The division has approved two new statewide alternate methods that allow homeowners to harvest rainwater and reuse wastewater. The first method involves reusing certain wastewater in homes when the owner installs water conservation systems. The water conservation systems treat water drained from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, and laundry tubs, and then stores the water for use in flushing toilets. The second method gives both homes and commercial buildings the ability to collect rainwater from roofs to be used for gardens, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and in heating and air conditioning units.

BCD has also been working toward more energy-efficient buildings through upgrading the energy code provisions (chapter 11) of the 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code. The upgrades, which took effect April 1, 2008, require certain components be put in a building, including new upgrades to building insulation and an increase in the thermal efficiency rating for windows. Also, there is a new feature in which builders choose at least one of nine energy efficiency options to include in the structure.