Building Green

Green Philosophy

What we build today shapes future generations.

Walsh knows green building. We understand that changes in design and construction practices can result in better resource efficiency, reduce waste and shrink our carbon footprint. Our commitment to green building is aligned with our commitment to building quality. On each project, we propose environmentally sustainable alternatives, stressing energy efficiency, durability, and overall building performance. Building it right the first time is ultimately the best route to saving energy, time, resources and money.

WCC has contributed to all of the major green building certification systems in the Pacific Northwest. Our buildings have achieved LEED ™ certification at all levels including Platinum, from LEED-NC, through Core and Shell, Commercial Interiors, and LEED for Homes. Walsh has 52 LEED Accredited Professionals. We have built and are currently building successful projects under:

  • Enterprise Green Communities®
  • BuiltGreen™
  • Earth Advantage®
  • Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard
  • SEED and Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc.™ requirements

Our pioneering efforts in sustainability include:

  • First three commercial green roofs in Portland
  • First storm water recycling system used to flush "gray water"
  • First historic building to achieve LEED™-Gold in the nation (the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center)
  • First LEED™-Gold public elementary school in the west (Rosa Parks Elementary School)

During the preconstruction phase our Project Managers and Estimators:

  • Identify and prioritize the sustainable strategies in support of the owner’s goals
  • Provide specific pricing for various levels of LEED™ aspiration
  • Provide accurate and timely estimates to facilitate decision making
  • Understand the requirements of third party certification systems

During construction, WCC has expertise and internal systems to accurately document third party certification requirements including:

  • Waste management
  • Indoor air quality management
  • Green materials and local sourcing

Walsh’s facilities are green. We have:

  • A 28kW photovoltaic array on our corporate office to supplement the 100% wind power we purchase
  • Replaced our plumbing fixtures with low-flow alternatives
  • Bio-diesel powered delivery vehicles
  • Green housekeeping chemicals are used to clean our facilities
  • A hybrid vehicle for employee use
  • Recycling for hazardous batteries and fluorescent bulbs
  • 100% recycled paper and sustainably grown organic coffee