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 to 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 sustainable design, it is hoped that a wider range of stakeholders in future "green" projects will be inspired to follow the center's lead. To follow the site’s solar power production, please click here.

THE CONSTRUCTION TEAM INCLUDED:

Architect: Mark Nye, Principal
Nye Architecture LLC
mnye@nyearchitecture.com

Colas Construction: Hermann Colas,

CEO/Andrew J. Colas, President
www.colasconstruction.com

Alarm Track: Harold J. Brookins
alarmtracks@comcast.net

Oregon Electric Group: Alec Mesdag,

LEED AP, Project Manager
a.mesdag@oregon-electric.com

Verde Landscaping: Alan Hipolito
alan@verdenw.org
www.verdenw.org

APPRENTICE PROGRAMS:
Oregon TradesWomen Apprentice Program
Connie Ashbrook, Executive Director
connie@tradeswomen.net

Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Pat Daniels, Executive Director
patd@constructinghope.com

Verde Landscaping
Alan Hipolito
www.verdenw.org

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 Rebuilding Center Program
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency