Portland, OR [October 10, 2023] – Unico Properties is delighted to announce that Galleria has attained two distinguished accolades: LEED BD+C Platinum and Fitwel Workplace 2-Star Certification. These prestigious recognitions underscore Unico’s commitment to creating a building that is safe, healthy, and sustainable. Formerly the Olds, Wortman & King department store, Galleria is prominently situated in the heart of Downtown Portland.
LEED, or ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,’ is a rigorous rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to assess the environmental performance of buildings and gauge their sustainability. Galleria has achieved a Platinum rating, the highest honor within the LEED v4 BD+C: Core and Shell rating system. This is a tremendous achievement for a historic building, but well deserved given the significant reduction in energy use achieved by the property. Notably, Galleria is among only nine buildings in the entire state of Oregon to secure a Platinum rating in the BD+C: Core and Shell category.
Fitwel is the world’s foremost certification system dedicated to fostering health in buildings for all occupants. Research has consistently demonstrated the connection between healthy buildings and employee wellness. Fitwel’s Workplace Scorecard evaluates 12 distinct areas recognized to contribute to occupational health and well-being. Galleria has achieved the Fitwel 2-Star Certification, positioning the building among a select group of approximately 15 buildings in the state of Oregon to receive at least 2-Stars.
”Galleria represents an important example for sustainability in the built environment,” Says Anita Jeerage, Vice President, Sustainability and ESG. “In order to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, we have to address the existing building stock in our communities. Unico is proud to have eliminated fossil fuels at the building and prioritized design elements that support health and wellness.”
Substantial financial investments were made to reposition the asset. Interior renovations encompass a revamped lobby, newly added stairs at the main entrance, and enhanced accessibility with the addition of bike storage and locker rooms. The building’s mechanical and electrical systems underwent a comprehensive upgrade, with a focus on decarbonization, performance, and indoor air quality. Galleria was transformed into an all-electric system, eliminating on-site fossil fuel emissions while achieving deep energy retrofits in alignment with the Architecture 2030 Challenge for New Construction. The building is also subscribed to OR community solar, further reducing its overall carbon footprint.
In addition to its LEED Platinum and Fitwel 2-Star certifications, Galleria was honored with a Landmark Award, presented by the Portland Business Journal, earlier this year.
To learn more about this recognition and the other enhancements made at Galleria, please view our Galleria Receives Prestigious Landmark Award press release.