Beaverton, OR

Background

Beaverton, Oregon, a suburb with a relatively small population of 90,000, has unique opportunities and challenges for implementing sustainability related programs. Beaverton is tackling these challenges head on through innovative programs and policies to encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy generation and purchases. Improving sustainability in the community is a top priority for Mayor Doyle. The City’s sustainability focus includes an emphasis on supporting low carbon lifestyles, energy efficiency and security, health and well-being and ecosystem stewardship.

The City of Beaverton has launched a community program called the Beaverton Better Buildings Challenge (Beaverton BBC) with a goal of improving energy efficiency in local buildings 20% by 2020. The Beaverton BBC has fostered a strong collaboration with local utilities to include Portland General Electric, NW Natural, and Energy Trust of Oregon. This collaboration provides real benefits to those who participate in the challenge. Participants receive a free energy consultation, assistance prioritizing efficiency projects, help with utility data tracking tools, local media exposure, and more.

The City of Beaverton is reaching energy reduction goals through the implementation of a variety of strategies, including retro-commissioning of buildings and participating in a pioneering, pilot program made available by NorthWrite and the Energy Trust of Oregon. This program provides energy data every 15 minutes, immediately identifies deviations from normal usage patterns, and recommends low cost energy saving measures. This leads to a better understanding of how energy is used in City buildings and identifies problematic areas more quickly than traditional methods.

Beaverton’s Sustainability Division will track successes for regular program updates. For more information visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/BBC.