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Portland, Oregon continued its relentless march in developing
itself as a major green tech hub in the United States by announcing
that Vestas, one of the largest wind turbine builders in the
world, would be placing is North American headquarters in
the city's downtown region.
Construction on what was once a warehouse for a local retailer
is set to be complete by early 2012.
The new Vestas
US headquarters, according to the city of Portland, is being
designed with LEED Platinum status in mind by Gerding Edlen,
a local developer of LEED-certified properties around the
country. It will work to transform the old warehouse, considered
a historic property, into a 172,000 square foot office that
includes a 22,000 square-foot addition on the fifth floor,
complete with an eco roof terrace and gardens.
It reportedly will also host the largest roof-mounted solar
energy array in Portland's central business district.
What is strange is there is no mention of wind turbines providing
power to the building which, given Vestas' primary business,
seems like a more logical fit then solar panels.
Other environmental friendly aspects of this project, which
will have a total projected cost of around $66 million, include
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- a system to collect rainwater for reuse in the building;
- raised-access flooring with under-floor mechanical ventilation;
- insulated exterior walls and thermally insulated operable
windows to reduce energy use - and
- a central, multistory atrium to provide natural light
and reduce energy use.
When complete, Vestas will consolidate most of its Portland
operations to occupy a majority of the building. Tenant and
retail space will be available on the first floor.
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