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Environmentally conscious historic preservation

Models Project Information
Proj ID: 

Model05

Proj Subject: 

Environmentally conscious historic preservation

Proj Name: 

Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center (commonly known as the Ecotrust building)

Proj Purpose: 

To create a space for socially responsible organizations and businesses through a “green restoration” project (i.e., conversion of an historic industrial building using environmentally sustainable principles) and in so doing, to encourage a “conservation economy”

Proj Time Frame: 

Three years Ecotrust bought the land and building in 1998. Design and planning took place until 1999 when construction began. The building was completed and opened to the public in September 2001.

Proj Method & Activities: 

The building was selected for its location along the main transportation grid of Portland, thus, making transportation and access environmentally friendly. Construction made use of natural materials (often salvaged or reclaimed) and where new lumber was needed, sustainably harvested wood was sourced. The interiors were designed using recycled material and energy-saving strategies (for natural lighting and ventilation) were implemented throughout the structure. The Center boasts of an ecoroof (a vegetated roof) with systems for filtering rainwater and landscaping is cared for through self-sufficient irrigation systems, thereby conserving water. Ninety-eight percent of the construction debris produced was later recycled. The façade of the original warehouse (built in 1895) was maintained and 70,000 square feet of commercial space (for office, retail and events use) was created. Tenants are non-profit organizations, private businesses and government agencies that comply with the principles of sustainable development (e.g., sustainable forestry, farming, fishing, green construction), exhibit corporate social responsibility (i.e., encourage fai rtrade sourcing, community building, socially responsible investing and financial services) or emphasize the use of “natural capital” in their business practices (i.e., using knowledge, creativity and ingenuity towards economic sustainability). Aside from serving as office space, the building houses a conference/resource center and public spaces for exhibits/events, restaurants. Green Building Tours of the three-storey building are also offered.

Models Coverage
Location: 

Pearl District, Portland, Oregon

Models Financing
Funding Agency: 

Total cost: US$ 12.4 million Private funds were used to purchase the land and building (US$ 2.5 million; with a grant coming from Jean Vollum, founding member of Ecotrust). US$ 12.4 million was spent on development and construction.

Models Organization
Mod Org Name: 

Ecotrust (a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve the salmon ecosystem)

Org Project Director: 

Bettina Von Hagen

Org Resources: 

Ecotrust has an operating budget of $6.5 million and a staff of 40 people (seven in the senior management team). On this renovation project, it worked with the Heritage Consulting Group (as Developer), Holst Architecture, Walsh Construction Co. (as Contractor), Interface Engineering (a mechanical and electrical engineering firm familiar with sustainable design and energy conservation practices), landscape artists and structural engineers.

Org Mailing Address: 

Ecotrust 721 NW 9th Ave, Suite 200 Portland, Oregon 97209 United States

Models Outcome
Material Type: 

Renovation of an historic industrial building and the creation of commercial space

Models Evaluation
Status: 

The Center has received numerous awards. In 2001, it was the first building to receive an award for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED Gold Rating) from the U.S. Green Building Council for historic renovation. It has also received an Earth Advantage Green Certification (2001) from Portland General Electric, the BEST award from the Office of Sustainable Development, City of Portland and a Renewable Power Award from Portland General Electric. The Center is touted as a “21st century conservation economy marketplace”.

Selection Criteria & Results of Initiative: 

Fine example of the marriage of environmental conservation and historic rehabilitation (using a low-impact design) The renovation project has inspired other organizations to be more conservation oriented – in terms of adaptive reuse of existing buildings as well as by “building green” (e.g., Portland Center Stage). Rent paid by other tenants in the building generates income for Ecotrust. The creation of this commercial space brings together like-minded organizations and presents a clear identity/image to consumers.

Applicability to Philippine Setting: 

A similar initiative can be attempted by targeting NGOs, POs, non-profit businesses and, where possible, government agencies and government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that lease office space. Emphasis on the use of natural materials in design can financially benefit local suppliers of raw materials while at the same time making them more aware of and training them in environmentally sustainable construction.

Possible Benefits: 

Encourage greater collaboration among non-profit organizations and GOCCs who share the same office space. Such a project would serve as a sustainable, income-generating activity for the property-owning organization.

Links: 
Environmentally conscious historic preservation