City sustainability director reports progress on fossil‑fuel infrastructure, clean energy and building codes

Troy Moon, the city’s sustainability director, delivered the annual Chapter 6 fossil‑fuel infrastructure report and highlighted recent local projects, state code changes and legislative actions that affect Portland’s decarbonization goals.

Moon noted a growing number of passive‑house and all‑electric buildings in Portland, calling out the Mercy Hospital redevelopment and the Phoenix Flat Apartments as local examples. He said the Reu Institute project includes 82 geothermal wells and described it as the second‑largest geothermal installation in Maine after the Portland Jetport.

On the policy front, Moon summarized state updates to building and energy codes, including adoption of the 2021 IECC as a baseline and a strengthened stretch code that the city has adopted. He also said state law now requires regular updates to the energy code and that the state has moved the renewable portfolio standard target to 100% clean electricity by 2040 (previously 2045).

Moon recommended the council consider an update to the city’s green building code in Chapter 6 and suggested staff evaluate an EV procurement requirement for city vehicle purchases — with the caveat that vehicles must meet operational needs and budget constraints.

Councilors thanked Moon for the clear overview and asked questions about timing and next steps. Councilor Sykes asked whether staff had an EV fleet transition plan; Moon said federal grant support exists to develop a zero‑emission fleet transition strategy and staff would continue to pursue that work.

What’s next: Staff recommended further work on Chapter 6 refinements and potential EV procurement guidance; council asked staff to keep the council informed and to coordinate with fleet and finance teams on feasibility.