To build smart and conserve energy, Oregon has developed energy codes and standards for buildings.
Oregon's building codes are administered by the state
Building Codes Division, including the:
- 2021 Oregon Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC): The 2021 OEESC, based on ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, became effective on April 1, 2021. This code becomes mandatory after the six-month phase-in period ends on Oct. 1, 2021. More information can be found on the Oregon Building Codes Division Energy Code Program page.
- 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), which in Chapter 11 contains the residential building energy provisions. The 2021 ORSC became effective on April 1, 2021, and will become mandatory after a similar 6 month phase in as the commercial energy code. During the phase-in period, use of the 2017 ORSC with the 2021 ORSC Chapter 1 or the 2021 ORSC in its entirety is permitted.
These codes outline energy efficiency requirements for Oregon buildings. The codes cover insulation, equipment, windows, lighting, and much more.
Energy Code Hotline
You can submit energy code questions through ODOE's customer service portal or through the staff contact information listed on the right-hand side of this page
. To use the portal, first-time users must begin by clicking on "register" to create an account. You may then sign in to complete the requested information. ODOE staff will follow up with you regarding your question.
Our team provides technical expertise, outreach, and training to building and construction industry professionals to promote better understanding of Oregon's energy codes.
Contact us through the portal to:
- Submit general questions about Oregon's energy codes.
- Request training on Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code or Oregon Residential Specialty Code energy provisions.
- Get more information about
COMcheck
.
ODOE and Energy Code
The Oregon Department of Energy acts as a consultant to the Building Codes Division to evaluate and adopt the codes and amendments that will improve energy efficiency in Oregon buildings.
ODOE also serves as a
member of the Construction Industry
Energy Board and has participated with previous energy code committees offering
energy efficiency guidance and recommendations.
Our team has served as a governmental voting member for development of
the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC), and also served directly on the 2021 IECC Commercial Code
Development Committee The IECC serves as a national energy code model that
cities and states may adopt or amend as appropriate. The IECC is
updated on three-year cycles.
Additionally, ODOE participates in state and regional workgroups that may impact or focus on energy codes in Oregon, offering state-level perspectives on energy code discussions and analysis.
Oregon Energy Code Stakeholder Panel
In 2020, ODOE began convening convening
monthly stakeholder meetings to discuss energy code development and code specifications and calculations, and to inform ODOE's code consultation to Oregon’s Building Codes Division. This work is part of an effort to achieve directives included in Governor Brown's
Executive Order 20-04.
Built Environment Efficiency Working Group
In 2018, ODOE began convening a
multi-agency working group, which is tasked to implement the directives in Governor Brown’s Executive Order
No. 17-20 . The EO has
directives to improve energy efficiency, boost electric vehicle adoption, and support actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.