GLUMAC - Engineers for a sustainable future

Natasha Houldson, P.E., LEED AP, Portland Mechanical Engineer

In recent months, Glumac has taken major steps forward in promoting sustainable building practices by pursuing LEED^® certification for our own offices. In the realm of new construction projects, Glumac recently moved into our new Sacramento office, designed with a goal of LEED^® Platinum certification and currently awaiting final review from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Glumac has also demonstrated that even existing spaces can incorporate sustainable design features, such as those implemented in our own Portland office. The Portland office renovation, completed in December 2006, achieved a final rating of Silver under the USGBC’s LEED for Commercial Interiors^® (LEED-CI^®) program.

The Portland Glumac office covers 15,000 sf on the second and third floors of the Dekum Building, located in the heart of the city’s downtown area. The recent remodel gave the office an impressive facelift – renovations include a new bistro lounge, new carpeting and painting, lighting improvements, modernization of the entryway and several office areas, and installation of efficient plumbing fixtures, exhaust fans, and a water heater. The sum total of the sustainable features incorporated in this project contributed to achievement of 28 points under the LEED for Commercial Interiors^® (LEED-CI^®) program – resulting in a final rating of Silver.

Sustainable Renovation – A Team Effort

Attempting LEED^® certification can be particularly challenging for an existing building, and the Glumac Portland office was no exception. Constraints were imposed due to budget as well as the nature of the office space, which occupies only a portion of a historic building, constructed in 1892. However, by working closely with the team of design and construction professionals during the renovation, Glumac successfully incorporated several features that promote sustainability, water-use reduction, and energy savings. Yost Grube Hall Architecture, Precision Construction, and LEED^® consultant Green Building Services were three key team members who helped incorporate design features to make the office as green as possible.

Green Features

Sustainable features incorporated in the Portland office remodel span all six categories within the LEED-CI^® rating system. The office demonstrates site sustainability, for example, based on its excellent downtown location and proximity to numerous services and public transportation options. In addition, pedaling to work has become more convenient, thanks to the new bicycle storage room added during the renovation. New lockers were also added, near the showers in the restrooms, to improve the usability of those spaces as changing areas.

The project demonstrates energy- and water-efficiency, as well. EnergyStar^® rated appliances were selected for the new dishwashers, refrigerator, and bistro lounge television. The office recently upgraded their purchase of Clean Wind power to cover 100% of all electricity used by the office. More than 20% reduction in water usage compared to Energy Policy Act standards was achieved by installing water-saving devices such dual-flush toilets, low-flow urinals, low-flow showerheads, sensor-operated restroom faucets, and flow restrictors on kitchen faucets.

New office furnishings installed during the renovation use environmentally-friendly materials. For instance, low volatile-organic compound paints were used in the conference room and renovated office spaces. The new dividing walls installed in second floor offices are made of rapidly renewable wheat strawboard material and recycled plastics. Ceiling tiles and linoleum used in the bistro lounge contain renewable and locally manufactured materials.

Why does sustainability matter in a Glumac office?

Glumac continually promotes sustainable engineering solutions in the engineering designs provided to clients, so it is a priority to maintain green offices, as well. Clearly, the Portland office renovations reinforce the company culture of environmental responsibility, showing the value Glumac places on providing a healthy work environment for its employees.

"Thinking inside the building" – a fitting motto for Glumac in general, and the Portland office is proud to demonstrate this concept through its LEED^® Silver certification.