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here's
more than one way to remodel a building. At One Pacific Square, NW
Natural is choosing the way that will be most beneficial to the
environment while still meeting employee needs. |
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TO
SUM IT UP
Sandi Hart's
move team
makes the
downtown
remodel
earth friendly. |
More than 400 NW Natural employees on eight floors of OPS are
being moved around during the 18-month remodel. The gigantic
makeover has all the complexity of a military maneuver, yet
despite the "carpet wars"-a minor skirmish over color
choices-space planning and design work are nearly complete. |
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The company is going beyond issues of good looks
and efficiency to assure that its new high-performance workplace
reflects the wise use of natural resources. |
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The team managing the remodel is dedicated to
making informed choices and creating a "green" workplace that is safer
and healthier for employees, beneficial to the community and gentler
on the environment.
Peter Alto, architect at Group Mackenzie, says his
firm's design philosophy is totally in sync with NW Natural's desire
for an earth-friendly remodel.
"The key strategy for the remodel is to balance space
efficiencies, visual appeal, cost effectiveness and environmental
factors," said Alto. That translates into reusing existing
infrastructure like the glass walls around the former executive
offices, choosing non-toxic substances and incorporating recycled
materials wherever possible, even in the accent on the ceramic tile.
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Risk Environment and
Land Manager Sandi Hart, in charge of the OPS remodel, plans her
way through a jungle of environmental options. |
Environment and Land. "Energy efficiency reduces
costs; The downtown remodel follows the City of Portland's guide
for green tenant improvements. Design strategies address HVAC
(heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems,
accessibility, low glare and natural lighting, sound quality,
energy conservation and the use of materials that are recycled,
rapidly renewable or sustainably harvested, such as lumber.
Such improvements are not only the right thing to
do from an environmental standpoint; they also benefit the bottom
line. |
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"It makes sense for the earth and it makes sense
for business," says Sandi Hart, NW Natural's Manager of Risk
Environment and Land. "Energy efficiency reduces costs;
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E N V I R O N M E N T
A L R E M O D E L
S C O R E C A R
D |
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Recyclables |
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97 percent of the 2.83
tons of material removed from OPS thus far has been recycled. This
includes plastic, wood, metal, cardboard and paper, concrete, dirt
and residual waste. It includes metal studs, ceiling grids,
doorframes and doors, ductwork, baseboards, paneling and cardboard
products. |
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About 3,200 pounds of
the old broadloom and carpet tile has been donated to Central City
Concern, a low-income housing organization. Credenza and cabinet
tops have also been donated to Central City. |
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Some office supplies
that are no longer needed have been donated to public schools. |
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New Materials and Design Elements |
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New materials being used
in the remodel, such as adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpets,
have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content. |
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Many of the materials
include recycled content, such as the backing used in the carpet
and ceramic tiles. |
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Some of the new chairs
are made of 41 percent recycled material and are 99 percent
recyclable. |
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Use of natural light is
being maximized. |
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Workstations will have
optimum energy-efficient task lighting. |
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The open office layout
at the perimeter affords expanded outside views and daylight. |
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The previous
energy-efficient lighting fixtures and occupancy-based controls
are being reused. |
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The existing HVAC system
has been recalibrated to operate at peak efficiency, which should
save about 1 percent of heating/cooling energy. |
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The new spaces will have
state-of-the-art diffusers to improve air distribution and flow.
Rezoning of the HVAC system will increase comfort and is expected
to save an additional 2 percent of heating/cooling energy. |
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New energy-efficient
HVAC systems in the computer rooms will reduce maintenance and are
expected to save 10 percent of the cooling energy needed for these
rooms.
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recycling reduces the impact on landfills; and using non-toxic
paints, carpet, and fabrics keeps everyone healthier and
eliminates disposal issues. Plus, it doesn't cost a premium to
choose from all the attractive products that manufacturers are
making more environmentally friendly.
When the dust finally settles and
people walk across the new carpet, pull down the new shades, and
sit on the new chairs, they'll know that beyond the eye appeal and
increased comfort, the OPS remodel will have made a significant
contribution to a smart workplace and a more sustainable society. |
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