Due to the delayed timeline of the 2024 IECC code books and the shifting legal landscape on building electrification requirements, the Northwest Regional Code Cohort revised the original Net Zero Roadmap. The new Roadmap was finalized in June of 2025. In addition, the State was developing the low energy and carbon code requirements. Due to the delays and overlap with the State's requirements, the cost analysis was delayed. All of these factors have resulted in a delay in bringing code amendments to City Council.
This strategy has been combined with Climate Action Recommendations Report strategy CARR BE.1: Building Codes: Improve Building Codes to include energy conservation measures and promote renewable energy.
Staff worked with a consultant to evaluate the cost and greenhouse gas emissions impacts from four scenarios:
The four scenarios were presented to City Council in August 2025, at which City Council directed staff to pursue code updates aligned with the Metro Regional Building Policy Cohort package. Staff will be taking these code updates back to City Council for adoption in the first quarter of 2026.
Sustainability, LPC, and Building Services are working with a consultant to conduct a cost analysis of electrification and other code requirements supporting decarbonization in the 2024 IECC