[Iscn-members] February 2024: News from the DAS Office of Sustainability

[WORTMAN David * DAS]

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[BeyondGreenHeader]


Welcome to BeyondGreen, a newsletter supporting sustainability champions across Oregon's state agencies with news, tips and resources. This internal newsletter complements the DAS Sustainability Quarterly, which shares sustainability news from Oregon state government with an external audience.

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[stack of money]"Direct Pay" and Benefits for Agencies

In its wide-ranging provisions, the federal 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) contained several tax credits for supporting clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). While many of these are not available to directly benefit clean energy and fleets in state government operations, one stands out that does - and it's called "Direct Pay<https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/directpay/>." Through federal tax code changes, public entities - including state governments - can receive the equivalent value of a tax credit by a direct payment from the federal government to offset the cost of items like solar panels, EVs, and EV charging stations. With the meeting of certain criteria, agencies may apply for reimbursement of up to 30-40% of a project's total cost. Direct pay covers projects placed in service from January 1, 2023 forward and will be available to agencies for several years. That means agencies can not only get credit for 2023 projects, but also plan for future projects to maximize return from this federal program.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has created a registration portal and is finalizing rules for administering this program. DAS will be offering a "Direct Pay 101" webinar in early 2024 to provide agencies with additional information and resources for support. Stay tuned for updates.

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[state building]DAS Developing Sustainable Design Guidelines for State Buildings

HB 3409 directs DAS to develop sustainable design guidelines for state buildings, and DAS has wasted no time in moving ahead with this project. Working with a consultant team, DAS has launched a multi-phase project to develop guidance for agencies on delivering a sustainable designed projects - from project initiation to post-occupancy operations and monitoring. Phase 1 will focus on using the DAS building portfolio and planning and construction management processes as a test bed for guidance and design standards. In future phases, DAS and its team will engage agencies and other stakeholders on how to expand most effectively and practically these to the enterprise-wide building portfolio. New guidance and standards are anticipated by the end of 2024 or early 2025. For more information, please contact David Wortman, DAS Office of Sustainability, (971) 304-8733.

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[Sustainable Procurement Logo]Update On Sustainable Procurement Policy 1007-009-0040

DAS Procurement Services is proud to announce the beginning of a new program and a new Sustainable Procurement Policy. This Policy was transferred to DAS Procurement and updated to define Sustainable Procurement and establish the Sustainable Procurement Program. With this Policy in effect, DAS procurement and the Sustainable Procurement Program will help aid agencies with tools and resources. Communications will be sent out with reminders about the Policy and what efforts or improvements have been made to help agencies contract and purchase in a more sustainable manner.

What's in it:

Environmental, Social, and Fiscal Objectives

Guidance on Certifications

Specific Product Requirements

General Sustainable Procurement Practices

Sustainable Procurement Program Elements

Program and Policy Evaluation

Where it can be found:

https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/107-011-010.pdf

Questions? Please contact Adam Helvey, Sustainable Procurement Program Manager with DAS Procurement: Adam.l.helvey at das.oregon.gov <mailto:Adam.l.helvey at das.oregon.gov> 971-349-2329.

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[Green Chemistry]DAS Updating Green Chemistry Policy

In 2024, DAS is working to update its statewide policies to reflect current knowledge and best practices. One policy slated for update is the 2014 Green Chemistry Procurement Guidelines Policy (1070-009-0080)<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/107-009-0080.pdf>. This Policy, driven by statute and EO 12-05, is intended to reduce toxic chemicals of concern in state procurement of goods and realize the economic, environment and public health benefits of green chemistry. Some of the product categories it covers are janitorial, pest management, laboratory chemicals and furniture, among others. Agencies can review the 2014 FAQ document<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/107-009-0080_Attachment.pdf> prepared for the original Policy in 2014.

Since the original policy was drafted, there have been changes to both toxic chemicals of concern and the product certifications and standards that cover them. The intent of the update is to bring this policy into alignment with current best practices and knowledge. In 2024, DAS will be working on reviewing the product lists, criteria, and certification standards in the policy with DEQ, other stakeholders, and agencies. If your agency has any comments on the current policy, please forward them to Dave Wortman, david.wortman at das.oregon.gov.

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[Oregon Sustainability Board]Sustainability Board in Transition

As we step into 2024, the Oregon Sustainability Board <https://www.oregon.gov/das/Facilities/Pages/About-Oregon-Sustainability-Board.aspx> remains in a state of transition - but with exciting changes on the way. In 2023, several long-serving Board members either termed out or resigned, opening several vacancies for new applicants seeking to serve the state. The Office of Sustainability has been coordinating with the Governor's office to recruit and fill these positions. Expect to see the faces of several new individuals enthusiastic about supporting state sustainability on the Board in the first quarter of 2024. Candidates must be recommended by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

February 2024
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In this issue

  *   Direct Pay Benefits for Agencies
  *   Sustainable Design Guidelines
  *   Sustainable Procurement and Green Chemistry Policies
  *   Sustainability Board in Transition

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8 tips for creating a sustainable at-home office

  1.  Adopt a minimalist mindset.
  2.  Reduce, reuse and recycle.
  3.  Shop sustainably.
  4.  Resist back-to-office shopping.
  5.  Take advantage of natural lighting.
  6.  Unplug at the end of the day.
  7.  Monitor your heating, cooling and air quality.
  8.  Commute efficiently

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We Want Your Sustainability Ideas!

Have suggestions, ideas or tips for the DAS Office of Sustainability? We want to hear from you! Send your suggestions to sustainability.tips at das.oregon.gov<mailto:sustainability.tips at das.oregon.gov>

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A Reminder: Statewide Policies

Agencies are directed to comply with the DAS Statewide Energy and Resource Conservation Policy<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/107-011-010.pdf>, which addresses energy and resource use in state buildings. Agencies are also to comply with Statewide Fleet Policy,<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/Fleet.pdf> which addresses, among other topics, that agency employees must select the most efficient vehicle (low or zero emission vehicles) for their needs when using state fleet vehicles.

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Upcoming events

Interagency Sustainability Coordinators Network will be held bimonthly starting February 7, 1:30-3:00 via Microsoft Teams

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Resources

DAS Sustainability web site<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Facilities/Pages/Sustainability.aspx>

EO 17-20: Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction in the built environment. <https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_17-20.pdf>

EO 17-21: Zero emission vehicle adoption<https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_17-21.pdf>

DAS Statewide Resource Conservation Policy<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Policies/107-011-010.pdf>

DAS Statewide Green Chemistry Procurement Guidelines<https://www.oregon.gov/das/policies/107-009-0080.pdf>

Energy Trust of Oregon<https://www.energytrust.org/>

DEQ Materials Management Program<https://www.oregon.gov/deq/mm/Pages/default.aspx>

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Contact DAS Office of Sustainability

Dave Wortman

Statewide Sustainability Officer
971-304-8733

david.wortman at das.oregon.gov



Steven Markham

Statewide Sustainability Analyst

(503) 932-6319

steve.markham at das.oregon.gov

Department of Administrative Services : Office of Sustainability : State of Oregon<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Pages/Office-of-Sustainability.aspx>



State of Oregon * Department of Administrative Services * February 2024

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