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© Oregon University System, 2007
[ Sustainability ] [ Seismic ] [ Space Usage ] [ Public Land ] [ Facility Standards ]
Click here for the 2007 OUS Greenhouse Gas Inventory
On May 17, 2000, Executive Order No EO 00-07 was issued by Governor Kitzhaber. This allows for the promotion of a sustainable strategy in internal state government operations. Furthermore, This directs the Oregon state government to develop policies and programs that will be helpful to meet a goal of sustainability by 2025.
On June 30,2001, the House passed Oregon Sustainability Act. Likewise, on July 3, 2001, Senate passed Oregon Sustainability Act.
This act establishes a policy of sustainability and expands on EO-00-07. Furthermore, This act creates a sustainability board that is responsible for examining and recommending sustainability practices to government agencies and the private sector. This act also creates the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University.
On June 12, 2003, Executive Order No EO 03-03 was issued by Governor Kulongoski. This was created to support and drive the goals of the Oregon Sustainability Act, which was passed in 2001.
To reach OUS sustainability initiatives, green building design is becoming an integral part of OUS capital construction. On average, buildings are responsible for 40% global energy consumption. Therefore, it is appealing that green buildings have less impact on the natural environment . Furthermore, green buildings should be healthy, efficient buildings with lower operating and lifecycle costs.
For the Oregon University System, many strategies have been examined to create the most efficient approach for developing green buildings. Some of these strategies, such as LEED, assign points for different "green" attributes used in building plans. Some of these attributes include the usage of features that generate photovoltaic electricity, promote alternative transportation, and purchase "green" power.
Many facilities in the Oregon University System have taken the initiative to facilitate green building design in construction projects. The University of Oregon's Lillis Business center will be 50% more energy efficient than state code requires. This building harnesses the wind for cooling and the sun for electricity. Likewise, Eastern Oregon University's Integrated Services Building is composed greatly of cement to keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Lastly, Oregon State University's Kelley Engineering Building will cut energy costs by as much as 40% by using atrium daylight to supply the facility's natural light.
Click here for DOGAMI Enhance Rapid Visual Screen (E-RVS).
Click here for the accompanying press release.
In the Northwest, the small Juan de Fuca plate is subducted under the North American plate at a rate of 4 cm/year. This subduction process causes deep earthquakes in western Oregon and shallow earthquakes in eastern Oregon.
Senate Bill 14
This bill was passed in 2001, during the 71st Oregon Legislative Assembly. This bill states that the State Board of Higher Education shall provide seismic surveys of buildings with more than 250 people. These surveys are then evaluated by the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.If a risk to life during a seismic event is present then the State Board of Education and/or the State Board of Higher Education needs to develop a plan for seismic rehabilitation.
See also "Oregon at Risk"
OUS Action Plan
OUS is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and with the Department of Geological and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) to obtain a $3-million seismic grant. This grant will be used for seismic analysis and actual remediation work on OUS buildings.
Click here for the Physical Facilities Inventory Manual
Coming Soon ...
Click here for Facilities Standards and Guidelines (PDF).