sector. It requires that new buildings and major renovations meet energy consumption performance standards that are 70% lower than the average for their building type. Additionally, it mandates that an equal volume of existing building area be renovated each year to meet these standards. The requirements will increase, aiming for a 90% reduction in fossil fuel use for all new constructions and renovations by 2025, with an ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Energy Trust of Oregon offers several incentives for new construction and major renovations. These include up to $6,500 in early design assistance, covering up to 60% of energy modeling costs, financial support for solar potential assessments, battery storage feasibility studies, and the installation of solar electric systems. The program can also provide significant funding for energy metering installation costs, capped at $20,000.
Furthermore, the Grid Interactive Efficient Buildings approach emphasizes combining energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and smart systems to optimize energy use. This design philosophy allows buildings to operate as supplemental energy storage solutions, enhancing energy reliability across the grid.
Energy Trust and CLEAResult are also looking to build market capacity through collaborations that will provide fellowships and internships with local organizations.