BRE is working with the Portland Development Commission (PDC) to develop a built environment Innovation Park in Portland, Oregon, USA.
The park aims to accelerate the commercialisation and adoption of green building designs, products, technologies and services to the American mainstream.
Based on the original BRE Innovation Park model in Watford, the US Innovation Park will consist of a visitor’s centre and 8-10 residential and mixed-use buildings, each constructed to a different theme showcasing both local and international products. The performance of the buildings will be monitored and evaluated against a range of parameters including energy efficiency and cost.
“This project will be a living laboratory for green building contractors and designers and will advance PDC’s mission to create jobs and stimulate innovation,” said PDC Executive Director Patrick Quinton. “Portland’s leadership in green development, design and construction makes it the natural choice for the first US-based Innovation Park. I am confident this project will serve as a model for future developments across the United States.”
PDC and BRE are seeking US and international business partners to design, build, operate and run the park, as well as supply chain organisations who will showcase their products, technologies and services.
Chief Operating Officer of the BRE Group Niall Trafford said ‘Portland is known as one of the most sustainable city in the US. Its influence is significant. This project is an excellent opportunity for UK companies wishing to gain US market entry with their products and services. The UK has a worldwide reputation for its built environment sustainability expertise – it’s time to exploit it ’
The park will be based on a 3 acre site in the residential area of Lents to the Southeast of the city, one of the main transportation hubs for the Portland region. It aims to provide an economic boost for the local community, creating jobs in the green building sector and enhancing the city’s reputation as a leader in sustainable living.
The park will be a member of BRE’s Innovation Park Network which includes parks in the UK, China (the Beijing Green Building Park) and Brazil (PISAC).
