How would my thesis project play a role?

Based the research that I have done so far, there are excellent opportunities for implementing multiple EcoDistrict support strategies in my thesis project that would respond and relate to the location of the site, the neighboring facilities, the scale of the project and the nature of the integrated program elements.

The Lloyd EcoDistrict Development Pilot Report by the Portland Sustainability Institute explains that the main focus of the feasibility studies for the Lloyd EcoDistrict has been on district utilities and systems for district energy and water. The report defines the following goals for the feasibility studies:

The two sections of the district utilities study are district water and district energy.

District Water (Infrastructure):

The performance areas for this section include water, habitat and ecosystem functions. According to the feasibility study, while there are some opportunities for district water, the low cost of municipal water service in Portland results in a less economically feasible case. However, the report recommends a further study into shared stormwater management, local wastewater treatment and grey water collection and use systems at the Convention District and the Rose Quarter.

I believe the location of my project and its physical connection to the Willamette River creates an opportunity for a shared stormwater management and purification system. Other possible strategies could include grey water collection and use and local wastewater treatment.

District Energy Strategy (Infrastructure):

The performance areas for a district energy strategy include air quality, carbon emissions and energy. According to the feasibility study, a district energy system anchored at the Rose Quarter and the Convention District would provide a strong business case.

Based on the recommendations of the Lloyd EcoDistrict Development Pilot Report, I believe the proximity of the Portland Center for Cultural Exchange (my thesis project) to the Memorial Coliseum, the Rose Garden and the Oregon Convention Center could help further develop a district energy strategy that would initially serve my program and the neighboring facilities and later be expanded to serve the Lloyd EcoDistrict.

Supporting Projects:

PoSI (Portland Sustainability Institute) in collaboration with other public and private entities is in the process of initiating a series of projects that would support the EcoDistrict vision. Current suggested or in-progress projects include Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Program, District Energy Screen, Ride Share Program, Waste management, Stormwater Master Plan + Holladay Green Street, Solar Energy Opportunity and EcoDistrict Bike Sharing.

EcoDistrict Bike Sharing Project:

I am interested in further investigating an EcoDistrict Bike Sharing Project that would be integrated into the program of my thesis project. The project would serve the EcoDistrict and help enhance neighborhood liveliness as a broader goal of the thesis project. The existing public transportation system could serve as a commuting point to the project site where you can check out a bike. PoSI’s report proposes a system that would create a network of “high tech, GPS-enabled bicycles with docking stations throughout the central city.” After becoming a member and paying a security deposit, the bicycles would be free to use.

My plan is to further focus on the District Water, District Energy and the EcoDistrict Bike Sharing Project while investigating other strategies that could strengthen these ideas.

Source: “Pilot Report: Lloyd EcoDistrict Development.” Portland Sustainability Institute. Portland Sustainability Institute. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.pdxinstitute.org/index.php/resources/publications>.