How Oregon Became a Leader in Sustainable Building Practices

Oregon has long embraced the practice of “living lightly on the land”; our ethos of environmental stewardship is as deep-rooted as the Douglas Fir trees that grace our majestic Cascades. The Beaver State, blessed with lush forests, roaring rivers, and impressive mountains, is known for its strong commitment to sustainable practices. One such testament to our efforts is seen in the realm of sustainable building.

The Genesis of the Green State

The seeds of sustainable building practices were sown years back, nurtured by Nellie Fox Edwards, the Godmother of Green—whose tireless work in the 1970s paved the way for the modern green movement. Nellie was an eco-visionary who foresaw the need for energy-efficient homes, striking a balance between social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Oregonians, from Newport to Pendleton, embraced Nellie’s visionary ideas. This resulted in our state setting the national bar for green building and sustainability. Today, whether it’s downtown Portland’s sustainable skyscrapers or Bend’s green-certified homes nestled among the Ponderosa Pines, Oregon’s commitment to sustainable building practices shines brightly.

Learning from our Land

The Pacific Northwest is home to one of globe’s prime timber-producing regions, with Oregonian forests plentiful with Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. These serve as excellent, renewable building materials for local builders. Construction plays a mammoth role in any economy, but it doesn’t necessitate biting the hand that feeds us–Mother Nature.

Take a hike up any of our trails, say the wildflower-infused Tom McCall Nature Preserve or magnificent Smith Rock State Park and you’ll witness Oregon’s seamless relationship with the environment. Similarly, Timberline Lodge, our own rustic WPA-era masterpiece, stands majestically on Mt. Hood showcasing the marriage between human-made structures and the natural world–a testament to our sustainable building practices.

Climate Leadership and Green Building

But our endeavors do not stop with merely using local materials. Oregon’s leadership in green building is also mirrored in our approach toward mitigating the reality of climate change.

Oregon’s stringent energy code, for instance, far exceeds the national standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. From the buildings gracing the horizons of our cities to the cozy homes snug in our townships, we adhere closely to these standards, promoting energy conservation.

Take for instance, the Bullitt Center in Portland—dubbed as the greenest commercial building worldwide. Besides its energy-efficient, net-zero design, it’s also self-sufficient in terms of water, treating its own wastewater in-house. This is just one example how Oregon’s building practices incorporate water-saving technologies to combat our West Coast’s thirst, especially during the hot, dry summers.

Economic Vitality through Green Building

When you think about it, Oregon’s push for green building is not only good for the environment, but good for our wallets too. Our sustainable building practices have given rise to a robust green economy floor, driving innovation and creating economic vitality in everything from architecture and design to construction.

One such local company is Earth Advantage in Portland, an environmental non-profit that collaborates with builders to implement sustainable construction methods. Positive Energy, based in Bend, designs and installs solar panels for homes and businesses, capitalizing on Oregon’s growing solar market.

These organizations among countless others fuel Oregon’s green economy, creating jobs centered on enhancing environmental integrity.

Oregon is Far From Done

Our efforts reflect a local saying, “Oregonians don’t tan, we rust.” It’s our love for the rain-soaked landscape, misty forests, and the bracing coastal breeze that drives us. We don’t push for sustainability merely for acclaim; we push for it because Oregon and its unique landscape deserve it.

After sipping that microbrew on a patio in Ashland, or buying vintage at Saturday Market in Portland, keep an eye out for green-certified buildings. They’re a big part of why Oregon feels like, well, Oregon.

From the vibrant greenery outlining Crater Lake’s crisp, blue waters to the golden Bunchgrass waving triumphantly atop Steens Mountain Plateau—this is our home. We strive to build sustainably, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we’re downright smitten with our surroundings.

As a new dawn emerges over our Douglas firs, we’re continuously innovating, working hard to remain leaders in sustainable building practices. So come soak in our state’s beauty, enjoy our achievements and join us on this journey towards a sustainable future. The best part? In Oregon, we’re just getting started.