Updating the Energy Provisions of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code

Starting with an initial draft of code updates from the Building Codes Division for the 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, followed by a lengthy collaborative stakeholder and code review committee process, in February the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board approved the draft 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code for adoption. This represents a key step in the code development process, with finalization through the board’s rulemaking to follow. 

Updates focused on the energy efficiency provisions in Chapter 11. The Oregon Department of Energy provided comments, highlighting key findings and recommendations from the Oregon Energy Strategy that support adoption of updated language. The modifications include section 1105.8 Heat Pump, which will require new homes to install heat pumps as part of new split-system air conditioning, while still allowing flexible compliance pathways and fuel-choice.  This update recognizes the role of energy efficient heat pumps in reducing energy consumption balanced with the need for continued flexibility in the choice of technology to ensure affordability and reliability.

Advancing Pathway(s): Energy Efficiency, Electrification

Advancing Action(s): Buildings Action 7
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