Oregon’s Green Thumb for Sustainable Buildings
Lucky for us in the Pacific Northwest, nature abounds. From the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge to the lush Willamette Valley, Oregon has long been the envy of eco-minded folks far and wide. Especially those in concrete jungles, coveting our evergreen forests and sparkling rivers like the Rogue and the Umpqua.
In the heart of all this splendor, it’s no surprise we Oregonians take sustainability seriously – whether it involves food, transportation, or our built environment. Heck, our state motto could very much be “keep it green, keep it clean”, if it weren’t already the much-loved “Alis volat propriis” which means “She flies with her own wings.”
Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Oregon’s journey towards sustainable building didn’t happen overnight. Our embrace of this had a lot to do with our typical Oregonian values. Love for nature? Check. High value on community? Check. Curiosity combined with a dash of rebelliousness? Double check. Ecology and economy neatly entwined in our DNA, we’ve paved the way to sustainability with the innovative minds of local businesses, forward-thinking government policies, and every Oregonian’s fierce commitment to our natural treasure.
Our collective efforts hit pay dirt in the late 70s and early 80s when Oregon was ahead of its time, crafting forward-thinking legislation like the Oregon Bottle Bill and land use policies. Through these, we set out to protect our precious beauty, choosing to live in harmony with our lands and seas, rather than merely exploiting them.
The ECO Logic of Sustainable Building
Over time, pioneering local businesses rose to meet the sustainability challenge. Take Neil Kelly Company or Earth Advantage. Neil Kelly, a veritable institution since the 50s, revolutionized home improvement with a commitment to environmentally conscious build and design. And Earth Advantage, where else but in Oregon, cranked it up a notch using science and data-driven approaches to certify green homes, buildings, and communities.
Public bodies like Energy Trust of Oregon and the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability played leading roles too, with progressive programs nudging us to consider energy-efficient options and to view buildings as liveables, not just consumables.
A Green Building for Every Oregonian
Year upon year, Oregon’s commitment to sustainable building practices saw us implement the Green Building Program and the famous Earth Advantage Homes program. We watched how once sleepy hollows, like the Pearl District in Portland, transformed into bustling communities filled with renovated warehouses and eco-efficient condos. We admired, with a knowing nod and a cup of Stumptown coffee in hand, new schools like Rosa Parks Elementary and multiple facilities at Lane Community College championing sustainable designs.
Passive-Haus designs squares became a common sight in Eastmoreland and Laurelhurst, making Portland one of the top cities for energy-efficient homes. Eugene followed suit, scooping the title for having the most LEED-certified buildings per capita. And let’s not forget Bend, where tiny house living has gone from being hipster to mainstream.
The Impact of Oregon’s Green Building Practices
The impact of our green building practices reflects in our day-to-day life. It’s right there in the typically misty Oregon weather, that bit less gloomy due to reduced smog levels. It’s felt in the snug warmth of an energy-efficient home during the long, wet winters. And it’s seen in the gradually healing landscapes of our beloved state.
Of course, like a summer at Crater Lake, it hasn’t always been perfect. Challenges with labor costs or concerns over gentrification tried to pour cold Tillamook cream on our enthusiasm. Yet, as true Oregonians, we pressed on, knowing that when you love something, you fight for it.
Pushing the Boundaries and Pioneering Further
Today, Oregon isn’t resting on its green laurels. We’re pushing the boundaries of sustainability to an exciting future with net-zero energy construction and innovative use of green materials, like our famous locally-sourced Douglas Fir.
In fact, the University of Oregon’s ZEB building– a Net-Zero energy marvel is lighting the way. Meanwhile, eco-towns like Pringle Creek Community in Salem are unfolding new chapters on sustainable living.
We’ve achieved an awful lot, yet our beloved Beaver State can and will achieve more, expanding its trails, just like the ones at Multnomah Falls or the Historic Columbia River Highway beyond our wildest green dreams. Growth and innovation woven together just like our prized Pendleton blankets, keeping Mother Nature, and us Oregonians, warm and safe.
So here’s to you, Oregon. For leading the nation in sustainable building practices and showing us all how to fly with our own wings towards a sustainable future.