PCL Construction Services, Inc., in collaboration with DCI Engineers, has unveiled the results of a comprehensive sustainability study conducted for the Clackamas County Courthouse Replacement Project. The findings showcase groundbreaking measures in sustainability, efficiency, and long-term performance, setting a benchmark for public infrastructure projects.
Addressing Growing Needs with a Sustainable Vision
The existing courthouse, originally designed for 50,000 residents, has struggled to meet the needs of a population now exceeding 420,000. In response, the project team envisioned a resilient, future-proof facility that prioritizes both sustainability and innovation. By incorporating mass timber and reduced-carbon concrete, the courthouse is on track to achieve LEED Gold Certification, aligning with modern environmental standards.
Key Sustainability Achievements
Through thoughtful design and material optimization, the project achieved remarkable results:
- Reduced CO2e Emissions: By saving 1,360 metric tons of CO2e, the environmental impact is equivalent to removing 325 cars from the road for an entire year.
- Cost Savings: Nearly $250,000 was saved through strategic material use.
Innovative Construction Strategies:
- Minimized Floor Slab Thickness:
- Reduced concrete slab thickness by 1 inch on 75% of floors, saving 410 cubic yards of concrete.
- Cantilevered Slab Design:
- Eliminated an entire row of interior columns, saving 80 cubic yards of concrete and 36 tons of steel reinforcement.
- Low-Carbon Cement Replacement:
- Used environmentally friendly concrete mixes for elevated slabs, which comprise 60% of the project’s concrete usage.
Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA)
DCI Engineers led the Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment, optimizing material use and measuring a 23% reduction in embodied carbon. These efforts are expected to earn the project three points toward its LEED Gold Certification.
Leadership Insights
- Jon Kindrachuk, PCL Senior Project Manager, emphasized the importance of designing public spaces that adapt to future environmental and societal changes, stating, “This facility sets a new benchmark in sustainable, community-focused design.”
- Jessica Martinez, DCI Associate, highlighted the cost-effectiveness of sustainable practices: “Proactive structural design can lead to significant embodied carbon reductions while also cutting costs.”
Impact and Legacy
The courthouse is more than a building—it’s a symbol of environmental responsibility and community well-being. By leveraging sustainable engineering practices, the project ensures resilience to future environmental demands while promoting economic efficiency.
About the Collaborators
- PCL Construction: A leading construction company operating across North America, completing over $7 billion USD in annual projects. Known for innovation and excellence, PCL builds across diverse sectors, including civil infrastructure and solar.
- DCI Engineers: A nationally accredited firm specializing in structural and civil engineering, with a commitment to achieving net zero embodied carbon systems by 2050.
The Clackamas County Courthouse Replacement Project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in creating sustainable public infrastructure. As PCL and DCI Engineers advance future projects, they remain committed to fostering environmental stewardship and enhancing community-focused design.
