Home › News ›

Government Plans Vertical Garden on Portland Skyscraper

Posted by: Tim Halbur
Thanks to: Rebecca Sanborn Stone
1 February 2010 - 1:00pm

As part of a $133 million renovation of a federal building in Portland, the Government Services Administration plans to add 200-foot high "vegetated fins" that will carpet the building with plants and - hopefully - energy savings.

Architects claim the vegetated wall will block out summer heat and let in winter light to produce substantial cost and energy savings. When combined with solar panels, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and rainwater usage, the high-rise is predicted to use 60-65% less energy than comparable buildings and could save $280,000 annually in energy costs.

Not everyone is a fan of the proposal: despite the fact that it would be one of the most efficient high-rises in the world, a number of critics say the price tag is staggering for a renovation and the cost per square foot could be higher than that of some new, energy efficient projects.

Full Story: In Portland, Going Green and Growing Vertical in a Bid for Energy Savings
Source: New York Times, January 30, 2010
»
Bookmark and Share
“
One of the keys to regional and local prosperity is the ability to attract and retain high-skilled people. ... Many people can, and do, choose where they want to live based on factors beyond their ability to make a living.
”