How EC Electric Helped Bring the PAE Living Building to Life
In 2024, Portland’s PAE Living Building earned one of the world’s most prestigious sustainability certifications, awarded by the Portland-based International Living Future Institute. With fewer than 40 certified Living Buildings worldwide, this achievement is especially notable—making it the first developer-driven Living Building to receive the honor.
Located in Portland’s Old Town district, the five-story, 58,000-square-foot structure was designed to meet the highest environmental performance standards. To achieve LBC certification, a building must demonstrate at least 5% net-positive energy production, harvest and treat its own water on-site, and utilize non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials. Its success underscores the feasibility of regenerative building practices and sets a new standard for environmentally responsible development nationwide.
The collaboration between the engineering firm PAE, ZGF Architects, and EC Electric made the living building a reality. Construction began in 2019 and was completed in 2021, with the building opening for use shortly after. The collaborators met rigorous requirements through innovative systems, including onsite and offsite solar panels, water recycling, and a five-story vacuum flush composting. The PAE Living Building also went one step further by designing its structure to last 500 years and withstand a massive seismic event.
EC Electric was instrumental in conceptualizing and installing complex energy systems to complete the PAE Living Building. EC Electric’s team oversaw the electrical aspects of the project and offered solutions for solar array installation. By installing panels onsite and creating extra energy generation offsite through solar arrays at Renaissance Commons in North Portland, the PAE building was able to meet energy standards and seek certification.
The PAE Living Building project serves as a model for the future of sustainable architecture. EC Electrical’s role in this project showcases its commitment to sustainability, the community, and innovation. The partnership among PAE, ZGF Architects, and EC Electrical proves that meeting the Pacific Northwest’s electrical needs aims to preserve the past while innovating for the future.
About EC Electric
EC Electric employs over 1,000 union electricians, managers, and administrators dedicated to environmental health and safety. As a union contractor, EC Electric is committed to supporting the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in their initiatives to recruit and train a diverse workforce, including minority and female electricians, for the electrical industry.
