Sustainability Innovations Unveiled in Clackamas County Courthouse Study

OREGON CITY, Oregon (Dec. 2, 2024) – PCL Construction Services, Inc. and DCI Engineers are proud to announce the outcomes of a groundbreaking sustainability study conducted on the new Clackamas County Courthouse Replacement Project. The study identifies forward-thinking strategies focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance, setting a new standard for public infrastructure.

The original courthouse, designed for a population of 50,000, was no longer adequate to serve the county's growing population, which exceeds 420,000. As a result, the new facility was designed to be resilient and future-ready, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovative building practices. The design features sustainable materials such as mass timber and low-carbon concrete, with a goal of achieving LEED Gold Certification. This will ensure that the courthouse serves the needs of the present while supporting environmental stewardship for years to come.

By optimizing the courthouse's structural design, establishing custom environmental guidelines, and strategically selecting building materials, the project team was able to achieve savings of nearly $250,000 and reduce CO2e emissions by 1,360 metric tons—equivalent to taking 325 cars off the road for an entire year. Here's a breakdown of how these remarkable results were achieved:

Reduced floor slab thickness‍

By reducing the thickness of concrete slabs by one inch on 75% of the floors, the team saved 410 cubic yards of concrete, lowering both costs and environmental impact.

Fewer interior columns‍

Through a clever floor plan using a “cantilevered slab” design, the team eliminated a row of columns, saving 80 cubic yards of concrete and 36 tons of steel reinforcement.

Low-carbon cement replacement‍

To minimize the environmental impact, the team utilized a low-carbon concrete mix for the building’s elevated slabs, which represented 60% of the courthouse’s total concrete, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

For additional details on the study, view the full case study.

"At PCL, we understand the importance of creating public spaces that not only meet today’s standards but are prepared to adapt to future environmental and societal changes," said Jon Kindrachuk, senior project manager at PCL for the Clackamas County Courthouse Replacement project. "Working alongside DCI Engineers on this project has allowed us to deliver a facility that sets a new benchmark in sustainable, community-focused design."

The study confirms that the courthouse, with its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, is well-positioned to meet evolving environmental and energy needs. DCI Engineers performed the Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment, evaluating material savings and procurement decisions that resulted in a 23% reduction in embodied carbon. This reduction is expected to contribute three points toward the project’s target of LEED Gold Certification.

“Proactive structural design and coordination are critical in optimizing material use in our buildings and reducing our industry’s carbon footprint,” said Jessica Martinez, Associate and Structural Sustainability Specialist at DCI. “Historically, there has been a misconception that sustainable choices are more expensive. However, by fostering collaboration and innovation, we can achieve significant carbon reductions while also cutting costs.”

PCL and DCI Engineers are honored to contribute to Clackamas County’s vision of an environmentally-conscious courthouse. This project showcases the significant impact of sustainable engineering and construction practices on public infrastructure, and both companies look forward to future partnerships focused on environmental responsibility and the well-being of the community.

About PCL Construction

‍PCL is a group of independent construction companies operating across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. As one of North America's largest contracting organizations, PCL completes more than $7 billion USD in work annually. Its employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment to clients in various sectors, including buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial, and solar markets. With a strategic presence in over 30 major centers, PCL consistently drives innovation and sets industry benchmarks for excellence. Learn more at PCL.com.

About DCI Engineers

‍DCI Engineers is a nationally recognized structural and civil engineering firm specializing in industrial, bridge, right-of-way, and sustainability services. Founded in 1988, DCI Engineers employs more than 350 professionals across multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and others. A signatory firm of the SE2050 Commitment, DCI aims to achieve net-zero embodied carbon in structural systems by 2050. More information can be found at dci-engineers.com.