The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) commissioned a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to prioritize over 25 different residential design and building practices that either reduce or prevent waste. Of the practices evaluated, the highest-ranked best practice to reduce lifecycle impacts of residential homes was using fewer building materials by building smaller homes. Given the results, DEQ sought to increase the supply and demand for smaller housing options. The agency focused on promoting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) since, by design, they are limited to 800 square feet and had an array of other social, environmental, and economic benefits.
How was the Project Started?
The initiative stems from DEQ’s research on the prioritized building practices. DEQ chose to focus on only the highest-ranked best practice identified through the foundational research.
When was the Project Started?
When was the Project Completed, or is it Ongoing?
The project was completed and transferred to a local government who has rebranded the work to help support equitable housing initiatives, as smaller homes are inherently more affordable.
What are the Results to Date?
DEQ’s Small Build Coalition influenced a statewide building code that required larger homes to be more energy-efficient; aligned local rating systems so that their point structures matched the environmental benefits of the practices they were rewarding; influenced multiple zoning code updates throughout the state; provided essential research into appraisal and financing options for ADUs; created local tours and educational videos and website dedicated to ADUs; changed local incentives to reward above code built ADU; created nationally recognized conference called BuildSmall LiveLarge; and heavily influenced local policy options that reduced permit costs for ADUs and increased the supply of ADU considerably.
What are the Resources Needed, including Time, Cost, Etc.?
DEQ spent roughly 100k on the initial research LCA project. All subsequent implementation work contracts amount to approximately 120k over 4 years.
You can learn more at the following websites:
- Jordan Palmeri
- Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
- Senior Policy Analyst