Member-only story
Portland’s Moda Center is Leading the Way in Environmental Sustainability
For over a decade, Portland’s sports arena has demonstrated what’s possible when it comes to retrofitting existing buildings to become zero carbon
I’m about to drop some facts that blew my mind a little. Ready? Did you know that back in 2018, over half of the global human population lived in cities? And by 2025, it’s predicted that it’ll rise to two-thirds of the population. Yet, at the same time, building emission rates are currently estimated to be around 40 percent — which is double what it was in 2019. Now, I’m no scientist or mathematician, but this doesn’t seem very good.
Wait! Don’t leave. This isn’t another article yelling about the end of times. I actually have some good news! I mean, we do need to decrease our building emissions and address zoning laws to make it easier. But we currently possess the technology and know-how to achieve our goals.
Some cities and countries have already begun. In fact, I recently learned that the sports arena in my hometown is leading the way in implementing environmental agendas. It’s actually pretty amazing what they’ve accomplished.
