Agency Info
Meadows Group Inc., Realtors
1902 SE Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97214
Ambitious Green Goals for Portland
Climate Action Plan calls for changes by 2050
The Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commissioners voted last week to approve provisions of the Climate Action Plan, an ambitious set of goals with a target date of 2050 to reduce carbon emissions by 80% of what they were in 1990.
The plan relies on business, government and residents to make the changes necessary to make that happen. The leaders hope to draw the right new businesses to accomplish the goals, bringing green jobs and continuing Portland’s quest to be the most sustainable city.
The news that our population is probably going to double by then, illustrates the need for more mass transit projects like light rail and street cars, more bike lanes, and increased recycling and waste management. The plan also encourages the planting of more trees and preservation of wetlands and other natural areas. Encouraging us to “buy local” is also included in the goals.
The good news is that Portland’s carbon emissions were 19% below what they were per person in 1990. However if you count the increased population, its actually an increase of 1%, according to Mark Larabee of the Oregonian. That compares to a 14% increase nationally since 1990. During the same period, our recycling rate has tripled and bus ridership has doubled according to official data.
The county commissioners adopted a resolution Wednesday directing city bureaus to promote the plan’s initiatives, including a tax credit for businesses that install eco-roofs and solar panels and carbon-reduction goals in growth and transportation planning.
Falling into line with other Portland goals for planning, there is a goal to achieve zero-net greenhouse gas emissions in all new buildings and homes, produce 10% of the county’s energy from onsite renewable sources and develop neighborhoods so 90% of our county live in walkable or bikable communities, such as eco-districts already in the planning.
According to Commissioner Jeff Cogen, the city and county have “come up with something we can be really proud of.”
So what is expected from us as residents? Considering we’re apparently responsible for at least 50% of carbon emissions, we will need to start making changes and learning how to do things differently. Small homes and all the energy-savings and efficiencies they bring is one way…. and Climate-Friendly Actions At Home and Business shows many more ways that we can live and work smarter and greener.
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