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.
Thanks to Rebecca Sanborn Stone
FULL STORY: In Portland, Going Green and Growing Vertical in a Bid for Energy Savings
What Makes Affordable Housing Green?
There's no one way to determine what makes “green” housing. Here's a breakdown of the standards and considerations used by the affordable housing industry.
Mississippi Opens Its First Utility-Scale Wind Farm
The 184-megawatt wind project will help supply power to Amazon’s growing data center operations and logistics hubs in the region.
Michigan Proposal to Attract Data Centers Garners Criticism
The state legislature is poised to pass a law that would bring more data centers to the state, but critics say the move would threaten the state’s climate goals.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective
Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners