Going Green Sustainability Project

In 2009, REACH began a transformational program aimed at incorporating green practices into our administrative, purchasing, and office procedures.  Through a generous grant from the Neighborhood Builders Award of Bank of America, we began implementation of the REACH Going Green Sustainability Project, designed to transform our overall organizational culture and day-to-day operational practices.  REACH believes strongly that livability and sustainability are closely aligned.  By incorporating renewable, energy-efficient practices into our current and future affordable housing developments, and throughout our organizational practices, REACH is promoting greater environmental and social health for our community and the planet. 

In 2011, REACH was ranked among the Top 100 Best Green Companies to Work For by Oregon Business Magazine.

We identified three areas in which we wanted to achieve results:
1.  Develop and implement internal, organizational “green” sustainability plan.  To date, we have:

• Significantly reduced our paper usage and have received a Recycle at Work certification from the City of Portland;
• Implemented a Zip Car policy and alternative commuter program;
• Reduced our energy usage costs by installing motion sensors and energy-efficient CFC bulbs, and
• Received the Climate Champion designation by the BEST Business Center in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Sustainability.

2.  Create and deliver more sustainable practices in our Resident Programs.  To date, we have:

• Implemented green cleaning product education seminars in some of our buildings.
• Led the effort to make our entire housing portfolio smoke free.
• Delivered “goodie bags” to residents returning home at the Admiral and Walnut Park, containing green cleaning products, recommendations for green cleaning products, recycling tips, and proper usage of our buildings’ various conservation features. 
• Installed new garden boxes and spaces at some REACH properties to encourage gardening opportunities and growing healthy food.

3.  Complete energy audits in our housing portfolio, assessing our buildings’ current energy usage patterns and determine appropriate retrofits to achieve energy savings.  To date, we have:

• Completed seven energy audits on our existing portfolio, and partnered with the Energy Trust of Oregon to install energy efficient light bulbs and low-flow showerheads and aerators in 20 of our large apartment buildings. 
• Replaced all washers with high efficiency models.
• Received over $400,000 in grant funds focused on energy improvements in three properties.
• Begun construction on our largest project in our history, “Block 49” located in the South Waterfront.  When completed in 2012, the new six story building will certified LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an international recognized green building certification.

Green Building Practices

REACH has is making a concerted effort to incorporate green practices and innovations in both our housing developments and in our administrative practices.

Green Building
REACH began incorporating green building practices in 1994 and we now develop all our projects with sustainable features.  Green building has several benefits.  Green building:
1.  Promotes the economic, environmental, and social health of the community. 
2.  Incorporates renewable or energy-efficient, cost-saving practices and sustainable materials into our building processes.
3.  Is better for our residents and the community, by reducing our energy “footprint.”
4.  Reduces our operations and maintenance costs and lowers residents’ utility bills. 

REACH is a proud member of the United States Green Building Council.

REACH has developed several properties incorporating Green Building practices.  A few examples include:

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 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.  To learn more:
Station Place Tower Project Overview
The Home Depot Foundation Case Study
Practicing Green Building at Station Place Tower

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.  To learn more, please download the 33rd & Powell Green Building Fact Sheet

Patton Park Apartments - After less than a year of construction, Patton Park Apartments opened in January, 2009. The Overlook neighborhood now has a new 54-unit building for working families, and 4,600 square feet of commercial space.  In 2006, Tri-Met selected REACH to build a mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) one block from the MAX light rail Killingsworth Station. Units include 12 family-sized 3-bedrooms. This development marks a transition for a neighborhood faced with gentrification and in need of commercial activity serving local residents.  Patton Park features several Green Building innovations.  To learn more, please download the Patton Park Apartments Project Overview.