Building Codes Decisionmakers Need a Climate-Friendly Makeover. You Can Help Make It Happen.
If you're reading this, you may have an interest in sustainability in the built environment or in how buildings' energy use impacts climate change. However, applying for an open seat on the Bureau of Codes Division (BCD) Advisory Boards may not have crossed your mind. You may have never thought about how building codes are developed or how often they are updated. But if you care about climate change and future generations, you should know that buildings account for approximately 40% of Oregon's energy use and emit around 28% of the greenhouse gas pollutants that are harmful to our health and contribute to more and worse climate destruction. Volunteering for a seat on a BCD Advisory Board is an excellent way to help reduce the climate impact of the built environment.
Since Oregon's grid partially relies on fossil fuels, every time we use electricity, we are heating up the planet. In 2020, Governor Brown issued the Oregon Climate Action Plan (Executive Order 20-04), which aspires to achieve greenhouse gas levels that are at least 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. As you probably know, the threshold for irreversible climate change impacts is 1.5 degrees by 2030. Slowing and eventually reversing the climate impact of buildings is possible if we intentionally design buildings towards a net zero target. We must stop aiming for incremental change when what is needed is complete transformation. A role with the BCD Advisory Boards will position you to have a strong impact on Oregon’s transition to a green economy.
The ZERO Coalition's mission is to equitably decarbonize the built environment. This means that we work on creating and advocating for new policies that require buildings to be built more efficiently, to use less energy, and to emit less (and eventually zero) greenhouse gas pollution. We already have the ability and technology to build and even retrofit buildings to zero energy and zero carbon emissions. We can even build regenerative or "living" buildings that send excess energy back to the grid! We need these solutions to be a priority for the BCD Advisory Boards.
We know that building codes can drive market transformation. Over time, more efficient and sustainable equipment and materials become more affordable if people are required to use them, and both supply and demand increase. That's why we need representation on the BCD Advisory Boards, which are in charge of updating building codes, to be climate-friendly and understand the importance of accelerating building code efficiency.
Serving as a volunteer board member consists of regularly attending quarterly meetings and meeting more frequently, every 3 years when there's a new building code cycle, to work on the code updates. The term is for 4 years with the option to apply to extend your term once for a total of 8 years. There are currently 10 vacant board seats, and 10 seats occupied by board members whose terms are over 8 years, making it a great time to apply! The next round of applications needs to be submitted by the end of December to be considered for appointment by the Governor's office in February.
You don't need to be a building codes expert: the ZERO Coalition stands ready to support you. We will help guide you through the application process, and once you're on board, you can count on us for technical support and any other needs. You bring the values and professional resume, and together we'll work on the technical details. Here is an FAQ with more about the volunteer role, and I'm also happy to help. Please let me know if you apply because our endorsement is needed for consideration.
If you're interested or have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for everything you do for a sustainable future!
Ashley Haight
ZERO Coalition Manager
ashley@zerocoalitionoregon.org
503.968.7160 x132