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The "living building" concept took this project to its highest possible environmental level and served as a demonstration
project, highlighting how a small, non-profit organization implements sustainable building practices using recycled and donated
materials. The project also demonstrated how a small non-profit can create a living building composed of cargo containers,
salvage glass and recycled construction materials using 50% to 70% recycled technology. The point of the renovation was
to have a NetZero impact on the environment. The project was one of two federal EPA grants awarded in Oregon in 2008 and has
attracted local and national attention from governmental agencies that assisted with environmental testing, water retention
processes, and landscape design. The City of Portland Environmental Services Department awarded the project a grant to test
the site for brownfield residue; those tests cleared the site for construction.
The June Key Delta Community Center pursued the Living Building
Challenge and met its stringent requirements, the highlights of which included:
- The brown field was transformed into a productive urban garden.
- Net-zero energy was consumed.
- Storm water was to be stored, processed to potable standards, and used onsite. Black
water effluent was ti be treated and infiltrated on site.
- Only non-toxic, sensitively sourced and recycled materials were installed.
- Equitable hiring and training opportunities were created throughout construction.
The June Key Delta Community Center not only led the way in owning one of the first grassroots
and African American owned "living building." Because of the professionally developed sustainablle design, it is hoped
that a wider range of stakeholders in future "green" projects will be inspired to follow the center's lead.
THE LEADERSHIP AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM INCLUDED:
CHRIS POOLE-JONES, Project Director
Patricia Dickerson, Co-Project Coordinator
Architect: Mark Nye, Principal
Nye Architecture LLC
Colas Construction: Hermann Colas, CEO/Andrew J. Colas, President
Alarm Track: Harold J. Brookins
Oregon Electric Group: Alec Mesdag, LEED AP, Project Manager
Verde Landscaping: Alan Hipolito
APPRENTICE PROGRAMS:
Oregon TradesWomen Apprentice Program
Connie Ashbrook, Executive Director
Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Pat Daniels, Executive Director
Verde Landscaping
Alan Hipolito
Portland Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS INCLUDE:
- Energy Trust of Oregon
- Environmental Services - City of Portland
- Intl. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Portland Development Commission
- Spirit Mountain Community Fund
- The Re-Building Center Projgram
- U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
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