Columbia Sportswear Company announced its Flagship store in downtown Portland has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Retail Commercial Interiors Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), one of the first retail locations in the country to achieve this certification. The company's Seattle branded store is also expected to achieve LEED certification this year.
“As a leader in the outdoor industry, we are very proud to have our remodeled 16,000-square-foot Flagship store in downtown Portland recognized with this important certification in green building practices,” said Kerry Barnes, vice president of retail, Columbia Sportswear Company. “This store, which originally opened in 1996, was extensively remodeled and reopened in 2008 with a mix of natural and reclaimed elements that reflect Columbia's commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment.”
To celebrate Earth Day and its LEED Retail CI Gold award, Columbia is hosting an event Saturday, April 18, that includes:
— special discounts at its Flagship and Portland Airport stores;
— a representative from Forest Park Conservancy, who will be on hand to share their mission. Columbia has made a donation to further support the Conservancy's efforts to preserve trails in Portland's own backyard; and,
— an appearance by legally blind professional dog sled racer Rachael Scdoris with one of her sled dogs. Scdoris, who is also a Pioneer of Columbia's Greater Outdoors brand campaign, recently completed the grueling 1,200-mile Alaskan Iditarod race. She and her dog, Brick, will be at the Columbia Flagship store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.
The Columbia Flagship store is located at 911 SW Broadway and Taylor Street. The Portland Airport store is located in the main concourse of the Portland International Airport.
