Opinion: Building resilience is part of Oregon's role in climate-ready infrastructure
In the past year alone, extreme weather has tested our nation’s infrastructure to its breaking point. Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville, North Carolina. Atmospheric rivers and wildfires ravaged the West Coast. In my home state of Oregon, an ice storm at the beginning of the year left thousands without power.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability to extreme weather patterns intensified by climate change. While federal leadership retreats from climate goals, Oregon stands firm in its commitment to emissions reduction — not just to mitigate future disasters, but to help communities withstand them.
Oregon recognizes what my 35 years in architecture and sustainability have taught me: As extreme weather events intensify, addressing building resilience and net zero goals in tandem creates a powerful approach that protects human lives while reducing emissions. Resilience, efficiency and sustainability are closely linked — but often treated separately. Net zero buildings with on-site energy are far more resilient during disasters when power outages can turn deadly.
By pairing resilience upgrades with energy efficiency improvements, projects can deliver immediate returns, making resilience a smart investment rather than just a future expense.
This integrated strategy ensures community survival and maintains economic continuity in the face of escalating natural disasters throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
I've witnessed firsthand how resilient, net zero buildings can transform communities. When I advised on the pre-design direction of the Oregon State Treasury building, the facility responsible for keeping the state financially operational, we incorporated earthquake resistance, daylight HVAC systems and battery storage. The result: a USRC Platinum-certified, net zero facility that provides both security and a healthy work environment. This project exemplifies Oregon’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure, which is gaining further momentum at the policy level.
The Oregon Legislature is now considering an update to the Oregon Resilience Plan (House Bill 2581) that would expand beyond earthquake preparedness to address multiple natural hazards and climate change impacts. This approach could position Oregon as a national model for integrated resilience and climate planning, which couldn’t be more timely given the accelerating infrastructure challenges facing our nation.
Our current infrastructure crisis is undeniable. Power outages from extreme weather are increasing nationwide, with potentially deadly consequences. In January alone, a historic cold front left 189,000 Americans without power. Hurricane Beryl caused 36 deaths in Texas and left millions in darkness. These failures cascade through essential services — disrupting water supplies, transportation networks and emergency response systems. Hospitals and first responders can’t function effectively without reliable infrastructure, delaying life-saving care when it's needed most.
The root of this vulnerability lies in aging systems ill-equipped for new challenges. Most U.S. infrastructure was built decades ago for different climate conditions and population densities. Traditional systems weren't designed to withstand the hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves now accelerated by climate change. In the Pacific Northwest specifically, changing precipitation patterns are reducing snowpack while extreme events like droughts, floods and heat waves occur with increasing frequency. And Oregon, which is especially at risk of flooding, will experience greater erosion and property damage.
Despite all of this, there is a pathway forward. Net zero buildings offer a powerful solution that addresses both climate mitigation and adaptation. These structures are designed not only for sustainability but also to protect residents during power outages, flooding and other climate-related disasters. Their tight building enclosures enhance insulation and air sealing, minimizing energy loss while improving indoor comfort. By incorporating renewable energy systems, these buildings reduce emissions while providing crucial energy independence. During grid failures, they can maintain power for vital services like hospitals and government operations. They can also support neighboring buildings, creating resilience hubs within communities.
Energy-efficient designs also significantly reduce maintenance and utility expenses over time. Buildings with resilience features attract more buyers, tenants, and investors, increasing market value regardless of whether disaster strikes.
Oregon has the opportunity to lead the nation in climate resilience. By maintaining our commitment to clean energy, investing in infrastructure and prioritizing climate action, we can build stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities. It's time for citizens, businesses and policymakers to unite behind this vision and make Oregon a beacon of hope in the fight for a resilient future.
Alan Scott of Southeast Portland, is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, LEED fellow, a LEED accredited professional, and is the director of sustainability at Intertek's Building Science Solutions team. He is an adviser to the Global Network for Zero. With more than 35 years of experience in architecture and sustainability in North and South America, he has been working with the LEED rating system since the pilot version launched in 1998, where he led a study for the city of Portland.