Portland delgation to seek federal funds for sustainability center

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Artist rendering of the Oregon Sustainability Center

A delegation of Oregon civic leaders will head to Washington, D.C. next week in an effort to seek federal help in financing the proposed $120 million Oregon Sustainability Center.

The effort will include Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel; Nancy Hamilton, Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s economic development policy director; and Janet Gagnon, the government relations director for SolarWorld.

The Oregon Sustainability Center is designed to serve both as a model for sustainable building practices and as a hub for sustainable policy development, education, research and entrepreneurship. It is described as a “triple net-zero building,” meaning it has no carbon emissions, generates its own energy, and produces no waste.

The center, to be located near PSU in downtown Portland, is a collaboration between the Oregon University System, the city of Portland, the Portland Development Commission, the Portland Sustainability Institute, and a collection of regional businesses.

The project will be highlighted during a reception Monday evening at the U.S. Green Building Council’s headquarters. The reception is intended to promote Oregon’s role in promoting sustainability to “a group of key influencers” within federal agencies, the White House, foundations, trade groups and other non-government organizations.