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An environmentally friendly building in Old Town has become Portland’s first so-called Living Building and the 35th such project internationally.
An environmentally friendly building in Old Town has become Portland’s first “living building” and the 35th such project internationally.
The International Living Future Institute awarded its living building certification to the PAE Living Building, according to ZGF Architects, which said the accolade means it “meets the world’s most rigorous sustainability standard and is among the most resilient projects in the world.”
The PAE Living Building is five stories and 58,000 square feet. A group including engineering firm PAE, Edlen & Co., Downtown Development Group, Apex Real Estate Partners and ZGF built the structure at 151 S.W. First Ave.
The testing period is rigorous, requiring a year after the building is occupied to measure its performance. During that time, the building must prove it is net-positive for energy and water.
According to ZGF, “Over the performance period, the PAE Living Building generated 113% of the energy needed to power the entire building from onsite and offsite solar panels. This exceeds the LBC requirement of 105%. It also collected and treated 100% of water needed for all building functions, including drinking water.”
Paul Schwer, the president emeritus of PAE who envisioned the project, said in a news release, “Our building shows that sustainable, replicable solutions for our environment are not only achievable, but favorable for everyone, from our community to our investors. This project meets the climate goals of our state and our country 30 years ahead of schedule.”
“The developer-led model is important for its replicability,” added Jill Sherman, co-founder of Edlen & Co. “The majority of the buildings that get built are by private development, and investors want a return on their investment. The PAE Living Building is financed with debt and equity like other market-rate buildings, demonstrating that similar projects are technically possible and financially viable.”
Metro architects
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