Sustainable Building Monthly

As Portland continues to confront the challenges of extreme heat, the city has mobilized two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and safety of its residents. The Cooling Portland program, launched by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), targets the urgent need for accessible cooling solutions. Established in response to the devastating heat wave of June 2021, this program has made substantial strides by distributing energy-efficient heat pump/cooling units to vulnerable populations, focusing on enhancing climate resilience and ensuring that all Portlanders can remain safe during heat emergencies.

In parallel, the proposed Multifamily Energy Reporting and Tenant Disclosure Ordinance aims to bring about transparency in rental housing. This ordinance will require multifamily buildings to report their energy use and carbon emissions annually, and it mandates that property owners give prospective tenants detailed information about energy efficiency, air quality, and available cooling systems. This initiative, while more focused on information disclosure, complements the broader efforts by providing essential data that can help tenants make informed decisions about their living conditions.

Join us for an enlightening event with presentations from Molly Hatfield and Vinh Mason, who will discuss these pivotal initiatives that address Portland’s critical cooling needs and tenant information requirements in rental housing. Their insights will underscore the importance of proactive, informed housing policies in combating the impacts of climate change.

Molly Hatfield is the Senior Climate Justice Program Manager at Earth Advantage, where she leads initiatives to provide efficient heating and cooling solutions to vulnerable communities across Oregon. With nearly two decades in the sustainability sector, her extensive background includes managing the Sustainability Office at the Bonneville Power Administration. Molly holds an MSc in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford and has been recognized multiple times for her contributions to sustainability excellence.

Vinh Mason is the Senior Climate Policy Advisor for the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability at the City of Portland. His work focuses on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing livability through comprehensive climate policies. With a strong commitment to climate justice, Vinh is spearheading efforts to ensure that housing energy performance is transparent and supports the resilience of vulnerable populations.