Back | Next

Steele Associates Building II, Bend, Oregon
Bend’s first LEED Gold certified building

The Steele Associates Building is Bend’s first LEED NC GOLD commercial office building. SAA chose to pursue LEED Gold for their building in order to educate the community about sustainable design, encourage others to design, build and live sustainably, and to lead by way of example. The building is located in NorthWest Crossing, an award-winning, pedestrian friendly, residential, mixed-use community. An abbreviated list of sustainable features includes the following: 30% more energy efficient than required by Oregon energy code; high efficiency Ledalite light fixtures equipped with EDAPT which allow personal illumination control, automatic ambient light level adjustment and occupancy sensors; weather monitoring system that alerts staff (via email) when conditions are optimal to shut down the HVAC and open windows for natural ventilation; use of awnings and canopies for solar shading; 90% access to natural light and view from the habitable areas of the interior; 50% more efficient landscape irrigation; 75% construction waste diversion to recycling centers; low emitting materials, paints and adhesives; and indoor chemical and pollutant source control. The building is fitted with signage describing the sustainable features and is open for public tours during business hours.