Oregon Adopts New Building Codes to Reduce Energy Costs and Increase Energy Efficiency in Newly Constructed Homes - CleanTechnica

Oregon’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) has approved updates to the state’s residential energy code requiring new homes to be built with energy-efficient heat pumps instead of traditional ducted air conditioning. This change is projected to save homeowners an average of $125 per month, or over $1,700 annually, on energy bills. The update aims to improve comfort, affordability, and resilience in new homes by reducing energy waste and reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with Oregon’s broader goals for clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The new code allows heat pumps to serve as the primary heating source, with methane gas permitted only for supplemental heating to help manage peak grid loads. The update has garnered support from building professionals, elected officials, and environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and Earth Advantage, who emphasize its role in advancing state decarbonization, climate resilience, and housing affordability. The code also brings Oregon’s building standards closer to those of neighboring states California and Washington, reflecting a regional