Washington County, Portland Real Estate Goes Green
Consumers have had the wake-up call they needed. We're starting to feel the penny pinch in fuel and food costs, forcing us to become more aware of how our own consumption habits affect the environment. We want cleaner air, cleaner lakes, energy efficient Portland real estate and sustainable practices.
New office buildings going up around the city are employing LEED standards in the pre-construction phase. "Sustainable" Portland real estate includes things like natural lighting with large windows, energy efficient appliances and light fixtures, renewable building materials, effective waste disposal, responsible landscaping processes and air circulation systems.
Employers are also finding ways to save the environment, as well as create a positive impression with consumers: they place recycle bins at work stations, make double-sided photocopies, use non-disposable dishware, use Energy Star appliances, use laptops and inkjet printers, install light dimmers and unplug power strips at night. This is a great way for businesses to save money, enhance the work environment and attract customers, says Alexis Allan from Washington County's "Recycle at Work" program.
At Bethany Village Portland real estate, retail stores, restaurants, residences and offices have streetlights that turn on automatically, as well as energy efficient light bulbs, water heaters and showerheads. Since they are "the nucleus of the city," they want to set a good example, managers say.
At Ticor Title Insurance offices scattered throughout Portland real estate, "every employee has a hot button they care about – organic produce, waste reduction, biking to work," says Kimberly Allen, a senior escrow officer. "It has given us a common goal and a safe place to think about something bigger than ourselves, and so when we can connect on that level we actually are more productive, we feel more involved, and we feel more empowered." Here they avoid disposables, buy renewable power, recycle at their work stations, keep coffee table books rather than magazines in their lobby, use recycled paper and replaced light fixtures.
Additionally, Vernier Software uses roof top solar panels to generate 115 kilowatts of electricity each day (enough to power 38 PCs for eight hours, a clothes dryer for 29 hours or 115 40-watt light bulbs for the day!) They also recycle 75% of their waste, plant trees, use mercury fluorescent lights, use water-saving dual-flush toilets and have a bike room / shower for cyclists.