ODOE program works with state agencies to save energy, reduce operating costs

CONTACT:
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294
Cliff Voliva, 503-378-3637

SALEM — State agencies will save almost $1.4 million this year in energy costs, according to a new report from the Oregon Department of Energy. Under ODOE’s State Energy Efficient Design program, agencies have reduced energy use in state buildings by more than 20 percent, meeting energy reduction targets more than two years ahead of schedule. The report also details how SEED helped agencies construct new building projects with maximum energy savings built into the design.

The SEED biennial report, prepared in advance of the Oregon Legislature’s 2015 session, highlights 22 recent construction or renovation projects that together will save almost $1.4 million each year in energy costs. SEED served as a resource to state agencies to ensure their buildings met criteria for energy efficiency.

Recent projects that meet or exceed the SEED program goals include the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, completed by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs in 2014. The 112,865-square-foot structure was built to 37.4 percent above code and is expected to save $49,350 annually in avoided energy costs. The Oregon Military Department’s Fort Dalles Readiness Center in The Dalles was also completed in 2014. The 64,366-square-foot building is projected to save $12,300 in energy costs each year and is designed to be 40.3 percent above code.

The SEED report also details progress state agencies have made toward their goal to reduce overall energy use by 20 percent by the end of 2015, compared to the baseline year 2000. The overall goal was achieved in 2012 and continuous improvements have led to a combined energy reduction of 22.4 percent.

Among the state’s leaders in conserving energy are the Oregon Department of Agriculture in Salem, which has achieved greater than 20 percent of savings every year except 2008, and the Oregon Youth Authority, which has reduced energy use by around 30 percent for three years in a row.

ODOE’s SEED program is currently working with agencies on three projects in the design phase. ODOE also works with agencies on long-term metering and performance. The program, established in 1991 by the Oregon Legislature, was designed to help state government be a leader in energy conservation and efficiency, with facilities that serve as models for energy savings and reduced operating costs.

The full report is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Pages/Reports-to-the-Legislature.aspx