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 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM