From PacificPower.net: Customers might be surprised to learn that beneath the Oregon Convention Center’s (OCC) distinctive twin spires that define part of Portland’s iconic skyline lays a large-scale rooftop solar system – funded in part by Blue Sky participants. The largest venue of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, drawing events and visitors from around the world, also draws energy from the sun to generate approximately 25 percent of its electricity onsite. In addition, the OCC has supported Blue Sky renewable energy since 2003, supporting nearly 700,000 blocks of Blue Sky! Recently they signed on as one of the first participants in our new Blue Sky Select option.
More recently it’s the carpet inside that is creating quite a buzz.
As part of the OCC’s renovation, 110 tons of old, dated carpet was torn out and will be recycled and re-purposed. The padding will by remade into new carpet padding. And the carpet itself will be headed to our neighbors up north to help keep the Puget Sound cleaner and safer. The new carpet going in is made out of recycled materials and is recyclable too.
Also, as part of its remodel, the OCC is putting in high-tech lighting that senses natural daylight and automatically dims, which will dramatically cut down on energy use.
All this is in addition to the Blue Sky blocks they purchase to match 100 percent of their electric use through the new Blue Sky Select option for large businesses. It’s no wonder they were recently recertified as a LEED Platinum building by the US Green Building Council. OCC is one of only two convention centers in the United States to hold that distinction and continues a Portland tradition of achieving the highest levels of sustainable practice.
We love this sustainability story and love being able to help them achieve their sustainability goals. And we want to be a part and share your story as well. If you’ve got a good story to share, please email bluesky@pacificorp.com, we’d love to hear it!
About the Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a sustainably operated LEED® Platinum facility that hosts groups from around the world and brings millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.