In April 2005, the City Council passed a policy requiring all city constructed buildings to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard for energy efficiency. The Water Bureau recently finished the City of Portland’s first LEED Gold Certified Building by renovating its Interstate Meter Shop. The Water Bureau achieved LEED Gold by including the following energy efficient elements in the renovation’s design:
Recycling 95% of construction waste was recycled during the renovation of the building, which equals 635 tons of waste diverted from a landfill.
Solar Panels - A 12-kilowatt photovoltaic system provides 8 to 10% of the building’s normal electric load. Generating solar electricity on-site reduces energy costs and lowers the building’s carbon emissions.
Energy-Efficient Lighting and HVAC Systems reduces energy use in the building 35 to 45% beyond normal building code requirements.
The Energy Star-Rated Roof is white to reduce heat absorption. The white roof keeps the building cool in the summer, reducing the energy used for cooling.
Radiant Heating in the shop area provides efficient heating of a large open space and automatically turns off when the garage doors are open.
Recycled Testing Water – The water used to test water meters is recycled, reducing water use by 50%.
Solar Hot Water System provides 100% of the energy needed to heat water in the building for half of the year.
Light Sensors automatically dim the interior lights base on the amount of natural light available.
The new LEED Certified meter shop provides a healthier work environment for Water Bureau employees. Strategically placed operable windows and skylights improve ventilation and allow daylight to shine into the workspace. Building materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were used for occupant health and safety. A heavy-duty air filter removes pollution, viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold, and dust from the indoor environment. Bike parking and a locker room with showers are available for bicycle commuters.
This project was a first step in what will be a series of improvements to facilities at the Water Bureau’s Interstate Facility, which is more than 60 years old and has fallen into disrepair.
