DAS Sustainability Quarterly

With the completion of design, DAS is one step closer to realizing the completion of a 250-kilowatt solar array at its Fleet and Parking Services facility in Salem. The array, at over an acre in size, is being partially funded by a $400,000 grant from Portland General Electric’s Renewable Development Fund. Once fully constructed and online - which is planned for 2024 – energy from the array will support the installation of 50 dual-head EV chargers for the state fleet. The project is in final permitting stages, with a request for bids for construction expected to be issued this summer.  

DAS Enterprise Asset Management has begun the large undertaking of adding EV charging infrastructure to DAS parking lots. The project is being completed simultaneously with other parking lot upgrades to limit disruption to state agencies and employees who lease parking places. 

A total of 16 parking lots and garages in the Salem area are slated for upgrades and chargers. These efforts are in direct support of Governor Brown’s Executive Orders 17-21 and 20-04. Upon project completion, there will be 166 chargers for state-owned vehicles/employees, as well as 26 for public use. For project specifics, locations and updates, please see the Fleet and Parking Services Project website.

DAS Invests in Renewable Energy

As part of its efforts to tackle climate change, DAS is purchasing renewable energy credits from Portland General Electric’s Green Future Enterprise program. Offsetting about 30 percent of all electricity DAS purchased in 2022, the credits are equivalent to the electricity used by 946 homes in a year. These efforts, along with continued investments in making buildings more energy efficient, are part of DAS’ longer-term efforts to reduce the agency’s carbon footprint and lead by example. All Oregon state agencies with buildings in PGE territory are eligible to purchase these credits.  

Agencies Act on Climate Change 

DAS, ODOT and the Oregon Sustainability Board partnered with Good Company to create a Climate Action Planning Tool and companion Guide for state agencies to measure and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To date, approximately 12 agencies have reported to DAS their GHG emissions and priority actions to reduce emissions in agency operations. This allows agencies to lead by example; reduce costs through greater efficiencies; and respond to Executive Order 20-04 to prioritize climate change in planning, budgeting, capital planning and operations. If your agency would like access to the Tool and Guidebook, please contact Steven Markham in the DAS Office of Sustainability.