The Oregon Department of Energy recognizes the importance energy plays for long-term sustainability in the state. A sustainable Oregon includes developing safe, clean, and sustainable energy resources - and using energy wisely.
Our work is diverse – from helping Oregonians save energy at home and at work, to overseeing cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Site, to ensuring the state is prepared to respond to emergencies at energy facilities. We collaborate with a broad cross-section of Oregonians from businesses to trade associations, from homeowners to renters, and from government to schools. We will continue to leverage these partnerships toward the mutually beneficial goal of more sustainable communities.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainable Business Practices
ODOE developed its first Sustainability Plan in 2003, which formed our internal Sustainability Committee. The Committee’s initial focus was to improve office operations, purchasing, energy conservation, recycling, and reduce water use. In 2005, ODOE passed an internal recycling policy.
In 2008, ODOE became the first State of Oregon agency to earn
EarthWISE certification from Marion County. EarthWISE recognizes business and organizations in the county that are committed to environmentally-friendly practices. ODOE also received the first EarthWISE “Sustainable Organization of the Year” award.
Sustainable Programs
Our mission is to lead Oregon to a safe, clean, and sustainable energy future. Our programs focus on saving energy, improving energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy. Learn more:
Sustainability Policy & Partnerships
The “Oregon Sustainability Act” (
ORS 184.421-435 ) defines sustainability as “…using, developing and protecting resources in a manner that enables people to meet current needs and provides that future generations can also meet future needs, from the joint perspective of environmental, economic and community objectives.”
“It is the policy of the Oregon Department of Energy to promote sustainability as a core value of its mission, and thereby encourages agency employees to integrate sustainability throughout all agency operations, program and services, including its statewide policy development and planning.”