Solar-Powered PECI Sign Graces First & Main

PECI, a leader in the field of energy efficiency solutions, increased its visibility in the Portland community with the addition of a solar-powered sign on the First & Main building it occupies at the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge. The sign is visible from the east bank of the Willamette River.

PECI is a thriving, regional company focused on energy efficiency. Its Portland headquarters at
First & Main, is a LEED® Platinum building, which serves as a living laboratory for the company’s energy-saving efforts and innovations.

Sustainability, green building and energy efficiency are marquee industries for Portland. PECI’s increased visibility indicates the economic growth and robustness this business cluster contributes to the region. In 2010, PECI’s Portland staff increased by 72 people, and hiring remains robust in 2011.

“We are thrilled with our new visibility as part of the Portland skyline,” said Executive Director Phil Welker. “It’s a testament to the strength and persistence of Portland’s energy efficiency and sustainable sector that we can show up this way. I hope our presence becomes another sustainability icon for Portland.”

First & Main was built in 2010 and awarded LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The building offers a host of green features, including an eco-roof, insulated low-e glass windows, a high-efficiency HVAC system, and daylight dimming practices to reduce lighting loads.

PECI enthusiastically incorporated many additional efficiency measures into its office space. Among the most notable energy-savers is its data center, which uses server virtualization and efficient data storage technologies to reduce what would be a roomful of computing servers to a few racks. Additionally, heat recovered from the servers actually helps to provide warmth for first floor tenants and produces hot water for PECI’s office space.

Each of PECI’s floors have been outfitted with separate electrical monitoring systems designed with input from PECI engineers, allowing staff to actively analyze energy usage and uphold the company’s efficiency and conservation standards. The system even predicts expected energy use and flags excess usage.

Furniture and carpeting made from recycled materials, occupancy sensors, ENERGY STAR® kitchen appliances and an office space designed to maximize natural light, further substantiate PECI’s commitment to energy efficiency and a healthy environment.

Please visit http://www.peci.org/about/offices for an extended list of First & Main’s features.