News

The First LEED Platinum Aquatic Center in the Western United States

Portland, Oregon, December 17, 2009

Residents of Portland, Oregon can now officially boast they have the first "green" swimming pool in the western US to receive LEED Platinum recognition. The new aquatics center at East Portland Community Center (EPCC), has formally received the LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Brightworks, the LEED and sustainability consultant to the project, received notice of the certification earlier this month.

The East Portland Community Center in Portland, OR

“We are exceptionally pleased to have been part of a team that created such an innovative, water and energy efficient facility for all Portlanders to use,” said Nicole Isle, Brightworks project lead for the EPCC. “It really is a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainability and the health of our community.”

"This recognition furthers Portland’s reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leader in sustainable building practices," said Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. "Swimming in this state-of-the-art aquatics center will not only be healthy for us, but healthy for our environment, as well."

The EPCC aquatics center features one of Portland's largest solar arrays, while reducing energy use by up to 74 percent and water use by 54 percent over national standards. An innovative spa water reuse system also prevents 1,700 gallons per week from entering the sewer system, while an advanced pool filtration system will save at least one million gallons of water a year.

Among the features which lifted the pool to LEED Platinum status:

• Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels that generate 15% of the community center’s energy needs and include a solar hot water heating used to preheat water for showers
• 100% of storm water is retained and treated on-site
• 30% potable water savings from low flow showers with metered controls, and low flow faucets
• Innovative pool filters significantly reduce the chlorine needed to treat the water and reduce the amount of water used by as much as one million gallons annually
• Structural materials used as finish materials throughout, reduce the material usage by 25% when compared to a typical building
• Heat recovered from air exhausted from the pool is used to heat the pool water
• Light monitors facing north and south maximize natural illumination and reduce energy used by electric lighting by 60%
• Diversion of over 95% of construction waste from landfill through extensive recycling

In addition, the pool is also be a friendly, inviting place for children and people using wheelchairs. A zero depth entry allows a gently sloping access for those who need it to safely enter the water.

About Brightworks

Brightworks is an award-winning sustainability and green building consulting firm with offices in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Brightworks helps clients save money while helping the planet, with over 90 active projects and 50 completed projects nationwide and internationally. www.brightworks.net

Learn more about the East Portland Community and Brightworks' other certified projects here.