Pioneering Net-Zero Building Opens in Unlikely Location

To find Oregon's first energy-neutral building, you'll have to venture 45 minutes outside progressive Portland to the Willamette Valley town of Newberg. There you'll find a first step in an effort to change our physical and cultural environments.

1 minute read

July 24, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Emily Williams


Net-zero building is catching on in America, claims Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan, and with a market predicted to grow to $1.3 trillion, it's a building type worth paying attention to. Apparently the AIA agrees. Architects Hennebery Eddy recently received an AIA Gold Medal for Portland Community College Newberg, which "consumes zero energy from the grid--a remarkable feat for a large, institutional building--and it's providing a roadmap for other architects hoping to achieve elusive net-zero ratings," writes Campbell-Dollaghan.

Hennebery Eddy's 13,500-square-foot building - seen as a precedent-setting "flagship project" - is the first, crucial step in an effort to build one of the country's first net-zero campuses. The school uses no air conditioning, relying only on passive ventilation, and is connected to bike and bus lanes to promote alternative transportation and reduce carbon emissions.

Overcoming the technological challenges may be the easy part in developing net-zero buildings. It's the "cultural and behavioral changes that go beyond architecture" - such as getting used to hot summers without AC - that may take some time to catch on.

Monday, July 23, 2012 in Fast Company

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

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.