[State-fac-mgrs] Beyond Green (DAS Sustainability News): TEST

Thu Mar 13 13:09:12 PDT 2025

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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."

"Visit us at the DAS Office of Sustainability web site [ https://www.oregon.gov/das/Pages/Office-of-Sustainability.aspx ] for more tips, resources and news."

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EV Charging Stations at GSB 

*DAS Ramping Up EV Charging Capacity*

The DAS Fleet and Parking Services electric vehicle charging station project is getting closer to completion. The project, overseen by project manager Terry Nunley, includes installing EV charging infrastructure in many of the DAS owned parking lots in the Capitol Mall Area. These chargers support ongoing electrification of the state fleet.

Along with EV chargers dedicated to the fleet, there will also be chargers located throughout the Capitol Mall Area that will be available for employee/public charging.

As one example, there are now four dual-head EV charging stations for visitors in the agency's General Services Building lot. These chargers are active and ready for use. By law, DAS collects fees for charging, and for parking. 

Be on the lookout for more updates on DAS efforts to electrify the state fleet and reduce fleet-related greenhouse gas emissions. 

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Enterprise Solar 

*Oregon Sustainability Board Welcomes New Members and Explores Statewide Initiatives*

In 2023-2024, the Oregon Sustainability Board has undergone several changes, welcoming new members from across the state, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. You can explore their backgrounds by visiting the Board’s member page here [ https://www.oregon.gov/das/Facilities/pages/Oregon-sustainability-board-members.aspx ].

In 2024, the Board has held meetings across various locations in Oregon, including the State Treasury building in Salem, as well as in Eugene and Wallowa County. As part of their mission to promote sustainable practices, members also embarked on field trips, such as an insightful visits to solar project installations and a reforestation area.

In 2025, the Board is developing a revised work priorities guide their support for sustainability in agencies and in communities across Oregon in 2025 and beyond. Part of that work will be to re-examine agency sustainability guidelines and presentations to the Board. 

All Board meetings are open to the public and state employees, and virtual attendance options are available for those unable to join in person. For more information about upcoming meetings or to participate, visit the meeting page here [ https://www.oregon.gov/das/Facilities/Pages/Oregon-Sustainability-Board-Meetings.aspx ].

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Energy efficiency 

*OPFA Supports State Agency Energy Management Efforts*

Energy in state-owned buildings has traditionally been managed by individual energy or facility managers, making cross-agency collaboration and problem solving challenging – particularly with increased attention to energy performance and greenhouse gas reductions in state buildings. In response, DAS and ODOE paired up to create a meeting series that creates a platform for unified information sharing and coordination.

The group, initially called "ODIEM", has been re-branded to the Oregon Public Facilities Alliance, or OPFA. OPFA provides a venue where agency energy managers come together to discuss challenges and share solutions, learn about new tools and hear from energy experts from organizations like Energy Trust of Oregon. This collaborative effort will help establish a more standardized approach to energy management across state agencies - and it will support agencies in complying with new ODOE Building Performance Standard rules adopted in response to 2023's House Bill 3409.

With OPFA fostering cross-agency cooperation, Oregon is positioned to create a more efficient and sustainable future through better energy practices across state-owned facilities.

If you or a coworker is interested in participating in OPFA's quarterly meeting, please reach out to DAS Statewide Sustainability Analyst Steven Markham. 

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lightbulb 

*You can Save Energy Working at Home*

Looking to save on energy bills and help the environment while working at home? Whether you rent or own, these simple tips can make a difference. If you can’t tackle everything on your own, sharing these ideas with your landlord might encourage some useful upgrades.

For starters, if you have a work computer and/or monitor at home, ask your agency’s information technology department if they have computer power management deployed to save energy. The DAS Statewide Energy and Resource Conservation Policy directs agencies to manage computers to save energy, whether at work or at home.

Another one of the easiest ways to save energy is by switching to ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy, last 15 times longer, and could save you about $40 a year. Plus, each one prevents around 780 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime—just from swapping a bulb!

If you're in the market for a room air conditioner, go for one with the ENERGY STAR label. They use less energy and cost less than $70 a year to run. In winter, make sure the unit is insulated or store it to stop heated air from leaking outside. And don't forget: closing shades in the summer keeps the heat out, while opening them on sunny winter days brings free warmth inside.

Electronics are sneaky energy users too. ENERGY STAR-rated TVs, soundbars, and other devices use less power, saving you about $130 over their lifespan. A power strip can help—just flip the switch when you’re not using your devices to avoid wasted electricity.

When it comes to water use, a low-flow showerhead can save water and energy, adding up to $145 in savings each year. You don’t need to rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher—most models today handle that just fine. Running it only when full also helps cut down on water and energy.

For laundry, cold water works just as well for most clothes, and it’s way easier on your energy bill. Try drying similar fabrics together to avoid over-drying and use the moisture sensor on your dryer if it has one. Cleaning the lint trap before each load keeps everything running efficiently too, saving you time and money.

Even small things make a difference, like keeping vents clear and placing heat reflectors behind radiators. These quick and affordable changes can help you stay comfortable, lower your bills, and reduce your impact on the planet. Every bit counts!

March 2025

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*In this issue*

  * DAS adds EV charging stations 
  * Oregon Sustainability Board Updates 
  * The Oregon Public Facilities Alliance for agency energy managers 
  * Saving energy at home 

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*ODOE Publishes Biennial SEED Report*

Is your agency one of the 19 that owns buildings? If so, review the Oregon Department of Energy's SEED Report to the legislature [ https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Documents/2025-ODOE-SEED-Program-Report.pdf ], published in January. In it you will see data on how your agency's buildings are performing with respect to energy use and efficiency. The report also contains valuable recommendations for both agencies and legislators on the benefits of a more holistic approach to energy management. The report's findings and recommendations are on the agenda for the March 26 ODOE-DAS Oregon Public Facilities Alliance (formerly ODIEM) meeting. See details below.   

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*Upcoming Meetings*

Oregon Sustainability Board, March 14, Western Oregon University and on Zoom (contact Jeni Hall for meeting login information.)

Oregon Public Facilities Alliance, on Teams, March 26, 1:30-3:00pm (contact Steve Markham to be added to the invite.)

Interagency Sustainability Coordinators Network, April 2, 1:30-3:00pm, Teams (contact Jeni Hall for meeting login information.)

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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

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*Add me to the sustainability Listserv!*

If you or a work colleague would like to be added to the DAS Office of Sustainability agency sustainability listserv to get tips, resources and meeting announcements, please reach out to Jeni Hall at: jeni.hall at das.oregon.gov. 

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Resources

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 ]

EO 20-24 Directing State Agencies to Reduce Greenhouse Gasses and Emissions [ https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo_20-04.pdf ]

DAS Sustainable Procurement Policy [ https://www.oregon.gov/das/opm/pages/sustainable.aspx ]

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

State of Oregon • Department of Administrative Services • March 2025

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