Multnomah County says no to natural gas in new county buildings

Originally published by Portland Business Journal

Multnomah County on Thursday resolved not to use fossil fuels in new county buildings, signing on to a building-electrification movement.

In 2017, the county committed to 100% clean energy communitywide, including buildings and transportation.

“This resolution really sends a message that we are committed to that goal that we set, and that Multnomah County is not in the business of investing in fossil fuels,” Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson said.

Activists said they were inspired to push for the resolution after county voters in November approved $387 million in bonds for library projects.

The county in 2018 began using 100% renewable electricity for its operations through the purchase of renewable energy certificates and the use of utility-supplied renewable energy and on- and off-site renewable generation.

Dan Zalkow, director of facilities for the county, told the board that “when building a new building or doing a major renovation, using electricity rather than gas for space and water heating is generally feasible and cost-effective.”

He did add that technological innovations would be needed to make some types of buildings that have high water needs, such as detention centers and shelters, conducive to full electrification.

NW Natural, the natural gas distribution utility in the county, insisted it didn't have to be left out by the fossil fuel ban as it develops renewable natural gas.

“We’re proud to take part in Multnomah County’s commitment for fossil free buildings, because the pipes in our system can carry renewable energy just like electrical wires can,” Kathryn Williams, the company's vice president of public affairs & sustainability, said in an emailed statement. “The energy system is complex and interconnected, but by working together and innovating, we know we’ll reach our climate goals more quickly, affordably and with greater resiliency for the entire community.”