December 1, 2008                                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

Contact:

Brendan Finn, Chief of Staff to Commissioner Dan Saltzman, 503-823-3110 bfinn@ci.portland.or.us

JoEllen Carothers, OSD, 503-823-4165

joellen.carothers@ci.portland.or.us

City of Portland and Energy Trust of Oregon offer $425,000

for innovative, high performance green buildings

Portland, Ore— Are you working on a building project that will significantly conserve water and energy, reduce stormwater entering the sewers and recycle or reuse a substantial amount of materials?  If so, your project may be eligible to receive a grant from the City of Portland’s Green Investment Fund (GIF).  

The ecoroof retrofit on the Central Library, a net-zero, LEED platinum classroom and a high performing affordable housing project are just a few of the dozens of innovative green building projects that have received over $2.5 million from the GIF in the last seven years. Today, City of Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman announced that the Office of Sustainable Development is accepting applications for the 2009 round of funding from this competitive grant program.

“Green building improves the livability of our region through resource conservation, job creation and energy savings,” said Commissioner Saltzman, who first introduced the GIF concept in 2001. “The Green Investment Fund provides a reward for projects that incorporate innovative strategies that excel at stormwater management and in energy, water and material conservation.”

The total fund and maximum amount available for any one project in the current round is $425,000.  Industrial, multifamily, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are eligible and nonprofit, public and private organizations may apply.  A pre-application conference is scheduled for December 10, 2008 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, 721 NW 9th Avenue, Billy Frank Conference Center on the 2nd Floor. Proposals are due February 2, 2009. 

The Green Investment Fund, which is supported by the City of Portland and Energy Trust of Oregon, invests in innovative approaches to waste reduction, water conservation, on-site stormwater management and reuse, energy conservation and on-site renewable energy generation. For the first time this year, projects will be encouraged to consume net zero energy, measured at the site.

“Portland’s green building products and services are recognized all over the world,” noted Commissioner Saltzman, “and the partners in the GIF program—the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services and Energy Trust of Oregon—are helping Portland further its leadership in this arena.”

To review past GIF projects and to download the current application, visit: www.portlandonline.com/osd/gif

Green Investment Fund Partners

The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) brings together community partners to promote a healthy and prosperous future for Portland. OSD advances improvements and innovation in reducing global warming emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable economic development, sustainable food systems and green building practices.

www.portlandonline.com/osd

The Bureau of Environmental Services is Portland’s Clean River agency, treating Portland’s wastewater, providing stormwater drainage services, and working in Portland watersheds to reduce stormwater pollution, restore native vegetation, and improve the quality of water in our rivers and streams.

www.portlandonline.com/bes

The Portland Water Bureau operates the system that delivers high-quality drinking water to more than 787,000 people in the Portland metropolitan area. In addition to protecting public health, the Portland Water Bureau develops conservation programs for residential and commercial customers. www.portlandonline.com/water

Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy development.  The organization’s mission is to change how Oregonians produce and use energy by investing in efficient technologies and renewable resources that develop new sources of clean energy, help Oregonians lower their electricity bills, stimulate the economy and protect the environment.
www.energytrust.org

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