Oregon Convention Center Achieves LEED Platinum
March 18, 2014
The Oregon Convention Center.
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified, Platinum, from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The OCC is only one of two in the United States to hold that distinction.
“For the Oregon Convention Center to achieve LEED Platinum certification is an extraordinary accomplishment and represents the high value our community places on environmental stewardship,” says Scott Cruickshank, executive director of the Oregon Convention Center. “It’s also a testament to our staff whose years of dedication and commitment toward sustainable practices and responsible building management made this achievement possible.”
For Portland, the award represents the latest green building milestone in a city that has earned a reputation as one of the most sustainable cities in the country. Portland boasts some notable LEED certified buildings — but rare is one with Platinum status that has more than 1 million sf of space and operates 24 hours a day.
Owned and operated by Metro, the regional government agency that promotes sustainable and environmental stewardship across the Portland metropolitan area, the OCC is the largest of its kind in the Northwest at 1 million sf. It was constructed in 1990, before “Green Building” and “LEED” became commonly used terms.
In 2003, 13 years after opening, the convention center expanded its campus by doubling its square footage. During the expansion, the facility also incorporated a number of green features and practices. In 2004, the OCC became the first convention center in the world to be designated LEED Certified. Four years later, the Convention Center reached another pinnacle when it was awarded LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings.
While there is no level higher than LEED Platinum certification, OCC Executive Director Scott Cruickshank says there are more opportunities ahead. “Although this is major accomplishment, we will continue to explore new and innovative ways that the Convention Center can further reduce its carbon footprint and continue to be a role model for the entire convention industry.”