Oregon is now among the strongest states for water efficiency initiatives after a recently signed executive order, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Signed in early November, Executive Order No. 17-20 will require new buildings in the state to install high-efficiency water fixtures by 2020, and reuse water onsite by 2025.
In addition, buildings must be ready for the installation of solar panels, parking garages must be designed to include electric vehicle chargers, and the state's commercial energy code will be more efficient overall, according to an NRDC article.
State facilities will lead by example, with new state buildings needing to achieve carbon-neutral operations, including taking into consideration full fuel-cycle emissions, which involves evaluating the carbon impact of the energy's source in addition to the energy consumed by the facility.
This Quick Read was submitted by Naomi Millán, senior editor, Building Operating Management. To learn more about the difference between "carbon neutral" and "net-zero energy," go to https://www.facilitiesnet.com/11493bom.
