The Green Gerrit of Oregon
I doubt there’s a single part of this great ol’ state of Oregon that doesn’t overflow with the spirit of sustainability. We sip our microbrews while chatting about renewable energy, hike the scenic Multnomah falls discussing recycling, even dipping into our famous Tillamook cheese balls at the local farmer’s market somehow sparks talk of green architecture. Let’s dive into how Oregon became a flourishing forest in the land of sustainable building practices.
Roots in Reverence
Oregon’s connection to nature has a history as deep and rich as the soil nestled within the Siskiyou Wilderness itself. Native tribes of the Beaver State, such as the Chinook and Takelma, were tending to the forests, rivers, coastlines, and plains long before the Oregon Trail made its mark. Their traditional practices were sustainable by necessity, establishing the core of an ethos that our state has never quite shaken off.
Perhaps, this is the secret to Oregon’s leadership in green architecture and sustainable building practices. We’ve gotten rather good at honoring our roots (and enthusiastically planting new ones) in a bid to give back to the land what we take from it.
With a Little Nudge from Necessity
Folks ask us how we handle the long, rainy winters here, to which we chuckle and reply, “It’s called a sturdy roof, good insulation, and an appreciation for the sound of rainfall.” It’s true though, our Portland drizzles and Bend blizzards have pushed us to get creative with our building styles. The love for the environment, a dash of necessity, and an innate Oregonian flair for innovation is the perfect recipe for sustainable building practices.
Enter Solar Oregon, a non-profit committed to advancing solar energy usage statewide and transforming our residential building practices. And let’s not forget Indow, a gem of a local business, has paved the way for sustainable living with their thermal window inserts, helping us conserve heat and enjoy those rainy atmospheres even more.
A Symphony of Sustainability
The green building concept has now seeped into every nook and cranny of Oregon’s architecture and design, each innovation singing a harmonious melody of sustainability.
Eugene’s Ecological Building Network was key to introducing straw-bale construction in Oregon. Our brothers and sisters upriver at Astoria know all about this; the oldest continuously occupied straw-bale residence in the world, the exclamatory Hay House!, remains nestled in this charming coastal town. Meanwhile, down in Salem, we see a surge of passive houses that offer dramatic energy savings and stellar indoor air quality; a real treat in our pollen-filled spring season.
Then comes Portland, which isn’t just famous for Powell’s City of Books or that unpretentious Voodoo Doughnut lineup. In Portland, green roofs, also known as ecoroofs, have become part of the cityscape. 4th Avenue building’s twin towers, covered in lush vegetation, prevent stormwater runoff and reduce heat in the summertime, leaving the city’s air cleaner and our ice cream cones—like those from Salt & Straw—less likely to melt prematurely.
Future Grizzly Bears: Sustaining Our Sustainable Mission
Oregon remains steadfast and forward-thinking in its sustainable mission, like a grizzly bear focused on finding that honey. A commitment to becoming a net-zero energy-ready state by 2030 only highlights the vigor with which Oregon tackles sustainability.
Yet, Oregon’s role as an ecological pioneer isn’t just due to an agenda. It’s an intrinsic part of our Oregonian DNA – a piece of home. Living sustainably isn’t a chore but a source of pride. That’s what happens when you make green living as much a part of your daily repertoire as jamming at the Pickathon Music Festival or picnicking at Crater Lake.
So, keep your eyes on the Beaver State, because there’s plenty more green innovation on the horizon. Who knows? You might just find that contagious Oregonian enthusiasm spurring you onwards into your very own efforts to build and live sustainably, no matter where you call home.