Sustainable or green architecture practices have influenced BOORA’s projects since the 1980’s. We use design principles that are very elemental – ample access to natural light and fresh air, reducing energy usage, using durable materials and eliminating toxic ones that achieve big results. Its all part of our philosophy about doing enduring design and shaping an environment that will be there for future generations. There is a perception that doing this somehow means spending more money but that isn’t really our experience. It may mean spending more time and being more thoughtful about decisions, but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money on the project. In the long term it does result in much lower operating expenses and better performing students and employees. We recently took our commitment to this issue a step further, by adopting the core values of the Natural Step, which is an international organization that promotes sustainable business. We now donate office space to their Oregon chapter, providing them a home that is shared with ours and deriving the benefits of their presence.

So how does this philosophy impact our projects or our process? We take the time to consider the implications of each decision from this perspective, allowing it to influence the siting of the building, room orientation and material choices. We select consultants that bring similar knowledge from each of their fields to the table and partner with leading national organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Earth Institute to bring the highest level of experience to the project when its appropriate. We conduct studies to demonstrate the impacts of sustainable design on the project, its cost and performance. It’s a new and exciting journey for all of us and we’re optimistic that it will make more successful buildings for everyone. In the words of Heinz Rudolf, senior principal, “We take our responsibility very seriously to design places where people find meaning, joy, comfort and beauty – all accomplished in harmony with ecology and sustainability”.

BOORA currently has several projects registered for the US Green Building Councils LEED certification and all our principals have received LEED training. Beyond this we are invited speakers at regional and national conferences on sustainable design.

Examples of our LEED projects:
   Clackamas High School
   One Waterfront Place
   Southwest Community Center
   Dalles Middle School
   Standpoint

Organizations:
   The Natural Step
   The Oregon Natural Step Network
   Northwest Earth Institute
   Earth Share of Oregon

Resources and Consultants:
   Northwest Lighting Design Lab
   Rocky Mountain Institute
   U.S. Green Building Council