Stewards of Oregon’s Natural Beauty
Something about the hushed beauty of Crater Lake, the tranquil emerald expanse of Multnomah Falls, or the breathtakiing sight of the Painted Hills just punches you right in the heart and reminds you how gorgeous our state is. Over time, we Oregonians have evolved to understand the importance of preserving our state’s natural beauty, and it’s a passion we’ve turned towards the building industry. Sustainable building practices aren’t just a buzzword here – they’re part of our ethos. They’re as much a part of Oregon as Tillamook cheese, Voodoo Doughnuts, or a hearty “Oregon or Bust” bumper sticker on a beat-up Subaru.
Logging Our Path to Sustainability
Our journey towards pioneering sustainable practices began with our deep roots in the timber industry. Positioned in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, companies like Eugene-based Murphy Company made their name milling the area’s abundant Douglas fir. To this day, the air in the valley is filled with the wholesome scent of cut timber, a constant reminder of our heritage.
To minimize the environmental impact, these early Oregon lumber tycoons began employing sustainable forestry practices, balancing tree harvesting with thoughtful replanting. They appreciated our state’s natural beauty and understood that ensuring its continuity was good not only for the environment but also for business, laying the foundation of our ethos. So, it’s no wonder Oregon emerged as a leader in “green” building, marrying our robust timber industry with our preservationist tendencies.
Building Green, the Oregon Way
Oregon building companies have long been incorporating sustainable practices into their portfolio. Take, for instance, Portland-based Hammer & Hand. Their projects, like the Pumpkin Ridge Passive House in North Plains, demonstrate a perfect blend of energy-efficient design and stunning construction. Not far from Portland Rose Garden, this house emits a meager ten percent of the carbon emissions compared to a conventional home. Now that’s some real Rip City innovation!
The state’s commitment to green building extends beyond the private sector. Look no further than the Bullitt Center in Portland, considered one of the greenest commercial buildings in the world. This six-story marvel functions as a living, breathing part of the cityscape, complete with self-sustaining water and energy systems. It’s like its very own microcosm of Oregon’s eco-friendly mindset.
The Influence of Oregon’s Weather
Our unique Oregon weather has also influenced our passion for sustainable building practices. We’ve endured our fair share of “Liquid Sunshine”—from the drizzle-soaked coast to the soggy valleys, dealing with damp is practically our state sport. This prevalent moisture has led us to pioneer myriad techniques to combat mold, mildew, and other banes of the damp climate. When you build in Oregon, weather resistance is not just a bonus, it’s a necessity.
On the flip side, over in the High Desert’s scorching summers, buildings are designed to stay cool in the blistering sun. Houses are often built with inviting outdoor spaces like courtyards and rare shade-providing trees to capitalize on the arid climate.
The Future of Sustainable Building in Oregon
With stricter eco-building codes on the horizon, like those in the Ashland’s Climate and Energy Action Plan, Oregon’s sustainable building practices are only set to grow. An increasing number of renewable energy-powered buildings are popping up in our cities, adding another layer to Oregon’s landscape.
Oregon is much more than the deep-lush forest and wild coastline—though we certainly love those—it’s our commitment to sustainability, making the best use of what nature provides, while attempting to give some back. Because truly, the beauty of Oregon isn’t just for us, but for the generations of Oregonians to come. We’ll continue to pioneer complete green living, one energy-efficient, sustainably built structure at a time.
So, the next time you take a stroll around the neighborhood, be it in Bend, Pendleton, Ashland, or any other corner of the state, take a moment to appreciate how these buildings harmonize with our natural landscapes. And maybe let it encourage you to explore the many ways you too can contribute to the beautiful, sustainable legacy of Oregon. That way, there’s always a bright, more sustainable future awaiting every Oregon trail’s end.