Submitted by Bruce Hecht

Another first for Portland Oregon.  We have the "MOST GREEN buildings in the United States". 

See these sites to learn more: Greeb Building Services,Cascadia and Earth Advantage.

We are currently promoting this at an International Conference with many local businesses touting local Oregon Products and how we are continuing to "build Green" in Portland, Oregon.

Our Mayor Tom Potter has stepped it up to encourage and publicize Portland's always growing green building development. The city also created a new position - a manager for sustainable economic development.

 

And then there's PDX Lounge, which organizers say is an important vehicle for networking, showcasing local businesses and putting deals in motion.

 

Last year at the Greenbuild conference in Denver, about 30 local businesses set up shop in the PDX Lounge. The lounge itself was about  5,000 square feet and had a bar with a menu that described each company's services like a tasty yet potent cocktail.

 

"The whole thing is to provide an opportunity for local businesses to have a venue outside a sterile convention hall to meet with people and show their products," said Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees the city's office of sustainable development. "One night we have a party where we invite everybody in the world to come by and taste Oregon foods and Oregon wines."

 

This year, the lounge will be home to about 60 companies and organizations from throughout the state, said Tom Osdoba, who was recently hired as the city's first manager for sustainable economic development.

 

In addition to the big party, there will also be a discussion panel on climate change and a fashion show featuring Nau and Keen, two local apparel makers. Eventually, Potter wants to find a permanent space in Portland for PDX Lounge.

 

But while it's in Chicago, Potter plans to meet with Mayor Richard Daley during the conference to share strategies on clean energy, supporting sustainable businesses and other topics.

 

The two cities are considered among the greenest in the world. The U.S. Green Building Council has certified 33 green buildings in Portland, more than any city in the world, based on a number of environmental quality factors. Seattle boasts 31 and Chicago has 27".