Green Building and Innovation

Good for the Environment, our Residents and our Bottom Line

Green Building

Green building promotes the economic, environmental and social health of the community. Green buildings incorporate renewable or energy-efficient, cost-saving practices and sustainable materials. REACH is committed to green building because it is better for our residents and the community, and it makes economic sense for affordable housing.  It reduces operations and maintenance costs and lowers residents’ utility bills. REACH started incorporating green building in 1994 and we now develop all our projects with sustainable features. REACH is a member of the National Green Building Council.

Station Place Tower

Station Place Tower’s large scale and prime location among high-end condominiums allowed REACH to take advantage of innovative systems, local green building expertise and funding from local government sustainability programs. Station Place Tower’s success has inspired interest from all over the world.

Station Place Tower includes the largest rainwater harvesting and reuse system for a residential building in the City of Portland. This stormwater management system is a model for future public and private projects developed in Portland and throughout the United States. Station Place Tower received the City of Portland’s BEST Award for the Stormwater Management System in 2005. Rainwater Harvesting at SPT (pdf)

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33rd & Powell Rowhouses

In 2006 REACH completed six row houses for first-time home buyers in Southeast Portland. The green building practices include use of non-toxic materials, native plantings, dual flush toilets and small eco-roofs.  The combination of a hydronic heat system, tankless water heater and a SIPS (Structured Insulated Panels) roof creates a very energy-efficient water and air heating system that keeps energy bills low. One of these homes was included in the 2006 Build it Green Tour, sponsored by the Portland Office of Sustainable Development. Click here for more information on the 33rd and Powell Rowhouses (pdf)

“I was really surprised and pleased that my gas/heating bill for December was about $60,”
~ Sally Trebeck, homeowner of a 2-bedroom row house.

Innovation

REACH is always looking for ways to improve the quality of our building to in turn improve the quality of life of our residents and the quality of our neighborhoods.  With strong partnerships, resourceful financing and a clear vision for the future, we continue to lead the way in affordable housing in Portland. Please click the following links for examples of our work.