Eugene Sustainability Commission | Sustainable Buildings Committee: February 2, 2026

The Eugene Sustainability Commission's Sustainable Buildings Committee convened to discuss strategies for reducing embodied carbon in city infrastructure and buildings. The meeting featured a presentation by a national expert on embodied carbon, focusing on policy options such as local government building standards, incentives, carbon disclosure, and education. The committee explored opportunities to leverage the recently passed road bond to pilot low-carbon concrete and asphalt in city projects, emphasizing the potential for significant carbon savings in transportation infrastructure. Discussions also covered existing programs like Oregon's DEQ initiatives, challenges in changing industry practices, and the role of local codes and utilities. The committee planned future meetings to review policies from other communities, voluntary programs, and draft recommendations to present to the city council, aiming to influence sustainable building practices and procurement policies in Eugene.