Newberg Center on its way to LEED platinum

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Portland Community College’s Newberg campus became significantly greener this fall when the Newberg Center opened. It’s on track to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum rating as well as a net zero rating from the Energy Trust of Oregon.

Hennebery Eddy Architects designed the building, and R&H / Colas Construction recently completed the 13,000-square-foot academic and administrative center.

The building incorporates several advanced construction techniques, some – such as structural insulated panels that form the walls and roof – that were new for project manager Mark Simpson. Foam insulation is sandwiched between oriented strand board to create an extremely air tight shell, Simpson explained.

“It required a lot of up-front planning,” he said. “Everything was thought out in advance (and) then put on paper so it would be built right the first time.”

The Newberg Center also includes a sophisticated HVAC control system that heats the building in the winter by pumping warm water through pipes embedded in the concrete floor. In warmer months, exterior louvers and turbine fans work together as part of a “night flush” system, expelling hot air and bringing in cooler night air.

The building also has a solar photovoltaic array on its roof and electric-vehicle charging stations.