Fall 2010 • Planning, Public Policy and Management
Green Cities
Heather Cyrus • Environmental Studies
Suni Dillard • Architecture
 Robert Young • Assistant Professor • Planning, Public Policy and Management
2Acknowledgements
This report is part of the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year focusing 
on the City of Salem, Oregon. The Green Cities team would like to extend 
appreciation to those involved in the SCY project. Thank you to the City of 
Salem and Salem City Manager Linda Norris, for the willingness to work with 
SCI towards a sustainable urban future. Thank you to the Salem Housing 
Authority staff, with a special thank you to Andy Wilch and Nicole Utz, for your 
time, care, and dedication to these projects, and for the student support you 
provided. 
Thank you to the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management, and 
the Environmental Studies Program, both of which are dedicated to sustainable 
development and fostering in students a sense of stewardship and care for the 
future of our cities, communities, and green spaces.
A special thank you to Professor Robert Young and the assistance of Graduate 
Teaching Fellow Sharon Wade Ellis, and their efforts in leading the Green Cities 
course. Professor Young not only provided Green Cities students the necessary 
knowledge, tools, and support for this project, he also instilled in us a sense of 
empowerment through his enthusiasm, passion, and vision, to make a positive 
contribution towards a sustainable, healthy, and enriched urban future. 
3About SCI
The Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is a cross-disciplinary organization at the 
University of Oregon that seeks to promote education, service, public outreach, 
and research on the design and development of sustainable cities. We are 
redefining higher education for the public good and catalyzing community 
change toward sustainability. Our work addresses sustainability at multiple 
scales and emerges from the conviction that creating the sustainable city 
cannot happen within any single discipline. SCI is grounded in cross-disciplinary 
engagement as the key strategy for solving community sustainability issues. 
We serve as a catalyst for expanded research and teaching, and market this 
expertise to scholars, policymakers, community leaders, and project partners. 
Our work connects student energy, faculty experience, and community needs to 
produce innovative, tangible solutions for the creation of a sustainable society.
About SCY
The Sustainable City Year (SCY) program is a year-long partnership between 
SCI and one city in Oregon, in which students and faculty in courses from 
across the university collaborate with the partner city on sustainability and 
livability projects. SCY faculty and students work in collaboration with staff 
from the partner city through a variety of studio projects and service-learning 
courses to provide students with real-world projects to investigate. Students 
bring energy, enthusiasm, and innovative approaches to difficult, persistent 
problems. SCY’s primary value derives from collaborations resulting in on-
the-ground impact and forward movement for a community ready to transition 
to a more sustainable and livable future. SCY 2010-11 includes courses 
in Architecture; Arts and Administration; Business Management; Interior 
Architecture; Journalism; Landscape Architecture; Law; Planning, Public Policy, 
and Management; Product Design; and Civil Engineering (at Portland State 
University).
About Salem, Oregon
Salem, the capital city of Oregon and its third largest city (population 157,000, 
with 383,000 residents in the metropolitan area), lies in the center of the lush 
Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is located an hour 
from the Cascade mountains to the east and ocean beaches to the west. 
Thriving businesses abound in Salem and benefit from economic diversity. The 
downtown has been recognized as one of the region’s most vital retail centers 
for a community of its size. Salem has retained its vital core and continues to be 
supported by strong and vibrant historic neighborhoods, the campus-like Capitol 
Mall, Salem Regional Hospital, and Willamette University. Salem offers a wide 
array of restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, ranging from historic sites 
and museums to events that appeal to a wide variety of interests. 1,869 acres of 
park land invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.
4Course Participants
Dr. Robert Young, Assistant Professor, Planning, Public Policy and Management
Sharon Wade Ellis, Graduate Teaching Fellow
Orchard Village Group
Shannon Arms, Architecture Undergraduate 
Jamie Corsaro, Architecture Graduate  
Suni Dillard, Architecture Undergraduate    
Michael Duncan, Planning, Public Policy and Management 
Undergraduate 
Greg Eggers, Environmental Studies Undergraduate  
Jackson Hite, Planning, Public Policy and Management and Environmental 
Studies Undergraduate   
Sara Hoversten, Business Graduate 
Brian Rajotte, Business Administration Graduate   
Joan Russick, Architecture Graduate  
Blake Scott, Architecture Graduate   
Emma Silverman, Interior Architecture and Planning, Public Policy and 
Management Undergraduate  
Glen Creek Group
Josh Havener, Community and Regional Planning Graduate
Lauren Houston, Environmental Studies Undergraduate 
Gwynne Mhuireach, Architecture Graduate 
Molly Simas, Environmental Studies Undergraduate 
Maddy Stokes, Environmental Studies Undergraduate 
SCI Directors and Staff 
Robert Liberty, Executive Director
Nico Larco, SCI Associate Director, and Assistant Professor of Architecture
Marc Schlossberg, SCI Associate Director, and Associate Professor of Planning, 
Public Policy, and Management
Chris Jones, SCI Program Manager
Amy Hause, SCI Program Manager
5Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 2
Executive Summary 6
Introduction  7
Glen Creek Village Sustainable Infill Development 9
Orchard Village Sustainable Development  12
Transportation: Islands in a Sea of Disconnect 13
Energy 26
Water 44
Agriculture 53
Materials 66
Resource Use and Social Interaction 72
Conclusion 75
Appendix: Case Studies 76
Additional Resources 81
References 82
This report represents original student work and recommendations prepared 
by students in the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year program for 
the City of Salem, the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Salem, or the 
Salem Housing Authority. Text and images contained in this report may not 
be used without permission from the University of Oregon.
6Executive Summary
As one of the Sustainable City Year (SCY) projects this year, Green Cities 
students were asked to research, plan, and design environmentally friendly 
re-use and redevelopment options for the Salem Housing Authority (SHA). 
The Green Cities proposal approached development in Salem by organizing 
research into two teams, one focusing on the Glen Creek housing development 
site and one on the vacant Orchard Village housing site.
Students working on the Glen Creek site examined agricultural land use 
options, energy savings, improved connectedness with surrounding areas, and 
options for increased density. Students working on the Orchard Village site 
proposal incorporated sustainable development elements into their proposal 
to optimize site, energy, water, and environmental use for future growth. 
Additionally, each site was analyzed for potential development in relation to 
transportation, sustenance, and waste needs.
Research was conducted using site visits, in-class discussions, meetings with 
SHA representatives, and primary and secondary research. 
Green Cities students suggested proposals, strategies, and technologies to 
create sustainable communities on both SHA sites, and to provide a cutting-
edge template for future Salem development plans. 
The following report focuses on general recommendations for the 
above-mentioned Salem sites. We suggest the City of Salem use these 
recommendations to inform construction and renovation at both Orchard Village 
and Glen Creek. However, if the recommendations are to be implemented 
into future plans, additional, site-specific studies will need to be undertaken to 
ensure that they are viable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. Findings from 
this report will be passed on to and further developed in a two-term architecture 
studio taught by Professor Peter Keyes. 
7Introduction 
The green cities concept is one that has evolved over hundreds of years. 
Beginning with our earliest ancestors, people have developed living methods 
and styles that harmonize with their surrounding environment. Over this brief 
history, humans have extracted and used natural resources as pragmatically as 
their technology, religious beliefs, and consumption habits have dictated. Many 
civilizations developed sustainable harvesting methods for natural resources and 
thus enjoyed a fruitful and efficient lifestyle. Conversely, a lack of harmonious 
ecological existence has resulted in civilizations overextending themselves and 
no longer having access to the resources needed to sustain their lifestyles. The 
21st century has accelerated the issues surrounding resource scarcity. The 
rate of consumption has escalated as a result of modern industrialization; this 
rapid increase in an unbalanced approach to natural resource consumption has 
resulted in a multitude of environmental and social degradations. 
The green city is an evolving concept that aims to reverse this trend and redirect 
it towards a more cohesive, balanced, and harmonious existence. The goal of 
the green city is to embrace natural landscapes into urban design, increase 
quality of life, and move toward ecological sustainability. The concept strives 
for social equality, environmental regeneration, and production of a more 
harmonious working relationship between modern urban infrastructure and 
natural ecological landscapes.
The fall 2010 Green Cities class at the University of Oregon had the opportunity 
to participate in implementing these ideals and applying them to the modern 
world through the SCY program. The Orchard Village and Glen Creek project 
sites gave students a tangible opportunity to implement a modern version of 
the green city teachings of Ebenezer Howard and Frederick Law Olmsted. The 
platform of an affordable housing development allows for the designing of a 
living community that promotes social and ecological harmony. 
Salem Housing Authority
The mission of the Salem Housing Authority (SHA) is “To see that all low-income 
people in the Salem-Keizer community have the opportunity to live in decent, 
affordable housing and to move up and out of poverty.” SHA is committed to 
providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to individuals and families in 
Salem and Keizer, Oregon, who face income or other barriers to a better quality 
of life. SHA offers housing support through a variety of programs and services. 
It strives to educate citizens about the core services offered and to share how 
SHA is working with other organizations to build a stronger community. The SHA 
low-income housing policies, set by HUD, restrict rental eligibility to individuals 
or families that earn less than 80% of the median income, or for very-low-
income, less than 50% of the median (SHA).
8The SHA vision is one of sustainability. Rich in opportunities and welcoming 
innovation, SHA’s housing could lead the way as Salem invests in that vision. 
The suggestions presented in this document will help promote Orchard Village 
and Glen Creek as progressive affordable housing solutions. Glen Creek and 
Orchard Village have been analyzed for their potential to increase the level of 
sustainability and responsibility to the entire Salem community. 
The following sections will outline recommendations for optimizing energy 
performance, improving transportation options, implementing strategies for 
smart water use, promoting health and food security, recycling, landscaping, 
and promoting a deeper sense of community. 
Organization
In order to direct the idea and information flow into a pragmatic and 
applicable structure, each area of focus is broken down in to three types of 
recommendations based on feasibility:
Pivotal: These plans suggest modest improvements over the current standard 
of living in Salem. These recommendations assume materials and processes 
meet necessary current social and environmental standards. Pivotal strategies 
are the most basic and necessary suggestions offered toward a Green Cities 
vision. 
Progressive: These plans suggest an improvement and elaboration of current 
precedents in sustainable development practices and social community 
development. These suggestions are forward-thinking, yet often are affordable 
with little up-front cost.
Pioneering: These plans suggest the most forward-thinking of sustainable 
development proposals. They explore the most idealistic and ambitious 
environmental and social design features. Although these suggestions typically 
lead to higher up-front costs, the long-term savings are often significant. 
Additionally, implementing pioneering strategies often provides opportunities for 
media exposure that will ultimately benefit the SHA and its residents. 
The suggestions in this report exist in the “big ideas” realm. Although 
the research team champions the elements found in the Pioneering 
recommendations, we understand the financial, social, and administrative 
constraints that may arise. We suggest future groups extract and further 
investigate the components most suitable for achieving the desired success 
defined by Glen Creek, Orchard Village, and the City of Salem.
9Glen Creek Village Sustainable Infill 
Development
Existing Conditions
Site Description
Built in 1978, Glen Creek Village Apartment Complex is a small, low-income 
residential development west of the Willamette River in Salem, Oregon. The 
apartments are on 7.78 acres in an agricultural-residential zone on the south 
side of Orchard Heights Road, surrounded primarily by single-family residential 
parcels (see Figure 1). There are 30 units in seven buildings with an additional 
building housing the rental office and community center. Twenty-two of the units 
have three bedrooms and one bathroom (872 sq. ft. in size), six of the units 
have four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms (1118 sq. ft. in size), and two units have 
five bedrooms and two bathrooms (1271 sq. ft. in size) (SHA).
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ORCHAR D HEIGHTS PARK
CHANDLER PARK
SATHER PROPERTY
HARRITT
ES
Created on Oct 28, 2010
Zoning
City of Salem, Oregon
Community Development
Planning Division
O
Zoning Designations
Central Business District
General Commercial
Neighborhood Commercial
Commercial Office
Retail Commercial
Employment Center
Exclusive Farm Use
Fairview Mixed-Use
South Waterfront Mixed-Use
Industrial Business Campus
Industrial Commercial
General Industrial
Industrial Park
Intensive Industrial
Public Amusement
Public-Private Cemetary
Public-Private Education
Public Health
Capitol Mall
Public Service
Residential Agriculture
Duplex Residential
Multiple Family High-Rise Residential
Multiple Family Residential 1
Multiple Family Residential 2
Single Family Residential
W W W
W W WEdgewater/Wallace Road Overlay Zone
Willamette Greenway Overlay
Compact Development Overlay Zone
Historic District
Mixed-Use Overlay Zone
Overlay Zone
Greenway Boundary
Flood Plain
Flood Way
City Limits
Urban Growth Boundary
Tax Lot
Water
¹º School
Community Development Dept.
7316S
0 800400
Feet
The zoning designations shown on these maps are for planning purposes only.  The City is not responsible for errors or omissions.  Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of these maps.  
However, there may be inaccuracies due to human or mechanical error or changes in the zoning maps created by recent land use actions or legislative changes.  To verify the zoning designation of a
parcel or to report errors please contact the Permit Application Planner at 503-588-6256 extension 7427.  This product is provided as is, without warranty. In no event is the City of Salem liable for 
damages from the use of this product.  This product is subject to license and copyright limitations and further distribution or resale is prohibited.
*
*
*
*
*
N:\CD\Data\Zoning\Web_Zoning_Map_Book.mxd
See "Overlay Zones/Districts Locator" 
document on main zoning webpage for 
number/letter descriptions shown on map
*
73
17
N
7316N
7315N
73
17
S
7315S
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20
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7321N
7322N
Figure 1: Zoning map. Glen Creek property indicated with purple star. 
10
Located along Orchard Heights Road, a major arterial on Salem’s west side, 
Glen Creek is surrounded by high value housing developments to the east 
and west, and parks on the north and south. The major transit routes for 
the development include Orchard Heights Road (on the north side of the 
development), Wallace Road (0.6 miles to the east), and Doaks Ferry Road 
(1.0 miles to the west). Of these roads, only Wallace Road provides access to 
regional shopping centers and Salem’s downtown district (see Figure 2). 
Constructing Additional Buildings
There is a possibility of constructing an additional residential building on the 
site, perhaps financed through bonding, grants, and incentive programs. The 
building could be designed for net zero energy use, using innovative low-cost 
building techniques and building-integrated energy production. The likeliest 
placement of this new building is along the western edge of the site. 
Agricultural History
Glen Creek is located west of the Willamette River, in the Polk County portion of 
Salem, which was formerly and legally known as West Salem (many residents 
still refer to the area as West Salem). While the entire Willamette Valley has 
had historically fertile soils, the areas in West Salem were used to extract 
timber and harvest such crops as strawberries, loganberries, filberts, cherries, 
marionberries, hops, and wheat. 
Glen Creek Village
Orchard Heights Rd.
W
allace Rd.
D
oaks Ferry Rd.
Grocery Node
To Downtown Salem
Figure 2: Glen Creek Village vicinity, aerial photo.
11
Demographics
The core demographic profile of the development, based primarily on Census 
Tract 52.02, with some data narrowed down from Block Group 3 and from SHA 
requirements, shows that the residents of the development are predominantly 
white (over 90%), low-income, and mostly work outside of Polk County (Census 
2000). 
In this census tract, there are 623 residents who fall below the 1999 poverty 
level. Residents of this area have a median age of 37, most have finished 
high school or a bachelor’s degree, and most work in the fields of public 
administration, education, construction, or finance. The average house in this 
Census Tract was built between 1970 and 1989.
12
Orchard Village Sustainable Development 
Existing Conditions
Site Description
The Orchard Village Complex was a small, low-income residential development 
in northeast Salem. Located between Broadway St NE and Salem Parkway 
(Highway 99E), access to the site is a narrow driveway off Broadway. Currently 
Orchard Village is a cleared site, but in the past there were 30 housing units. 
Those units were taken down because of poor unit layout and environmental 
concerns. Figure 3 below depicts the site with the former units in place. 
Br
oa
dw
ay
Sa
lem
 Pa
rkw
ay
 (9
9E
)
Orchard Village
enter
N
Figure 3: Orchard Village site map (photo taken before all housing units were demolished).
13
Transportation: Islands in a Sea of 
Disconnect
Glen Creek
Transportation for many Glen Creek residents 
is a challenge. With limited access to personal 
automobiles and public transit options, 
residents are forced to either rely on those 
few who have personal automobiles, plan 
their trips around the limited public transit 
system, call for taxicab service, bike, or walk. 
According to the 2000 US Census (SF3), the 
933 residents of Block Group 3 in Census Tract 52.02 (which includes Glen 
Creek) typically relied on private automobile as transportation to work (824), 
with the majority driving alone (683). Of the total residents in the Block Group, 
only 18 claimed to take public transportation, of which 12 used the bus service 
and 6 relied on ferryboat (US Census Bureau). 
Active transportation (bicycle and pedestrian) accessibility is a major concern 
for the residents of Glen Creek. According to walkscore.com, the development 
Transportation sources 
account for 70% of our 
nation’s oil consumption 
and 30% of total U.S. 
greenhouse gas emissions.
Key:
Yellow house: Glen Creek development 
Yellow shopping basket: Grocery and 
convenience stores 
Blue bus: Bus stops and stations 
Green schoolhouse: Schools 
Yellow shopping bag: Major retail shopping 
Red cross: Medical facilities
Figure 4: Glen Creek area, with transit stops, schools, shopping, and other destinations.
14
has a walkability score of 35/100 (Walkscore.com 2010). A score in this range is 
categorized as being car-dependent (Walkscore.com-how it works 2010). 
The purpose of this assessment is not to recommend that every resident of 
the development have access to a private automobile. Rather, it illustrates the 
issues that those without access to private automobiles face on a recurring 
basis, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. Figure 4 shows 
a rough access map of the site and some of the more prominent areas and 
features in close proximity to Glen Creek. 
Orchard Village 
To make sense of the transportation challenges and opportunities at work at the 
Orchard Village site, it is necessary to understand the implications of the greater 
transportation environment surrounding the community. Orchard Village is cut 
off on all sides by major roadways with little or no connectivity. Those attempting 
to walk, bike, or bus, have little safe infrastructure to support travel.
We ran the following three analyses to determine the level of connectivity 
surrounding Orchard Village. 
Intersection Density Map
The intersection density map (see Figure 5) is based on the premise that areas 
of greater connectivity will inherently contain a higher density of intersections. 
The grid-like nature of a typical downtown street system exemplifies this 
principle. This can be seen in the existing density surrounding Orchard Village. 
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CarletonOrchard Village Apartments
IMichael Duncan10/25/2010
Source: ESRI, Census 2000
Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Oregon North FIPS 3601 Feet Intl
Density of Accessible Intersections Surrounding
Orchard Village Apartments
Accessible Intersections Per Sqr. Mile
0 - 24
25 - 49
50 - 99
100 - 150
160 - 250
Roadways
Orchard Village
0 0.25 0.50.125
Miles
Figure 5: Density of accessible intersections near Orchard Village.
15
There are areas of high or moderate connectivity to the north and south, but 
the street network encompassing Orchard Village has a very low intersection 
density. Low intersection density creates connectivity challenges for cyclists and 
pedestrians, who rely on traffic signals for safe and protected street crossings. 
Determining the Pedestrian Catchment Area and Impeded Pedestrian 
Catchment Area
A series of Network Connection Analyses 
were used to determine both Pedestrian 
Catchment Area (PCA) and Impeded 
Pedestrian Catchment Area (IPCA). A 
pedestrian asked to walk one-half mile in 
any direction through an open field would 
do so unimpeded. Any resulting route would 
manifest as a radius of a circle. That circle 
represents the true unimpeded area of 
travel. The PCA is the area any combination 
of routes traveled in a desired distance, 
in this case one-half mile, would produce. 
Quite often due to a lack of connectivity, the 
resulting area is much less than the ideal area 
of a circle. The ratio between this area and 
that of the circle is called a PCA ratio. A more 
A 5% increase in 
the walkability of a 
neighborhood is associated 
with a per capita 32.1% 
increase in active travel, 
6.5% fewer miles driven, 
5.6% fewer grams of NOx 
emitted, and 5.5% fewer 
grams of volatile organic 
compounds (VOCs) emitted.
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I
0 0.25 0.50.125
Miles
Orchard Village Apartments
Roadways
Impeded Pedestrian Catchment Area*
1/2 Mile Unimpeded Radius
Michael Duncan
10/25/2010
Source: ESRI, Census 2000
Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Oregon North FIPS 3601 Feet Intl
Walkability of Orchard Village Apartments
Walkable Roads Only
Unwalkable Roads Included
*IPCA ratio of 21.51% 
Figure 6: Walkability of Orchard Village.
16
accurate assessment can be given by the IPCA. The IPCA resembles the PCA, 
but in an attempt to depict the real world choices a pedestrian is confronted 
with, the multi-lane/unsafe roadways and their crossings are removed. An IPCA 
ratio of 0.5 is considered adequate; Orchard Village’s IPCA ratio is low, 0.21 
(Frank 2006).
Mapping the Transportation Choices of Communities Surrounding 
Orchard Village
Using Census Data, plotted by the Block Group, the mode of travel for workers 
over the age of 16 is represented as a percentage of the total overall workers 
commuting. While single-user vehicles represent the majority, there is a marked 
increase in pedestrian, bike and public transportation in the Block Groups 
north and south of Orchard Village. These clusters of active modes of transport 
provide insight to the opportunities available for Orchard Village if connectivity is 
improved. 
!
Orchard Village Apartments
!
Orchard Village Apartments
!
Orchard Village Apartments
Pedestrian Public Transit Bicycle
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Public Transit Usage of
Urban Marion County
0 1 2 30.5
Miles
I
I-5 I-5I-5
Michael Duncan
11/3/2010
Source: Census 2000
Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Oregon North FIPS 3601 Feet Intl
Mode Percentage of Total Usage
0% - 1%
2% - 3%
4% - 5%
6% - 7%
8% - 10%
11% - 16%
17% - 22%
23% - 79%
Polk PolkPolk
Figure 7: Bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit usage of urban Marion County. 
17
Assessment of Both 
Sites
Salem-Keizer Cherriots 
Bus System
In the 2002 Willamette River 
Crossing Capacity Study, 
part of the Salem-Keizer 
Area Transportation Study, 
only two percent of the total 
population used the Cherriots 
System, while 84 percent used 
single occupancy vehicles, 
and 14 percent used other 
modes of transportation 
(carpools, taxicabs, biking, 
and walking) (Salem-Keizer 
Area Transportation Study). 
The public bus transportation 
system is not as robust in 
Salem as it is in other Oregon 
cities like Portland and 
Eugene. 
The Cherriots system has 
three classifications of bus 
routes: frequent (primary), 
peak hour (secondary), and 
standard (tertiary); all routes 
only run Monday through 
Friday. For the residents of the Glen Creek development, the only bus line that 
provides service in the area is the #10 bus, a tertiary route (Cherriots website 
2010). 
In addition to being on a tertiary route, there are limited numbers of pick-up 
stops for residents, which becomes the main problem for the Orchard Village 
development. Although residents of Orchard Village would have the option to 
ride a few different buses, #9 and #19, the stops along these routes are difficult 
to access because of Broadway Avenue, a large thoroughfare. Unlike bus 
systems in Portland and Eugene, the Cherriots system typically picks up riders at 
primary stops; however, it will drop residents off at any secondary stop along the 
way. This raises many concerns for potential riders, as they must travel roughly a 
half-mile just to get to a bus stop that will pick them up (Cherriots Website 2010).
!
Orchard Village Apartments
I-5
I-5
Polk County
I
Cars/Total Usage
WrkrTrvlAlone / Wrkr16Total
15% - 49%
50% - 59%
60% - 69%
70% - 79%
80% - 91%
Michael Duncan
11/3/2010
Source: Census 2000
Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Oregon North FIPS 3601 Feet Intl
Transportation Usage of Urban Marion County
0 1 20.5
Miles
Figure 8: Percentage of urban Marion County workers who commute in 
single-occupancy vehicles.
18
Cost
The fares for the Cherriots system can be burdensome for those who have a low 
or fixed income. Currently, Cherriots charges adults $1.50 for each segment of 
a bus trip, $3.35 for a day pass, $40 for a monthly pass, and $480 for an annual 
pass. Youth and “special” rates are less expensive.
Glen Creek and the Salem-Keizer School District Busing
The Salem-Keizer School District will not provide bus service to the Glen Creek 
development. The nearest schools to the development are West Salem High 
School (1.0 miles away), Walker Middle School (1.3 miles away), and Chapman 
Hill Elementary (1.25 miles away). (Data based on road network distances from 
the development’s driveway to the school driveway.)
The Salem-Keizer School District’s current policy states that any high school or 
middle school student who lives within a 1.5-mile radius of the school must walk, 
and 1-mile radius for elementary school students. The School District does not 
define their measurement methodology; however, Chapman Hill Elementary 
School falls outside of the 1-mile radius. This means that children as young as 
five years old must walk over a mile to school if their parents cannot drive them. 
Many times, students do not make it to school on time, as the SHA has labeled 
truancy as a major concern in the Glen Creek development. 
Walking and Cycling 
Walking and cycling are two viable alternatives for some residents, even though 
there are some drawbacks to these methods of transportation. Due to the 
topography of the Glen Creek development and the surrounding area, there 
are many winding and hilly roads that must be traversed in order to reach any 
destination. These conditions are not always safe for the residents, as the 
sidewalks and bike lanes are poorly maintained. Additionally, Orchard Heights 
Road is a major arterial thoroughfare, with higher speed limits than a residential 
street. Orchard Village faces similar constraints, with large thoroughfares, 
Broadway Avenue and River Road, as the only adjacent roads for residents to 
walk or cycle along. Compounding all of this is the long travel distances and 
times to reach even the most basic services, such as grocery stores, medical 
facilities, schools, retail locations, and employment centers.
Access to Basic Services
Residents of both housing developments are limited in their options for basic 
services if they do not own an automobile. Furthermore, shopping via active 
transportation can be difficult when considering the challenge of carrying home 
purchased goods and traversing multiple lanes of vehicular traffic. 
The nearest grocery store to Glen Creek, Roth’s, is located roughly 0.8 miles 
away from the development. The nearest grocery store to the Orchard Village 
site, Fred Meyer, is located roughly 0.4 miles away. While these are within 
19
walking distance for the able-bodied individual, those with young children, and 
the elderly and disabled, face a significantly greater accessibility challenge. 
For Glen Creek, the nearest doctor’s office is located near the intersection of 
Orchard Heights Road and Wallace Road, which is roughly 0.6 miles from the 
development. If the resident were to need emergency medical attention (without 
the need for ambulance), the nearest hospital is located 2.6 miles away across 
the river. (This data for Orchard Village was not calculated.) 
Parks
Glen Creek is close to two parks that border the development to the north and 
the south, but in order for residents to take advantage of these parks, they must 
cross either Orchard Heights Road to the north or Glen Creek to the south, both 
of which present different challenges. In order for residents to access Orchard 
Heights Park, they must walk along and cross Orchard Heights Road. Due to 
the layout of the road and the topography of the area, visibility can be limited. 
If residents wish to visit Chandler Park, they must cross Glen Creek. While the 
creek itself is not wide or deep, it may be an obstacle for some. 
Orchard Village has an opportunity not only to connect to nearby parks but to 
the Kroc Center as well (only 1.6 miles away, a 30 minute walk). In order for 
these places to be reached, a resident has to cross or walk along Broadway 
Avenue, Salem Parkway, or River Road, all of which have multiples lanes of 
traffic and infrequent crossings. 
World Class Transportation Resources: 
Recommendations for SHA
There are many strategies that can be implemented to help mitigate connectivity 
and accessibility issues facing Glen Creek and Orchard Village. By beginning 
with the Pivotal strategies and continuing into the world of Progressive and 
Pioneering, Glen Creek and Orchard Village can translate these challenges 
into opportunities. We recommend adopting a strategy to overcome these 
limitations and encourage residents who are otherwise apprehensive about 
alternative transportation to make that first step; in doing so, residents can save 
money, help the environment, and become part of an active, healthy, and livable 
community.
Glen Creek 
Walking
In order to aid in connectivity between neighboring park spaces and the Glen 
Creek development, we recommend that SHA, Salem Parks, Public Works, and 
the Oregon Department of Transportation consider the erection of elevated or 
excavated pathways that would connect the development to parks. 
20
If this is not a viable solution, then we suggest installing signage and lighting at 
crosswalks to increase the visibility of pedestrians trying to cross between the 
development and the park. Additionally, we recommend footbridges be erected 
over Glen Creek between the development and Chapman Hill Park to allow for 
better access.
Cycling 
The Glen Creek area needs improved infrastructure for cyclists, including 
signage and segregated cycling lanes. The cities of Salem and Keizer have 
published bicycle route maps on their website. Despite having dedicated cycling 
lanes on some streets such as Orchard Heights Road near the Glen Creek 
development, the City of Salem has adopted a new type of marking for many of 
its roads where additional rights-of-way or lanes are not possible. 
In an effort to increase the accessibility of the development for bicyclists, the 
SHA could work with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Salem 
Public Works to increase the number of dedicated bike lanes in the West Salem 
area by repainting existing bike lanes, and improving the bike lane signage. 
Glen Creek Parking Lot Redesign 
Since many of the current parking spaces are unused, parking could be 
consolidated in an effort to maximize green space and remove unneeded 
impervious surfaces from the site. Additionally, this would allow for a redesign of 
the entrance to the development. 
The recommended redesign would move the driveway from the west side of the 
development to the east side, providing two main benefits to residents. First, 
it would add 0.1 miles of road distance to the measurements for school bus 
routes, potentially enough distance to convince the Salem-Keizer School District 
to bus students to their respective schools. Second, the recommended redesign 
would improve the visibility of residents who are crossing the street, and also 
those who are turning into and out of the development in vehicles. 
We recommend negotiations with the Salem-Keizer School District prior to 
any renovations. Additionally, we suggest SHA conduct a cost-benefit analysis 
before any costly redevelopment takes place.
Salem-Keizer School District
We recommend SHA open a dialogue with the Salem-Keizer school district. 
This dialogue should clearly establish the measurement technique employed 
by the School District when determining the distance from a development to 
the schools for busing purposes. Should the School District hold their position 
that the student residents of Glen Creek must continue to walk to school, we 
suggest SHA investigate the feasibility of creating a community shuttle that 
students could use in order to travel back and forth to school.
21
Orchard Village 
Cycling
Unlike Glen Creek, Orchard Village is in an 
area already invested in separated cycling 
infrastructure, although the area needs 
improvement. Neighborhoods directly north 
and south of Orchard Village are connected 
with cycling lanes that are being re-striped 
and re-painted. 
Orchard Village is located centrally between 
Keizer and downtown Salem. On the ground 
bike symbols exist, indicating intended usage 
for both motorists and cyclists. Particular 
attention is paid to the intersection of Salem Parkway and Broadway, as well as 
the Broadway/River Road intersection, where the cycling lane is painted a solid 
lime-green as a visual cue to motorists. Currently, the cycling lane is faded and 
stops just before both intersections. These intersections contributed heavily to 
the low IPCA ratio.
The Intersection Density and IPCA maps (see Figures 5 and 6) indicate the 
need for a safer, appropriately connected community. The first step to that 
connectivity is giving Orchard Village a bike and pedestrian specific crossing. 
We recommend a location just south of the Orchard Village entrance. Flashing 
caution signs and a strip of user-activated flashing LED ground lights could 
denote the crossing. Crossing four busy lanes of traffic can be a challenge for 
children, elderly, and alter-abled pedestrians. To accommodate such varied 
usage, we recommend a traffic-calming island provided mid-way. 
Both Sites
Separated Cycling Lanes 
We recommend separation of cycling lanes from autos by a raised curb, and, 
space permitting, a planted barrier. Separated cycling lanes help cyclists who 
are interested in cycling but who are hesitant to become active riders due to 
perceived safety concerns of mixed-use roadways. Additionally, separated 
cycling lanes would serve as a supplemental buffer for pedestrian safety. 
Bicycle Racks 
We recommend installing, at a minimum, 25 inverted U style bike racks on 
the property. We recommend providing long-term, well-lit bike parking that is 
enclosed by a gate and covered. This protects the bikes from the elements and 
reduces theft. Additionally, we recommend installing 10 short-term bike racks 
After buffered bike 
lanes were installed on 
Philadelphia’s Spruce and 
Pine streets, bike traffic 
increased 95% and the 
number of bicyclists riding 
on the sidewalks decreased 
by up to 75%.
22
for visitors or short trips, also covered, but unenclosed. For reference, one car 
parking space can be repurposed to accommodate 6 racks, or 12 bicycles. 
Racks will follow additional guidelines as per ODOT standards.
Cycling/Pedestrian Network Map Placard
We recommend a placard depicting close and easy bike and pedestrian 
pathways near bike racks and main pathways to inform residents and visitors of 
safe and efficient travel routes, including estimated travel time.
Transportation Options Move-In Info Pack
In order to foster community awareness and support for alternative 
transportation, we recommend providing a “Transportation Info Pack” to 
residents upon moving into the developments. This could potentially be 
extended to all SHA housing. Among many ideas, we suggest including: cycling/
pedestrian city maps, public transit schedules, bike bells and lights, reflective 
pant-cuff bands for walkers/joggers/cyclists, and a bus pass. Additionally, we 
suggest permanently securing a bike/pedestrian map to the inside of the pantry 
door of each housing unit. 
Bike Facilities
To assist residents in bike maintenance and ensure bike riding health and 
safety, we recommend bike facilities composed of a water-bottle-friendly 
drinking fountain, an air station for tires, and a permanent bike stand for repair 
work (e.g. tire changes, brake adjustment, cleaning). We suggest making tools 
available for checkout at the main office. 
Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Classes 
Partnering with local advocacy groups, Glen Creek and Orchard Village could 
host monthly or quarterly bike maintenance classes and successive bike safety 
classes. Bike maintenance would focus on items that are easy for individuals 
to learn, while bike safety classes would educate riders on local laws and 
proper bike etiquette. The safety class could also address an overall goal of 
familiarizing new riders, and building confident and empowered cyclists. Not 
only would classes serve as an educational tool, but also as a community 
building opportunity, where participants could encourage and support each 
other with bike and other active transportation choices. Ideally, these classes 
would serve the greater community of interested cyclists. 
Local Cycling Shop Partnership
Partnering with a local bike shop, residents of both Glen Creek and Orchard 
Village could be the recipients of promotional deals such bike locks or helmets. 
The cycling shop could provide goods for marketing opportunities derived from 
sponsoring SHA properties. This could take the form of website accreditation 
and advertising with co-sponsorship (e.g literature, leaflets, media).
Cycling, Pedestrian, and Bus Use Incentives 
Where parking spaces are assigned to each unit, active transportation incentive 
programs have been successful. For example, any unit not using their parking 
23
space could potentially be eligible for a rent 
discount of $20 per month. This incentive 
is meant to encourage the use of alternate 
modes of transportation (Dunn 1999). 
Additionally, free or reduced bus fare could be 
used in conjunction with the rent incentive.
Small Scale Bicycle Share
This program provides residents access 
to a card-lock based system which allows 
individuals to check out bicycles and use 
them for recreation, errands, school, or 
commuting. Without the financial commitment of owning a bicycle, this system 
is ideal for introducing community members to the freedom and fun of riding. 
There may be an opportunity to expand this service to additional housing 
projects and neighboring residents as the program grows. 
Bike Rebuild Program 
A (re)Build-a-Bike program takes donated bikes, strips them of no longer useful 
or broken components, and rebuilds them into functional and fun transportation. 
This program would ideally work closely with the bike maintenance classes 
and be open to any resident, though the focus would most likely be on youth, 
providing a basic understanding of the skills required to be a bike mechanic.
Cherriots Bus Improvement
Negotiation with the Cherriots bus system for expansion of hours, routes, and 
stops would be beneficial to residents of Glen Creek and Orchard Village. This 
recommendation is in line with the existing Salem-Keizer Area Transportation 
Study’s recommendations to increase transit service on existing routes (shorter 
headways), restructure current transit service (creating a time-transfer station), 
add transit routes, and add express bus services that would be coordinated with 
park-and-ride lots (which could potentially benefit automobile owning residents 
of Glen Creek and Orchard Village) (Salem-Keizer Area Transportation Study). 
Since residents of all SHA developments have low incomes, reduced fares on 
all Cherriots buses, would improve residents’ access to public transit. 
Finally, the erection of bus shelters would not only benefit the residents of Glen 
Creek and Orchard Village, but all residents of Salem-Keizer who take the 
Cherriots system. Any new bus stop should be covered, well lit, and complete 
with wayfinding placard.
Parking 
At a ratio of 1.2 parking spots per unit, we recommend parking be located along 
the perimeter of the property, away from children and pedestrian activity. These 
assigned places are well lit, uncovered, and reverse diagonal. Introducing 
this unique parking configuration affords greater safety and lower crime. With 
increased visibility, drivers can navigate better when pulling out of spots. 
Nefarious activity is curtailed when parking spaces are in direct view of the road.
It costs three to four times 
more to enroll a sedentary 
adult in a structured 
exercise program than to 
teach them how to integrate 
moderate-intensity physical 
activity into their life.
24
Shuttle/Dial-A-Ride Service
We recommend examining the creation of a Dial-A-Ride service for all SHA 
properties. The creation of this type of service would allow residents to phone 
into a “dispatch” to arrange rides within the city. While it is likely that this type of 
service would be moderately expensive on the front end of the implementation, 
it is possible that a portion of the operating cost could be added to individuals’ 
rent. There are many communities across the country that have adopted this 
type of service for those who are elderly or disabled, including Salem’s Cherry 
Lift service (see Figure 9). 
Zipcar
Zipcar, a nationwide car share program, would provide Salem residents access 
to an on-demand network of automobiles. Individuals who wish to use this type 
of service sign up through the Zipcar website that allows a member certain 
access levels to the global Zipcar fleet. Zipcar plans start at a rate of $60/year. 
All Zipcar plans charge an hourly/daily rate (starting at $7/$69 respectively, 
based on the type of vehicle requested) for automobile usage, as well as a free 
daily mileage rate (with additional miles costing more). Monthly contract plans 
are available for those who would use the service more frequently. 
If implemented, this service could potentially prove to be far less expensive 
than individual automobile ownership, as the Zipcar service includes automobile 
insurance, maintenance costs, and gasoline for the cars, which would alleviate 
many cost burdens for residents in SHA developments (Zipcar.com 2010). 
Figure 9: Cherriots Cherry Lift shuttle.
25
These types of programs have already seen success in urban centers such as 
Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Proposal
Pivotal: Installation of cycling lanes, and literature provided to residents upon 
move-in for the promotion and support of alternative transportation. Further 
communication with the school district on busing options for children at Glen 
Creek.
Progressive: Negotiating with Cherriots for increased service and decreased 
fares, establishing a dial-a-ride program, improving bike infrastructure, and 
redesign of Glen Creek parking lot.
Pioneering: Site specific cycling and pedestrian crossings, infrastructure to 
connect the sites to nearby parks and other necessary destinations, bike share 
programs, and the implementation of Zipcar infrastructure.
Figure 10: Zipcar vehicle.
26
Energy
Energy Outlook
The Salem city website states that “The City is undertaking and supporting 
actions to improve local sustainability through a variety of initiatives, by 
partnering with state or local organizations, leading efforts in its own buildings, 
and providing conservation and pollution prevention programs.” This statement 
demonstrates Salem’s interest in becoming a pioneer in energy awareness 
and conservation. An emphasis on conservation can help make sustainability 
a priority in the community and reduce costs 
to residents. Conservation of energy through 
efficiency upgrades and use reduction will 
benefit the individual residents, the SHA, and 
the global environment. 
Reducing or eliminating the use of off-site 
non-renewable energy resources is crucial 
to the sustainability of all new and existing 
buildings for three main reasons. 
• The current overwhelming reliance on fossil fuel combustion for electricity 
and on centralized distribution systems has a negative impact on the 
environment. 
• Creating a certain level of energy independence for districts, neighborhoods, 
or communities increases the resilience of societal structures in the event of 
disaster or utility disruption. 
• Residents will be able to achieve a higher degree of comfort in their homes 
while reducing their electricity bills. SHA will see a decrease in energy bills, 
allowing the program to allocate more funding toward reaching other goals.
Glen Creek Development
Organized as town homes within each 
building, each unit spans the width of the 
building, providing each apartment with 
exterior openings on at least two sides. 
If properly designed, this arrangement 
allows residents access to daylight and 
cross-ventilation for cooling. The buildings 
have various orientations ranging from 
approximately 20° east of south to one 
building facing almost directly due west.
The buildings use conventional 4-inch stud-
wall construction. A state-mandated building 
Over half of the average 
residential energy costs go 
towards heating, cooling or 
lighting needs (Lawrence 
2010).
Figure 11: Glen Creek housing.
27
code addressing energy efficiency did not exist in 1978 when the buildings were 
constructed, so it is likely that the wall insulation is between R-7 and R-13. The 
original windows are probably single-pane wood-frame or aluminum-frame. 
SHA has been systematically upgrading windows and appliances between 
occupancies, installing double-pane vinyl windows and ENERGY STAR rated 
appliances. 
Currently, the units are provided with:
• Range: Frigidaire model # FFEF3011LWA.
• Refrigerator: Frigidaire model # FRT18HB5DWC.
• Dishwasher: Frigidaire model # FFBD2403LWOB.
• Hot Water Heater: 50-gallon electric 4500 Watts.
• Heating: 5 ft. baseboard per bedroom, 1500 Watts each (3-5 per unit), 2 ft. 
baseboard in hallways, 750 Watts each (2-3 per unit), 8-10 ft. baseboard in 
living room, 2500 Watts, one Cadet heater in kitchen.
• Lighting: Standard fixture with two 60 Watt bulbs per bedroom (3-5 per unit) 
and in hallways (3-4 per unit), 4 ft. fluorescent lights in kitchen and dining 
room (2 per unit), 24-inch fluorescent light in kitchen (1 per unit), compact 
fluorescent 7 Watt outdoor light (1 per unit), standard outdoor fixture with 
one 60 Watt bulb (1 per unit).
Residents typically supply their own washer/dryer, microwave, and air 
conditioner. Only stand-alone air conditioners are permitted, as opposed to 
window-mounted. Most tenants use box fans for cooling in the summer (Utz 
2010).
Strategies for Reducing Energy Footprint
Potential for Improvement
Energy Scheming 3.2 is a software program that allows visualization and 
analysis of building elements and configurations that affect energy use (Brown, 
Sekiguchi 2008). A simple model created with this software shows how one of 
the townhouse units of Glen Creek might gain and lose heat through its exterior 
(see Figures 12 and 13). 
A south-facing (main entry facing south) three-bedroom unit located on the west 
end of the building was used for the model. A base case that approximates the 
current energy use of one of the units was modeled, and then various passive 
strategies were added to the model. Figure 14 is a graph comparing the thermal 
performance of the base case, each separate alteration, and then all of the 
passive strategies used simultaneously. 
28
The strategies for this unit that had the best “bang for the buck” were reducing 
infiltration (significantly decreases winter heat loss) and using natural ventilation 
(lowers the summer cooling load). Other changes, such as adding exterior 
shading devices (fixed overhangs installed above the windows) did not have 
a significant effect in this model since the selected unit had only two small 
windows on the south side. However, these strategies could have much greater 
impact on a unit with more window area facing south or west. Modeling of this 
type can also be helpful with new construction to test ideas and ensure the most 
efficient design. 
Figure 12: Modeling winter heat loss in a typical Glen Creek housing unit.
Figure 13: Modeling summer heat gain in a typical Glen Creek housing unit.
29
First Steps to Increase Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings 
The first steps to take in developing 
an appropriate program for 
increasing energy efficiency at 
Glen Creek include auditing current 
and historic energy use for all units 
and performing physical tests to 
determine infiltration and insulation 
characteristics of a typical unit. The 
energy audit would involve accessing 
past electricity, gas, oil, and propane 
bills and analyzing the data to 
discover the largest energy draws. 
Several tests can determine 
infiltration and insulation values. 
The simplest, a blower door test 
(see Figure 15) can take less 
than an hour and determines the 
infiltration rate of the entire space 
in number of air changes per hour. 
A co-heating test would be more 
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Reduce Infiltration
Insulating Blinds
Exterior Sunshade
Increase Insulation
Natural Ventilation
Add Thermal Mass
Increase Solar Gain
All Improvements
Base Case
Figure 14: Thermal performance analysis showing effects of different proposed changes.
Figure 15: Blower door.
30
involved, but would also give a more complete picture of the unit’s performance. 
This test is performed over a period of 12-24 hours in an unoccupied unit, 
and results in an accurate estimate of the whole-unit heat loss or gain 
characteristics.
With a good understanding of where and how buildings are using the most 
energy, SHA can prioritize replacement and upgrading to target those changes 
that will yield the highest results.
Use Reduction: Building Individual Awareness
Current Status of Glen Creek Apartments 
While upgrades to the building and installation of energy efficiency appliances 
contribute to lowering electricity demand, human behavior also affects energy 
consumption. A common credo used by Professor G. Z. Brown of the Energy 
Studies in Buildings Laboratory at the University of Oregon is: buildings don’t 
use energy, people do. Utility consumption data indicate a tremendous range 
of electricity use, even among similar residences and demographically similar 
occupants, that can be best attributed to behavioral differences (Lutzenhiser 
1993). 
The average energy usage per unit is 1261 kWh per month; the highest is 1646 
kWh per month, and the lowest is 814 kWh per month. The range in energy 
usage could be attributed to a number of apartment characteristics, such as 
location within building, orientation, and window types, or it could be due to 
higher appliance efficiency or to different use patterns by the occupants. Further 
studies of these issues would be valuable.
Comparing the average of four years of electricity use at Glen Creek to the 
national average for buildings of the same type and occupancy (low-rise multi-
family), 8 units use more energy, 21 units are within the national range, and only 
1 unit used less energy.
Informational Feedback
A large part of the energy conservation effort will depend on the individual 
habits of the residents themselves. Therefore, the managers of Glen Creek and 
Orchard Village should strategically think about how to influence behavior by 
educating the residents on how and why they should conserve energy. In order 
to achieve maximum energy use reductions, the residents should join SHA in 
changing their use habits. Research shows that, after upgrading the building 
envelope and increasing the energy efficiency of appliances, feedback about 
energy consumption, especially when paired with information about neighbors’ 
behavior (either positive or negative), is effective in reducing behavioral energy 
use (Geller 1983).
31
Visual feedback methods that occur in real 
time (see Figure 16) are found to be more 
effective than periodic text-based feedback, 
such as monthly bills, particularly when 
employed along with education and incentives 
(Petersen 2007). A simple way to provide 
education and incentives is to post semi-
anonymous monthly energy use data for all 
the units along with a monthly tip for changing 
behaviors. We recommend posting this data 
in a high use area, such as near the complex 
mailboxes or in the proposed new laundry 
facility and delivering the same information 
electronically (for residents with email) via a 
monthly newsletter.
Energy Company Programs
Many utility companies are engaging in 
programs to reduce residential energy use through “smart” metering, data-
collecting outlets, and in-home visual displays. Often these programs receive 
government grants or incentives to assist in equipment purchase and installation 
(Friedrich 2010). Alternatively, researchers at colleges and universities may 
be interested in studying the effectiveness of these tools for reducing energy 
consumption, and may be able to secure grants to fund the efforts. 
Another successful method used by utilities to reduce residential energy use is 
a pay-as-you-go program. The M-Power program, used in the Salt River Project, 
Arizona, installed ATM-like meters that accept credit or debit card payments and 
show remaining energy balance in dollars rather than in kWh. In order to offset 
the risk of service disconnections to those who might not have enough money to 
pay their bills, the utility waived their $150 reconnection fee. In addition, overall 
energy use dropped by 12 percent on average, making consumers’ bills lower. 
Building Upgrades
Expanding upon SHA’s current policy of upgrading windows and appliances, 
adding extra insulation to walls, attics, and crawlspaces (especially if applied in 
a fashion that eliminates thermal bridging through the wall studs), and reducing 
infiltration, could have a tremendous impact on heating and cooling loads, as 
well as on the comfort of the residents. Some of these alterations could be 
made while buildings are occupied. 
Master Switches
SHA can help residents to reduce electricity consumption through behavioral 
changes by installing master switches within the units to allow powering down of 
all extraneous appliances and energy draws when occupants leave the unit or 
Figure 16: Monitor showing real-time feedback on 
household energy use.
32
go to sleep. Remote-controlled devices, appliance LEDs, and phone chargers 
are a few examples of “phantom loads” that continue to draw energy even when 
devices are not being actively used. According to Salem Electric, phantom loads 
represent up to 6 percent of electricity use in the United States. A relatively easy 
fix for this problem is the use of plug-strips for all appliances and electronics that 
can be powered down without harm to the device or interruption of its services. 
Desktop computers and refrigerators are examples of items that should not be 
controlled by a master switch.
New Construction: Potential for Net Zero Energy Use
SHA should seek designers willing to pursue a net zero energy building, or 
a building that produces as much energy as it uses. To achieve this level of 
energy performance, it is necessary both to maximize the efficiency of the 
building elements and to minimize the amount of energy used by the occupants. 
The new building could also target other sustainability goals, such as LEED 
Platinum or the Living Building Challenge, both of which incorporate many 
sustainability measures beyond energy use.
On-Site Energy Generation
Further sustainability can be achieved through use of renewable energy instead 
of fossil fuel based electricity sources. Renewable energies are defined as 
those that can be naturally replenished. This includes energy from sunlight, 
wind, water, and geothermal sources. The greatest advantage of renewable 
energy is that fuel cost can be free once the infrastructure is in place. Glen 
Creek and Orchard Village are ideal sites to use multiple forms of renewable 
energy and have the potential to stand 
out as distinguished examples for future 
development. 
Specifically for Glen Creek: of the 
eight existing buildings on site, four 
have roof slopes facing close to south 
(see Figure 17). If electricity-producing 
photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed 
on these roofs, a maximum of 300 kWh/
day could be produced annually. On 
the other hand, utilizing the same area 
for solar thermal production to heat hot 
water could produce the equivalent of 
931 - 1164 kWh/day annually (Brown, 
Decay 2001).
Other options for producing on-site 
power are micro-wind turbines, a 
combined heat and power (CHP) 
facility, or ground-source heat pumps. It 
Figure 17: South-facing roof area (orange) at Glen Creek.
33
is important to consider the feasibility of all options within the context of climatic 
conditions, budget, site size, and the potential for larger district generation 
systems. When viewed under these lenses, some options will emerge as better 
sources for immediate implementation, while others may become options for 
consideration on other SHA sites.
Optimizing Energy Performance
Appliances and Building Electronics 
Appliances and electronics account for about 20 percent of energy use in 
an average home. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that certifies energy-
efficient products. We recommend that all appliances and electronics at both 
Glen Creek and Orchard Village be Energy Star certified. SHA should continue 
to replace older appliance models with higher efficiency models to help 
reduce appliance loads. Further reductions in energy use could be achieved 
by supplying residents with other high efficiency appliances, such as laundry 
machines (perhaps best achieved through the addition of a shared facility, or 
encouragement to use laundry lines), televisions, and vacuum cleaners. These 
types of residential appliances are frequently among the least energy efficient. 
SHA should also be aware of the types of lamps used in lighting fixtures. All 
lamps should be fluorescent to reduce energy costs. 
For future construction, SHA should 
consider programmable thermostats. These 
thermostats can adjust the times that heating 
and air conditioning are active according 
to a preset schedule. This can potentially 
save up to 10 percent of heating and cooling 
costs if used correctly. Residents should be 
discouraged from heating or cooling their 
homes when their unit is not occupied. The 
type of heater used with programmable thermostats should be considered 
just as much as the decision to install them. Electric water heaters may be 
as energy efficient, and in some cases more so, than the solar water heating 
systems. However, they still rely on electricity. A primary system used is 
“demand” or “instantaneous” water heating. In this type of design, heating units 
are placed close to each individual water outlet. This eliminates the need for a 
storage tank and reduces the energy associated with keeping the water inside 
the tank warm (www.energysavers.gov 2010). 
On-Site Renewable Energy Generation Calculations:
Photovoltaic Panels: 41.3 Wh/ft2/day * 7250 ft2 / 1000 W/kW (based on a 12% 
cell efficiency)
Solar Thermal Panels: 160 kBtu/ ft2 * 0.293 kWh/kBtu * 7250 ft2 / 365
Fluorescent Lighting uses 
25%–35% of the energy 
needed to produce the 
same amount of light as 
incandescent lighting.
34
Passive Building Systems 
Passive systems strategically use architectural elements to harness natural 
energy sources for the purpose of heating and cooling spaces. This strategy 
uses natural energy resources rather than importing energy to a building. 
Passive systems are simple, have few moving parts, and require no mechanical 
systems to help them operate. 
Figure 18: Multi-family housing can be sustainable and aesthetic. This Swiss three-family building 
won the 2010 Passivhaus Architecture Award. (Source: www.halle58.ch).
Figure 19: Housing units in the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) in south 
London use half of the energy and water of comparable units in the surrounding area. (Source: 
bioregional.com).
35
Direct/Indirect Gain
Solar gain is most easily captured through the use of thermal mass, such as 
masonry concrete or Trombe (water) walls and roofs. Direct/indirect gain can 
benefit building occupants both in cooling and heating. Thermal mass storage 
requires special consideration of materials and thicknesses of surfaces. A 
thermal storage material works best if it is a dark color. Thermally massive 
materials help moderate indoor temperatures and reduce the possibility 
of extreme indoor 
temperature changes. 
During the day, the 
building absorbs solar 
heat and internal loads. 
At night, cooler outdoor 
air circulates through the 
building, reducing the heat 
gained during the day. This 
allows the massive material 
to restore its properties 
so that it can absorb heat 
the following day. Success 
from this method is highly 
dependent on local climate 
conditions and requires 
professional consultation. 
Figure 20: Passive solar design: Trombe (water) wall.
Figure 21: Passive solar design.
36
Because this strategy depends upon extensive outdoor airflow, large window 
openings are required. The use of large openings affects the placement of 
interior spaces and can be a security concern.
A direct gain system requires east/west site orientation in order to receive 
optimal seasonal solar heat gains from the south side of the building. It is 
important to consider the location of functional spaces in relation to the east/
west orientation. Rooms that are placed along the south façade will receive 
more heat and daylight. North-facing spaces are optimal for service spaces 
such as closets and walkways and can create an insulation buffer. North-facing 
rooms are also good for cooling dominant spaces and are most commonly 
used in commercial buildings. Exterior shading and light shelves are important 
design criteria to consider in relation to energy efficiency. Light shelves push 
light farther into rooms, reducing the need to turn on lighting. Exterior shading 
can be accomplished through the use of landscape planting, which can prevent 
heat from the sun from penetrating into rooms and decrease the need for air 
conditioning. Vegetation can also act as an insulation buffer; appropriate plant 
species should be chosen after consulting with a professional.
Cross Ventilation
Air temperature and wind speeds are two key determinants in calculating 
effective cross ventilation systems. Cross ventilation works when the outdoor 
air temperature is 3°F cooler than indoor air and when wind speeds are high 
enough to cool the specific site based on its location and climatic condition. 
Greater airflow results in greater cooling capacity. Window placement is also 
a key design factor. Windows placed at occupant level will affect occupant 
sensation perception, while higher windows allow warm air to escape the 
building.
Shading
Adding shading devices to the exterior facade to shade south, east, and west 
exposures can minimize heat gain during the hot summer months. Alternatively, 
deciduous trees can shade windows during warm weather, while allowing 
sunlight to penetrate during the winter. Trees and shrubs can effectively act 
as barriers to unfavorable wind patterns by reducing wind speeds that cause 
a wind-chill effect. A simulation study by E. Gregory McPherson (1993) found 
that a 24-foot-tall deciduous shade tree planted on the west side of a building 
could decrease air conditioning requirements by over 150 kWh per year in 
Portland, Oregon (McPherson 1993). Since buildings on the Glen Creek site are 
generally not equipped with air conditioning, this savings translates to a higher 
degree of comfort during the summer. When designing for Orchard Village, it is 
important to think about how energy use can be reduced; carefully placed trees 
can not only help shade a building, they can add to the aesthetic value of the 
development. 
37
Renewable Energy Systems
Drain-water (Graywater) Heat Recovery 
80-90 percent of an average home’s energy used to heat water is sent down 
the drain after use. A heat recovery system harnesses this heat and uses it to 
heat incoming cold water. The wastewater from sinks, showers, the dishwasher, 
and clothes washers can be harnessed and reused. This system may be more 
viable with new construction. 
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters (see Figure 22) reduce 
the use of purchased energy and are most 
commonly used for heating water. Less 
often, they are used for heating spaces. 
There are five different solar water heater 
options: thermosiphon, direct circulation, 
indirect circulation, water heating, and space 
heating. Considerations depend on climate, 
projected loads, and the desired purpose 
of the heater; in this case, we recommend 
an indirect (closed loop) system. With this 
On average, a solar water 
heater can save 20% to 50% 
of energy costs, compared 
with conventional water 
heating systems (www.
energysavers.gov 2010).
Figure 22: Solar hot water system diagram.
38
system, pumps circulate a non-freezing fluid through solar collectors and a heat 
exchanger, which heats water in an insulated tank.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps (see Figure 23) use the earth’s mass to heat or cool 
spaces. This type of system requires extensive site planning and varies in price. 
The cost of a ground source heat pump is dependent upon the depth at which 
the piping needs to be buried, which varies 
with the frost line. Ground source systems 
consist of a heat pump, an air delivery 
system, and a heat exchanger. The pipes can 
be buried either vertically or horizontally. The 
decision about pipe placement will need to 
consider current site conditions as well as the 
possibility of future site development. 
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers
An air-to-air heat exchanger is a system that uses a mechanical device to 
transfer the heat from one airflow stream to another. The key architectural issue 
is the plan for two air streams (supply and exhaust) to run adjacent to each 
other at the connection to the heat exchanger. We recommend considering two 
types of units: heat recovery ventilators, and energy recovery ventilators. When 
deciding on a device, climate and outdoor airflow should both be considered. 
Ground Source Heat Pumps 
use 25-50% less electricity 
than conventional heating 
or cooling systems (www.
energysavers.gov).
Figure 23: Diagram of a ground source heat pump used for space heating and hot water.
39
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Combined heat and power, or cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of 
electricity and heat or steam (see Figure 24). Production plants range in size 
from large industrial plants to small micro-stations used in private residences. 
Cogeneration plants convert up to 90% of their inputs into useful energy. This is 
due to a process that recovers the heat often lost as “waste.” Less energy is lost 
in transport because plants are closer to the energy purchasers. 
Photovoltaic Panels
Solar photovoltaic panels are a system of solar energy harvesting reliant upon 
both the placement of panels and access to direct sunlight. Panels can be used 
to connect to the electrical grid, or as a standalone system. A “grid-connected” 
system requires less equipment and space than that of a standalone system, 
and can be beneficial when there is no access to solar power (caused by cloud 
cover or shade). In the case of Orchard Village, we suggest a system connected 
to the grid be used. If Orchard Village cannot produce all of its electricity, a local 
electric utility can supply the balance of residents’ needs. Additionally, if Orchard 
Village produces an excess of electricity, it can be sold back to the utility. A 
connection to the grid will require coordination with the utility companies. 
Figure 24: Biomass combined heat and power station.
40
Wind Harvesting 
Wind harvesting uses turbines to harvest the kinetic energy of wind to produce 
energy for building use. Air pressure from wind spins the blades of the rotor, and 
the rotor spins a shaft that is connected to a generator, which in turn produces 
electricity. It is key to assess wind resources and tower construction regulations. 
Given Salem’s available wind, it is unlikely that on-site wind power is a feasible 
option. 
Fuel Cells
Fuel cell systems (see Figure 25) use an electro-chemical process rather than 
combustion to convert fuel into electricity. This results in a quieter, cleaner, 
and more efficient energy generation method. Fuel cells are most appropriate 
for building types with 24-hour loading and 
when coupled with either a biomass gasifier 
(which provides natural gas to power it) or 
combined heat and power (which could use 
the waste heat), both of which are explained 
below. This is an emerging technology and 
least documented as an integrated energy 
generation component. Fuel cells have 
reduced energy service costs by 20 - 40 
percent in some places (wbdg.org 2010). 
Figure 25: Fuel cell.
A manufacturer estimates 
that a Fuel Cell System 
enables homeowners to 
save 60% on their utility 
bills per year (www.
houselogic.com 2010).
41
Barriers to Implementation
Financial
Available Grants and Incentives
The Alliance to Save Energy gives a general overview of possible funding 
options to increase energy efficiency in low-income housing (Alliance 2006). 
These options include:
• Internal funds within SHA’s operating budget
• Debt financing through private lenders
• Lease and lease-purchase agreements with the residents
• Energy performance contracts entered into with a third party, such as an 
energy service provider
• Utility incentives: Salem Electric will pay 50% of the cost (maximum 
$10,000) of a design study to identify energy saving measures for the 
project, and will pay 12 cents per annual kWh saved upon completion of the 
project and inspection by Salem Electric staff (minus any payments made 
for the design study) (Salem Electric).
• State and federal financial assistance, e.g. Housing and Urban Development 
(HUD), Department Of Energy (DOE). Example: HUD Assisted Housing 
Stability and Energy and Green Retrofit. Description: Grants and loans will 
be made available through HUD’s Office of Affordable Housing Preservation 
(OAHP) for eligible property owners to make energy and green retrofit 
investments in the property, to ensure the maintenance and preservation 
of the property, the continued operation and maintenance of energy 
efficiency technologies, and the timely expenditure of funds. Physical and 
financial analyses of the properties will be conducted to determine the size 
of each grant and loan. Incentives will be made available to participating 
owners. The terms of the grants or loans will include continued affordability 
agreements. The receiving property owner must spend grant and loan funds 
within two years. Eligible owners may receive up to $15,000 per apartment 
unit (Portal HUD).
• Partnering with university-based research, utilities, and small business 
owners may open other avenues for receiving grants, such as those funded 
by the US Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovation Research 
program. Salem Electric has stated that they would be open to proposals 
along these lines (Salem Electric correspondence 2010).
Social
Social perceptions and preferences may prevent or limit the effectiveness 
of energy use reduction strategies. Some residents may feel that energy 
conservation reinforces a negative perception of low-income housing. Lack 
42
of time, knowledge, and money are also barriers to individual participation in 
an energy-use reduction scheme. Overcoming these barriers should involve a 
systematic and community-wide program of education, as well as social and 
financial incentives. Occupants’ preferences for particular appliances, interior 
finishes, or other individual unit attributes may also present difficulties. These 
may be addressed by consulting closely with the residents when alterations are 
proposed, allowing them to provide input while informing them about the reason 
for the changes.
Changes to Social Structure 
Increasing Density 
Higher residential density at Glen Creek may be achieved by splitting some 
of the larger townhomes into smaller units, similar to dorms or single-room 
occupancy (SRO) housing. This method would provide residents with one or 
two bedrooms and a bathroom for personal use, while reserving the kitchen and 
living area for shared use (see Figure 26). Rents could be reduced, and the high 
demand for smaller units (since Glen Creek has only 3, 4 and 5 bedroom units) 
could be met more easily. 
Workshop and Training
We recommend giving all new residents information and instruction on ways 
to conserve energy, such as water conservation, room heat management, 
recycling, and composting. Part of this training should include instructions on 
reading a utility bill and meter. We suggest posting tips in public places for 
Figure 26: Proposal to convert large Glen Creek townhome into multiple units with shared 
common areas.
43
residents to reference and providing a move-in booklet for each unit with all the 
information in written form that is easy to reference.
Incentives
We suggest that SHA use creative means to empower and engage residents 
towards smart energy use. A reward system for keeping energy usage low may 
be appropriate. If residents are able to track their energy use by reading the 
meter for their individual unit, there becomes an incentive to keep energy down, 
because they will see their meter and their power bill. 
Proposal
Pivotal: Educate; devise a holistic site-wide energy strategy; for Glen Creek, 
upgrade building components (e.g. insulation, doors and windows, interior finish 
materials). When designing new buildings (e.g. at Orchard Village), look for the 
‘free’ things: sun, wind, and water.
Progressive: Replace aging appliances with high-efficiency models; install 
master switches in each unit; provide outlet-based electrical use monitors 
(similar to the Kill A Watt or Watts Up). Buy renewable power through Salem 
Electric. 
Pioneering: Incorporate a renewable energy generation strategy: on-site 
photovoltaic panels and solar hot water heaters. Any new construction (e.g. at 
Orchard Village) strives to be net zero energy. 
44
Water
Strategies for Smart Water Use
Urban Water Use
Even in rainfall-rich regions such as the Pacific Northwest, water conservation 
and security are pertinent issues that will grow in importance as more people 
move to the area. Many of the following suggestions will address stormwater 
mediation, the most crucial challenge on the Orchard Village site. Addressing 
water issues at Glen Creek and Orchard Village will help:
• Manage water in a conscious and sustainable manner to avoid pollution and 
depletion of water sources (increase water security).
• Reduce demand on external water sources (groundwater, reservoirs) which 
replenishes the aquifer.
• Reduce stormwater runoff into surrounding streets and Glen Creek, limiting 
erosion, water pollution, and flooding.
• Increase biofiltration capacity, which improves groundwater quality.
• Lower water utility bills for residents.
In addition to these water-oriented benefits, vegetating bioretention features 
with native plants can provide habitat for native wildlife.
Site-specific water table depth and soil infiltration capacity should be confirmed 
before implementing most of the following strategies. 
Water Conservation in the Home
Efficiency in water consumption is an important element of comprehensive 
water management. Water conservation at the resident level results from the 
combined efforts of educational measures, behavioral patterns, and efficiency of 
home appliances. 
In a study conducted by Geller, Erickson, and Buttram involving 63 townhouses 
and 66 single family residences in Blacksburg, Virginia, different strategies 
of water conservation (behavioral, educational, and engineering) were tested 
against one another to determine their comparative effectiveness. Of the three 
methods, installation of water-saving devices in the home (engineering) was 
vastly more effective in conserving water than both distribution of educational 
pamphlets and individualized water consumption feedback reports. 
In the Blacksburg study, the four water conservation devices installed in the 
homes were: 
• Toilet dams, which reduce the amount of water in a conventional toilet used 
per flush while retaining effectiveness.
45
• Shower flow control devices, which reduce the amount of water emitted from 
shower heads while retaining flow pressure.
• Aerators, which fit onto faucets and mix air with water to achieve the same 
effect as flow control devices.
• Shut-off shower control devices, which allow showers to be turned off 
without resetting water temperature. 
While the Blacksburg study was published in 
1983, all of the referenced devices are still 
effective, inexpensive water conservation 
tools that can contribute to reducing water 
consumption. By adding minor retrofits such 
as aerators and toilet dams to all residences 
(at a cost of $1-6 per device) and checking 
faucets and pipes for leaks, efficient usage of 
water can be significantly improved. 
Water Conservation Systems On Site Grounds
The landscape of Glen Creek is a large, rolling lawn. Nicole Utz of SHA has 
identified the landscape as a “maintenance nightmare,” in terms of mowing and 
irrigation. To reduce maintenance cost and water usage while simultaneously 
avoiding unsightly dead grass, we recommend dedicating sections of current 
lawn space to rain gardens and swales vegetated with native plants, which 
would meet aesthetic standards and require no irrigation. This would reduce 
the amount of lawn maintenance, while simultaneously contributing to water 
security. We recommend watering the remaining lawn early in the morning 
instead of the heat of the afternoon, in order to avoid water lost to evaporation. 
Rainwater Harvesting Opportunities
Capturing and storing rainwater reduces the amount of water purchased from 
the community infrastructure by providing an on-site water supply. Concurrently, 
rainwater harvesting reduces the amount of water entering the Salem 
stormwater system.
The range of immediate applications would depend on potential contaminants 
in the water collected. Collected water can immediately be used for irrigation 
and gardening, however, treatment would need to occur for laundry and other 
household uses. 
There are two categories of rainwater harvesting systems: simple and complex. 
Both can be feasibly implemented at the Glen Creek and Orchard Village sites.
On average, the households 
with water-saving devices 
installed saved 17 gallons 
of water a day, whereas the 
other two groups saved an 
average of four gallons a 
day (Geller 1983).
46
Simple Rainwater Harvesting Systems
These systems use the collected water immediately, directing it from the 
catchment source to planted areas via distribution systems, which typically 
operate by gravity (e.g. downspouts, hillsides, and sloped impervious surfaces). 
The planted areas usually contain native riparian edge species. Theoretically, a 
simple rainwater harvesting system could be as straightforward as a driveway 
angled at a 2 percent slope (Waterfall 1998) directing runoff from its surface 
into a vegetated, bermed depression in the landscape (see Figure 27). Other 
simple systems can consist of directing rooftop runoff into planted areas near 
the house (rain gardens) or into French drain systems. With careful direction of 
spouts and attention to gravity, there are several creative options for directing 
rainwater into simple catchment systems. 
Complex rainwater harvesting systems 
These systems include the element of storage. Rainwater is directed from 
a collection surface (usually a rooftop) to a storage tank or series of tanks. 
Generally, such tanks are located above ground, although the option of 
underground storage exists (see Figure 28).
If rooftop catchment and storage systems are a desired future element of the 
sites, a feasible first step is storing water to irrigate gardens and landscaping. 
Ultimately, water collected through rainwater catchment could be used for 
flushing toilets, washing dishes and laundry, or even drinking (with proper 
filtration and mineral amendment). See Figure 29 for rough estimates of rooftop 
surfaces at Glen Creek. 
According to Weatherbase.com, which compiled 48 years of precipitation 
data to arrive at average monthly values, December is the month with highest 
Figure 27: Bermed holding area.
47
precipitation in Salem, at an average of 6.7 inches. A calculation used to 
determine needed cistern capacity is: 
V (volume of collection in gallons) = R (precipitation, measured in feet) x A 
(footprint of collection surface in ft²) x k (conversion from ft³ to gallons, 7.48 
gal/ft³) x e (efficiency of collection surface: unitless, 0.8 average)
This formula and the rough estimates of roof area, we can determine 
approximate water storage tank sizes necessary to contain all of December’s 
rainfall (about 68,000 gallons). 
Figure 28: Catchment system.
Figure 29: Estimates of roof area at Glen Creek.
48
Bioswales
Bioswales are on-site landscape components 
designed to capture and clean stormwater runoff 
through phytoremediation (Vollum 2010). The 
runoff is directed and filtered through particular 
vegetation planted within the swale. These plants 
are chosen for their ability to filter toxins and 
environmental pollutants out of the water, cleaning 
the water before it enters back into the watershed 
or is used for other purposes. Other components 
used for filtration include gravel, stones, and clay. 
Bioswales are channels for filtration not intended 
for long-term water storage. Once the runoff 
completes filtration, it may “infiltrate the soil, flow 
into a retention/detention pond, or discharge to a 
storm sewer system” (Kwok 2001).
Many swales are non-compacted water harvesting 
ditches constructed along topographical contours 
in the landscape. They slow water runoff, spread it 
throughout the swale, and provide a way for water 
to infiltrate into the earth, replenishing the water 
table and irrigating the swales. The swales can be 
planted with fruit trees, berry bushes, native plants, 
or other desirable edible, native, 
or aesthetic landscapes. 
Dry swales may be the optimal 
type of bioswale to employ at 
Glen Creek and Orchard Village, 
considering the safety and use 
as a residential site. The top of 
dry swales remains relatively dry, 
while the bottom is capable of 
holding water with runoff directed 
through the bottom of the swale. 
The base of a bioswale needs 
to lie at least two feet above the 
water table. 
Recommended Location for 
Bioswale on Glen Creek Site
Along the west/northwest border 
of Glen Creek, there is a steep 
incline in the hill. Utz identified it as a potential site for a parking garage or the 
possible construction of a building. If future construction on this portion of the 
site proves infeasible or undesirable, its steep topography would be ideal for a 
Figure 30: Roadside bioswale.
Figure 31: Bioswale cross-section.
49
swale. Other potential swale sites could be along the south border of the site or 
the southeast corner, adjacent to the community building (see Figure 32).
Preliminary Steps
Before comprehensive rainwater management is implemented, it is important 
that drainage patterns on both sites are carefully observed to gain a solid 
understanding of the way water currently behaves on the landscape. This will 
provide a strong foundation on which to base future rainwater direction plans. 
Retention Ponds 
Retention ponds provide a site for bioremediation, reduce stormwater runoff 
into the community wastewater treatment system, and enable on-site water 
recycling. Unlike detention ponds, which are essentially bioswales with longer-
term temporary storage capacities, retention ponds provide a place for runoff to 
remain until it either evaporates or enters the soil. During the water’s retention, 
“bioremediation methods can be included using soil bacteria, fungi, and plants 
to remove pollutants” (Vollum 2010).
A water table depth greater than six feet is required to implement this strategy. 
Since excavation is required for retention ponds, it is important to plan for this 
Figure 32: Potential locations for bioswales and rain gardens at Glen Creek Village.
50
strategy early in the design process, and assess its feasibility at both Glen 
Creek and Orchard Village. 
Pervious Surfaces
Pervious surfaces are “Ground covers that allow rainwater to infiltrate and flow 
through to subsurface layers” (Kwok 2007). Pervious surfaces are composed of 
porous materials that can support human and vehicular traffic depending upon 
the material chosen and are effective for parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, 
and patios. Such materials include permeable pavers and porous asphalt. 
Gravel and mulch can also act as pervious surfaces when incorporated into 
site landscaping. Pervious surface materials slow stormwater runoff, thereby 
relieving stress on Salem’s water management infrastructure as well as 
reducing runoff of on-site pollutants. 
According to the information provided by the City of Salem, the four closest 
groundwater wells to the Orchard Village site had a water table level deeper 
than the minimum four feet required for the use of pervious surfaces. Prior 
to proceeding with design and construction of a pervious infrastructure, site-
specific water table analysis needs to be completed. When designing a pervious 
surface site plan, note that the minimum recommended setback from building 
foundations is 10 feet, and the minimum setback from water supply wells is 100 
feet. We recommend contacting local Salem businesses, such as Evolution 
Paving Resources, for more information and possible bid estimates.
Green Roof 
A non-accessible green roof, with 3” to 5” sedums, would provide an affordable 
green roof solution with many long-term benefits. Green roofs provide several 
environmental benefits including filtering air pollutants, absorbing carbon 
dioxide, providing habitat for pollinators, reducing the “heat island effect,” and 
decreasing stormwater runoff. The retained runoff may be stored on-site for 
treatment and used through a water catchment system (Kwok 2007).
The additional weight of water held within the roof system may require 
additional structural support for the existing buildings at Glen Creek. However, 
for an non-accessible green roof, this should be minimal. It may also be 
necessary to incorporate an irrigation system 
into the roof to maintain green roof health 
during the dry season. Traditional roofs cost 
$3 - $15 per square foot with significant 
maintenance requirements, while a green roof 
costs $10 - $20 per square foot. Additionally, 
areas such as Portland have instituted 
substantial subsidy benefits making green 
roofs more affordable (Vollum 2010).
A green roof extends the life 
of the roof, when compared 
to traditional construction, 
by 20-40 years with very 
low annual maintenance 
requirements.
51
Graywater Systems
Graywater Irrigation
A graywater treatment system conserves water on site by reusing water that 
does not contain human waste (Vollum 2010). Water containing human waste is 
termed blackwater and is not recyclable or reusable within this context. 
In a graywater system, rather than water going directly to the sewage system 
after a single use, it can be reused to flush toilets, irrigate the landscape, or 
assist in building heat recovery. The conservation benefits of a graywater 
system lead to long-term cost savings at both the building and community 
scale. According to The Green Studio Handbook, “The ideal building type for 
a graywater treatment system is a high-occupancy residential building” (Kwok 
2007), making this a great option for Glen Creek and Orchard Village.
Graywater can recycle 50–80 percent of household water from kitchen and 
bathroom sinks, dishwashers, laundry machines, and showers. Additionally, 
graywater can save $5-20 per month on water bills (Lens 2001). 
Benefits of Graywater 
• Reduced fresh water use
• Reduced strain on septic system or treatment plant
• Groundwater recharge
• Increased plant growth in dry areas
• Maintenance of soil fertility
• Reduction in water bills
Our research indicates that graywater irrigation systems may be hard to 
implement and have a low cost/benefit ratio for current standing buildings, yet 
for the construction of new buildings, graywater irrigation is beneficial.
At the Glen Creek site, areas that currently require irrigation are lateral to 
Glen Creek and/or are located in the flood plain on the east side of the site. 
If the soil is too moist and permeable, proper filtration of the graywater will be 
unsuccessful; it will flow straight into Glen Creek and contaminate it. Since the 
west side of the site is not designated as floodplain, and the area is distant 
from Glen Creek, a graywater irrigation system could be more practical in this 
location. If native plants and deciduous trees are planted in the area, graywater 
could successfully irrigate many of these plants. Additionally, graywater may 
eliminate the need for watering in the summer months, thus decreasing water 
bills.
Barriers to Implementation
Financial
Construction of storage devices for rainwater generally outweighs the cost of 
water, making the investment payback lengthy. In this case, a commitment to 
long-term water conservation and self-reliance would be necessary. It may be 
52
more feasible initially to use simple rather than complex rainwater harvesting 
systems to avoid renting costly machinery. 
Social
It is important to consider the additional maintenance requirements for many 
of these strategies. An educational component will be necessary to ensure 
the smooth functioning of each strategy and strengthen public knowledge of 
environmentally sensitive design.
Specific requirements for a graywater system: residents would be required 
to buy specific soaps and shampoos for the graywater system, which would 
require them to shop in specific locations and spend additional money. It may 
prove difficult to regulate residents’ use of soaps and washing techniques for a 
successful system. 
Proposal 
Pivotal: Adding minor retrofits such as aerators and toilet dams to all existing 
residences. Checking faucets and pipes for leaks. Replacing some of the 
current grassy yard with native plants. 
Progressive: Installing non-accessible green roofs. For all new construction, 
installation of rainwater catchment systems and bioswales.
Pioneering: Implementing a graywater system.
53
Agriculture
Gardens and Landscaping 
Healthy dietary choices are often not viable options for low-income families 
because government subsidies make local produce more expensive and less 
accessible than imported produce or processed foods. The greater Salem area 
is fortunate to have productive agricultural 
land, yet the majority of food consumed in 
this region comes from great distances. The 
following suggestions consider options for 
the current Glen Creek site and the future 
Orchard Village site to contribute to local food 
consumption and make buying local a reality 
for low-income families. 
Addressing agricultural and landscaping options will benefit Glen Creek and 
Orchard Village residents by:
• Making food, particularly food high in nutrients, more accessible to residents
• Increasing community involvement 
• Addressing environmental concerns by reducing the carbon footprint of food 
inputs and outputs of the SHA developments
• Fostering a sense of stewardship in the community towards the land and 
self-grown food
By pursuing these options, Salem has the opportunity to help provide food 
security to public housing residents in a sustainable and environmentally 
conscious way. 
Glen Creek as an Agricultural Zone
The Glen Creek property is agriculturally zoned, indicating that the soil is Class 
I - IV in Western Oregon (Oregon Planning Guidelines 2010). Along with healthy 
soils, agriculturally zoned sites recognize a priority to keep agriculture active on 
the land. Therefore, there may be opportunities for government support for on-
site food production.
The USDA Web Soil Survey offers accurate mapping of soils across the nation. 
Figure 33 on the following page shows the output of the Web Soil Survey for 
Polk County, cropped to the Glen Creek area of interest. Light green indicates 
“farmland of statewide importance,” while the darker green indicates areas that 
are “prime farmland.”
The City of Salem has increasingly supported urban farming in the last few 
years as numerous community gardens have been established and programs 
like Marion-Polk food share are very successful. Figure 34 shows the locations 
On average, processed food 
travels from farm to mouth 
in America over 1,300 miles, 
and fresh produce travels 
over 1,500 miles (Hill 2010). 
54
of Marion-Polk supported 
community garden projects in 
the Salem area, with the ‘A’ 
pin locating the Glen Creek 
property. While this map 
does not show all community 
farm locations, as there is 
one located across the street 
from the Glen Creek property, 
it does show the significant 
number of community 
garden projects within 
Salem, particularly west of 
the Willamette River (Marion 
Polk 2010). Clearly, the City 
of Salem is encouraging 
community garden projects. 
Gardens
A garden provides an on-site food source for residents, as well as an 
opportunity to connect with food. Across the United States, success stories of 
Figure 33: USDA Soil Survey map of Glen Creek area. 
Figure 34: Community gardens in the Salem area. 
55
neighborhood gardens show increasing community interaction as well as food 
security growth. 
For Glen Creek, we recommend that gardens be located on the northeastern 
side of the property. This area is noted as a floodplain, with no buildings 
blocking the sunlight, as can be seen in Figure 35, with the large red area 
indicating potential garden space. This provides a large area, approximately a 
quarter acre, with the potential of growing a variety of crops (Salem, OR. avg. 
temps. 2010). With good planning, there is potential to harvest throughout the 
year. 
Figure 33: USDA Soil Survey map of Glen Creek area. 
Figure 35: Glen Creek food production location (large red box).
56
Organization Models 
Individual Garden Plots Near Unit
Depending on how new housing units are built at Orchard Village, there may be 
a small garden space for each individual unit near the front or back entrance. 
Additionally, we recommend providing at least one window plant box (ideal for 
growing small vegetables, herbs, and flowers), for each unit at SHA sites. This 
feature could also be an easy addition to the Glen Creek Apartments. 
Community Garden Model
Community gardens can be organized, 
depending on the overall goals of the garden, 
in many ways. In Seattle, Washington, the 
city housing authority has initiated a “P-patch” 
program in alignment with the Urban Garden 
Share. The city housing authority set up a 
network so gardeners can sign up with a 
community garden and pay for a plot. Seattle gardeners unable to afford a plot 
can apply for plot fee assistance through the housing authority. 
This model of plot division demonstrates how city support can ensure the 
stability of community gardens. If a gardener cannot afford a plot, the city 
will help ensure that the fees do not become a barrier. Salem currently has 
numerous community gardens under a similar model. 
We suggest the Glen Creek and Orchard Village gardens give priority access 
to residents. SHA will need to assess the feasibility of fees, with the option of 
no fees for residents. The sites have potential to set aside plots for outside 
community members, where fees would be appropriate. This would provide 
income to support the garden and create an opportunity for knowledge 
exchange within the greater community. 
Neighborhood-Education Link Model
There has been a fast growing Farm to School movement across the country. 
Educators are realizing the potential of urban farms and gardens to educate 
students. The State of Oregon has acknowledged the Farm to School initiative 
and appointed a full time position to manage Farm to School programs. Most 
major Oregon cities have initiated programs; however, Salem has yet to get 
involved (www.farmtoschool.org 2010). 
From biology to healthy diets, cooking to environmental studies, students 
connect with the curriculum through food production. Throughout the school 
year, classrooms work in the garden, learning practical gardening skills as well 
as plant biology. During the weekend, students may help run a community 
farmers’ market, and during the summer, high school students find employment 
by working in the gardens.
There is potential for SHA gardens to make a similar connection, particularly for 
residents of low-income housing units, by providing accessible education to the 
The community garden 
in Orchard Heights Park 
(across the street from Glen 
Creek) has a waiting list for 
their garden plots.
57
resident youth, and by promoting healthy eating habits inside the home. There 
is potential for an outside organization to set up education programs using 
the on-site outdoor kitchen (discussed below) to provide classes in cooking, 
gardening, and health. Expanding community partnerships may be ideal. 
For example, funded by a $3,000 grant from New Seasons Market, Portland, 
Oregon developed a “Mobile Farmers’ Market” program that allows a staff 
member to buy from weekly farmers’ markets and sell produce to low-income 
neighborhoods in Portland via a mobile van (Parker 2009). 
Salem could become a leading city in the Farm to School initiative by setting 
up a program that not only connects youth to farms, but also gives low-income 
families an opportunity to get involved. A satellite education program could go 
as far as seeking funding as a charter school by getting educators involved in 
the project. Organizations to contact for potential involvement are listed in the 
References section.
Resident Garden with Outside Volunteer Support Model
This model focuses strictly on the residents at each site. It recognizes that 
there may not be enough support from the residents to maintain the garden 
year-round, and thus seeks an organization to help sustain the garden. This 
organization could also provide educational resources to the residents and 
weekend workshops on topics such as cooking, gardening, and health. There 
Figure 36: Community garden.
58
are many food security grants that could fund this kind of initiative on the state 
and national level. 
Intensive Food-Producing Habitable Green Roof 
As a habitable space, the intensive green roof provides opportunity for food 
production and recreational terraces. Due to the increased weight of an 
intensive green roof, as well as the need to support the weight of occupants, the 
building would require additional structural support. 
Beyond the Garden
In addition to an increased food supply for the residents of Glen Creek, 
landscaping has the potential to:
• Reduce erosion 
• Provide shelter and food for native wildlife 
• Offer educational opportunities for residents
Greenhouse
With a greenhouse, residents would be able to ensure on-site food security 
throughout the winter. There is a lot of open space at the Glen Creek property, 
and potentially plenty of space at the Orchard Village site, allowing room for a 
greenhouse. In addition, harnessing the heat of the sun makes greenhouses an 
environmentally viable option.
Native Species 
In maintaining a sustainable focus, it is important to use native plants when 
possible. Native species are responsive to their region’s climate, soils, and 
rainfall. These plants provide landscaping and conservation, and are often 
resistant to many insects and diseases. These factors decrease the amount 
of attention needed for the plants, therefore decreasing the necessary water 
usage, labor, and money. It is important to know not only the eco-region each 
species is native to, but also requirements for light and soil moisture, in order for 
the plants to grow successfully (Hansen 2010).
Herb Gardens
Small herb boxes lining sidewalks, backs of houses, and window boxes on 
every unit could expand the food landscaping throughout the site. Herb gardens 
are aesthetically pleasing and provide an opportunity for residents to learn 
about fresh herb use.
Fruit Trees
Salem’s climate makes it possible to grow fruit trees without much maintenance. 
Planting fruit trees would broaden the scope of on-site food production and 
increase food security for the residents. Fruit trees that grow particularly well in 
Salem include apple, plum, and cherry.
59
Organization Mission/goals and Current projects Glen Creek Connection Contact 
Information
Pathways to 
Possibilities 
Oregon 4-H Youth 
Development 
Program
How do you bridge the digital divide? Ask 
Jose Cazares and his fellow 4-H Tech 
Wizards. When people in his community 
started falling behind, he and his team 
began training them to become a more 
tech-savvy workforce. The importance of 
responsibility and service was instilled in 
Jose early on at 4-H. And today, those are 
the values that will help our communities 
solve the many challenges they face. 
They currently have sustainable horticulture 
handbooks and project for the 4-H youth the 
be involved with.
Glen Creek garden could provide 
a space for 4-H youth to practice 
some of the ideas behind being 
a 4-H. With a connection to 4-H, 
would provide huge resources to 
sustainable gardening, as well as an 
already established volunteer based 
community. 4-H youth could bring in 
cooking classes opened up to the 
residents of the Glen Creek property 
as well, and promote a bigger 
community involvement between 
Salem Housing Authority and Oregon 
youth programs. 
Marion County 
Extension Office
3180 Center St NE 
Room 1361
Salem, OR 97301
Pamela Rose
(503) 588-5301
http://oregon.4h.
oregonstate.edu/
Friends of Straub 
Environmental 
Learning Center
“In partnership with the community, we 
create awareness and understanding of our 
relationship to the environment.”
They are partnered with the Salem-
Keizer School District, as well as the OSU 
extension service and Willamette University. 
Their work includes:
• Environmental Lecture Series
• Household Ecology Workshops
• Environmental Summer Camp
• Family Science Night
• Site for community meetings and 
dialogue on environmental and 
sustainability issues
• Native Plant Landscape Restoration 
Site
• Annual Spring Youth Summit
This organization proclaims in their 
information video that “the sky is 
the limit in terms of what additional 
programs we could be offering.” They 
are currently have very effective 
environmental education programs, 
mainly run by volunteers. The Glen 
Creek Garden could easily become 
an excellent environmental education 
program involving both the youth 
living on the site, and the youth of the 
larger community. Friends of Straub 
Environmental Learning Center 
already have the volunteers, and 
connections; Glen Creek would be 
providing them with an opportunity to 
expand their program. 
http://www.fselc.org/
(503) 391-4145
fselc@fselc.org
Oregon Extensions As the front door to Oregon State 
University, we provide access to the 
educational and research resources 
of the University through a wide range 
of programs and projects; high quality 
multimedia, print, and electronic 
publications; top-notch people working in 
many areas of expertise; and Extension 
offices throughout Oregon.
They proved a Master Gardener Program, 
as well as involved in many projects in the 
Salem area, and is funded by the state 
through OSU.
Both of the above programs are 
connected with Oregon Extension 
services. Just as the Sustainability 
Cities Initiative connects university 
students with community projects, 
the Oregon Extension Services 
would continue this idea on the Glen 
Creek site. It could connect with 
already existing projects, or create 
a new one, using students enrolled 
in the Master Gardener Program, 
to promote urban gardening, and 
education. 
http://extension.
oregonstate.edu/
101 Ballard 
Extension Hall
Oregon State 
University
Corvallis, OR 
97331-3606
(541) 737-2713
Figure 37: Making connections: organizations that could help establish or run community gardens in partnership with the Salem 
Housing Authority.
60
Organization Mission/goals and Current projects Glen Creek Connection Contact Information
Farm to School Farm to School connects schools 
(K-12) and local farms with the 
objectives of serving healthy meals in 
school cafeterias, improving student 
nutrition, providing agriculture, health 
and nutrition education opportunities, 
and supporting local and regional 
farmers.
Currently they have many programs 
set up throughout Oregon, however 
none in the Salem area. The 
programs are having very positive 
responses in getting public schools 
involved in gardening.
By aligning with The Farm to School 
program Salem would be joining 
a nation wide initiative to promote 
nutritional, and environmental 
education within public schools. Glen 
Creek would provide an excellent site 
to bring gardening, and education to 
the school system. This could evolve 
into a state funded charter school, and 
SHA would be pioneering initiatives 
to connect public low-income housing 
with environmental education. While 
schools based on programs like this 
are occurring nation wide, it is often 
based around the middle/upper class, 
here this project would be community 
based, giving everyone fair access. 
Michelle Markesteyn 
Ratcliffe
Farm to School 
Coordinator
Ecotrust
5143 Sconce Road
Hubbard, OR 97032
(503) 476 6080
mratcliffe@ecotrust.org 
Americorps AmeriCorps members address critical 
needs in communities all across 
America. As an AmeriCorps member, 
you can:
• Tutor and mentor disadvantaged 
youth
• Fight illiteracy
• Improve health services
• Build affordable housing
• Teach computer skills
• Clean parks and streams
• Manage or operate after-school 
programs
• Help communities respond to 
disasters
• Build organizational capacity
To ensure a well-established 
volunteer system, as well as promote 
progression in an outreach program, 
connecting with Americorps would be 
an excellent opportunity for the Glen 
Creek site. Americorps could develop 
outreach programs for the Salem 
youth, and community development 
using the garden and outdoor kitchen 
area as a home base. Especially as 
the state capitol it is important to show 
connection with a larger American 
community, and Americorps would 
help do this. 
Oregon Coordinator
Amy Dailey
620 SW Main Street
Room 714
Portland, OR 97205
http://www.americorps.gov/
Marion-Polk Food 
Share
Established in 1987, Marion-Polk 
Food Share (MPFS) is a non-profit 
charity providing food for people 
at risk of hunger in Oregon’s mid-
Willamette Valley. Between July 
1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, MPFS 
distributed $8.9 million dollars worth 
of food—more than 6.9 million 
pounds—just to assist hungry 
residents of Marion and Polk 
counties.
Already connected with other public 
housing units in Salem, Marion-Polk 
Food Share is an excellent resource 
for the Glen Creek site. Promoting 
food security. MPFS could organize 
distributing excess food, as well as 
ensure that food distribution, and 
garden up keep is consistent through 
out the year. With any program 
that SHA decides to pursue on the 
Glen Creek site, MPFS would be an 
excellent resource. 
http://www.
marionpolkfoodshare.org/
1660 Salem Industrial 
Drive NE
Salem, OR 97301-0374
(503) 581-3855
Figure 37 (continued): Making connections: organizations that could help establish or run community gardens in partnership with 
the Salem Housing Authority.
61
Compost
Compost is a way to recycle food scraps and yard debris while creating nutrient-
rich material to add to potential gardens and landscaping areas. Additionally, 
creating a fun and interactive program to include kids and adults will enable 
a successful composting program and educate individuals on the natural 
processes of decomposition. 
A number of schools have implemented composting into their classrooms, and 
we believe some of these plans would be congruent with the implementation of 
composting at Glen Creek and Orchard Village. It is necessary to have a few 
individuals willing to advocate for the program, lead construction, and monitor 
the bins as they develop. Possibilities for these leaders could include individuals 
living at Glen Creek or Orchard Village, or volunteers or interns from a local high 
school or college, and other gardeners in the community. More information on 
composting is provided in the Waste Management section. 
Livestock
To increase food security as well as on-site food production, chickens could 
provide an excellent source of on-site protein. Salem recently passed Ordinance 
No. 19-10, stating that up to three hens per residence are allowed for urban 
homes. To keep chickens, one must apply for a license and abide by the laws 
of how to build a chicken coop. Having chickens on the property would be an 
excellent educational tool for the youth in learning how to care for and treat 
Organization Mission/goals and Current 
projects
Glen Creek Connection Contact Information
Environmental 
Science Program 
at Willamette 
University
The Environmental and Earth 
Sciences Department offers a 
comprehensive study of the natural 
and social sciences necessary for 
understanding human impact on 
the natural world. Our majors gain 
competence in both the natural 
and social sciences, enabling them 
to become contributing members 
of society. We emphasize critical 
thinking, persuasive and informed 
writing, competency in research and 
public speaking skills.
A garden program to connection 
environmental science students with 
a hands-on community outreach 
experience would provide Glen 
Creek with an excellent resource of 
volunteers and enthusiastic students. 
The University of Oregon has some 
exemplary models of outreach programs 
such as the Courthouse garden (http://
uoregon.edu/courthouse-garden) or 
The Environmental Leadership Program 
(http://pages.uoregon.edu/ecostudy/
elp/), which could help Willamette 
University to develop similar projects. 
Administrative Assistant
Faye D. Trupka
(503) 370-6894
ftrupka@willamette.edu
Local Restaurants Find a local restaurant that 
would be interesting in promoting 
sustainability, and buying local.
This could provide a commercial interest 
in the garden, where some profit could 
come from, and an opportunity to sell 
excess produce. 
Potential Restaurants:
Marco Polo
Los Baez
Alessandro’s
Bentley’s
Figure 37 (continued): Making connections: organizations that could help establish or run community gardens in partnership with 
the Salem Housing Authority.
62
animals. Providing farming opportunities for urban families has the potential to 
build community and create a deeper appreciation for stewardship. In addition, 
chickens reduce pests and provide manure to create richer compost for the 
garden.
There may be some resistance from residents concerning potential noise levels, 
but a coop at the southern end of the Glen Creek site would provide plenty of 
distance from the living complexes. 
Goats are another option for the sites. Goats provide milk, cheese, and manure 
as well as help with lawn and landscaping maintenance. Goats are a great 
replacement for gasoline-powered lawn mowers.
Additional Benefits of Plants
Erosion Assistance
It was mentioned during the first Glen Creek visit that the housing development 
on the opposite side of the creek had disrupted the ground on the site and 
caused a number of trees to lose their roots and fall. Planting a series of native 
trees would stabilize the loose ground, help with irrigation, and decrease the 
amount of lawn maintenance. Similar erosion issues may be present on the 
Orchard Village site. Additionally, native shrubs and willows could be planted in 
Japanese Garden (Salem’s Sister City, Kawagoe, Japan)
Growing a Japanese garden along the southern edge of Glen Creek property 
promotes cultural awareness, and a connection with Salem’s sister city, 
Kawagoe, Japan. The Japanese garden would be a glimpse into Japan, with 
designs that reflect key features in Japanese garden traditions (see Figures 
38 and 39). Ideally, this area would serve as a retreat into nature, where 
residents can sit, removed from other aspects of their lives, and children can 
play away from the paved parking lot area. Additionally, it would give residents 
a connection to Japan that could be extended through further cultural extension 
programs. Local or state grants may be available to assist in the funding of such 
a garden. 
Figures 38 and 39: Japanese gardens.
63
parts of the floodplain on the east side of the site, which would help with 
irrigation and provide a natural habitat for birds, insects, other pollinators, and 
small mammals. 
Sound Barrier 
One of the concerns regarding the erection of a new building on the northeast 
side of the Glen Creek site is fear of complaints from residents of noise and 
disruption from the construction. Native trees planted on the northeast side of 
the property would create a natural noise barrier. If planted early enough, these 
plants would have time to grow and mature before another building is erected. 
Trees provide sound barriers for traffic noise as well.
Building Community 
Education Components
We recommend incorporating an educational component to all the gardening 
and landscaping on both SHA sites. This allows residents to be aware of the 
produce available, and to be able to identify and use the various foods grown 
on site. We recommend detailed labeling in order for residents to identify plants, 
differentiate between what is edible and not edible, learn about the benefits of 
native species (environmental education), and provide examples of uses for the 
plants (especially helpful in the herb and vegetable gardens). 
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen would help facilitate communal dinners, cooking classes, 
and Farm to School education. The amenities of the kitchen could be very 
simple, for example, a stone oven for cooking pizza. Community barbeques are 
currently set up on other public housing properties; the outdoor kitchen is an 
extension of this idea.
Involving the Homeless
SHA has set aggressive goals to eliminate homelessness in Salem; gardens on 
the Glen Creek and Orchard Village properties could help make this possible. 
Allowing individuals to gain gardening, cooking, and communication skills 
through volunteer opportunities at a garden site would provide them with skills 
to find a job and be able to support themselves. While it is recognized that the 
residents of the SHA sites may not want the garden or property opened up to 
homeless people, if a well-organized program is in place, homeless individuals 
could find themselves living in Salem public housing one day. 
Phasing
• Distribute surveys to assess the amount of interest in gardening from 
residents and determine what crops residents would like to grow. 
• Make connections with an organization that is willing to support on-site 
gardening.
• Have soil and gardening specialists visit to assess the area.
64
• Establish the garden plot and composting systems.
• Set up education resources, including an outside kitchen, ideally connecting 
with local restaurants to bring in cooking classes.
• Build a greenhouse and chicken coop. 
• Write annual reports on garden progress, effects, and usage.
Finance
Initiating the Project
• Government grants: the USDA annually has many grants that could help 
fund these projects. Many focus on providing food security.
Nationwide grants: www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm
Statewide grants: www.oregon.gov/ODA/grants.shtml
• Connecting with the community garden in Orchard Heights Park for potential 
volunteers may help with breaking ground. There is a long waiting list for this 
garden, showing much interest within the West Salem area.
• Oregon Environmental Council has resources and sponsors that would help 
connect the Glen Creek Garden to the larger farming community. They also 
have information on how to ensure the garden is sustainable and efficient. 
This may be a good link to have local farmers come to the garden and assist 
in planning and support, as it is crucial to bring in expertise when breaking 
ground (www.oeconline.org 2010).
After a Garden is Established
• Encourage local restaurants to purchase produce and eggs from the farm. 
• Provide an opportunity for youth residents to sell vegetables in the 
neighborhood (vegetable stand) creates a wider West Salem community 
and motivation for the youth to participate in gardening projects.
• Apply for garden support and attract a wide range of youth and community 
building activities by using the garden and outdoor kitchen. This provides an 
excellent opportunity to showcase community networking and food security 
within the SHA.
We recommend finding one organization, program, farm, or business that is 
committed to the upkeep of the farm in all phases and can assist the Glen 
Creek and Orchard Village community members in integrating the farm into their 
lives.
65
Proposal
Pivotal: Planting herb gardens and native plants, cultivating small-scale 
vegetable gardens, establishing an education component.
Progressive: Creating a larger-scale community garden; planting fruit trees and 
shade trees; constructing a greenhouse, composting system, and Japanese 
garden.
Pioneering: Raising livestock on the property, implementing social suggestions 
such as outdoor kitchen, homeless program, and a Farm to School program
66
Materials
Construction Materials
The selection of construction materials is a fundamental decision essential to 
the overall quality of a development site. This section will address the SHA’s 
responsibility to the environment with new construction in deciding material 
use, as well as the ability to create an efficient and comfortable space for its 
residents. 
Understanding the various components of materials is critical in deciding what 
to use for construction. Knowing how long a material typically lasts, when and 
how it is made, and where it originates, is important information when choosing 
material sources. The materials used in construction directly affect the building’s 
efficiency, comfort, longevity, and environmental sustainability. 
We recommend that the SHA seek out recycled, reused, or renewable products 
that perform at a level comparable to other traditional building materials, without 
the adverse effects on natural resources. By reusing supplies, the energy 
required to make these materials is effectively lessened by prolonging their 
lifespan. Materials that can be easily salvaged include heavy timber, glass, and 
bricks; these materials have a high energy cost to manufacture. Clever sourcing 
can also yield reusable finishing materials; everything from parquet flooring to 
building hardware can be reused from older buildings.
Material conservation is a direct effect of smart design. Most purchased 
cladding materials (e.g. drywall, plywood, metal sheeting, shingles) are typically 
manufactured four feet wide. If buildings are designed on four-foot modules, 
construction waste can be drastically minimized. 
Affordable housing projects such as Glen Creek and Orchard Village offer 
a unique challenge in sustainable housing design, but not the first of their 
kind. Density is by nature a more efficient style of living, but it requires more 
consideration and collaboration. 
Material Sources and Use
Material reduction, both by way of design and in construction, is an important 
part of sustainable building. Advanced framing with a twenty-four inch on-
center gap between studs will save on structural lumber. Lumber should be the 
material of choice, because it can be locally harvested in Oregon. The heating 
and cooling industry adage is, “insulate before you insolate,” meaning there is 
no use applying heat or cooling unless insulation is provided to prevent it from 
leaking out immediately. Careful consideration should be given to enclosure 
construction techniques. This includes installing insulation in the walls, floors, 
and roof, and installing energy-efficient windows.
67
To the extent that it is possible, construction 
materials should be sourced from local 
suppliers to cut down on monetary and 
environmental costs of transportation 
(embodied energy). Reused materials 
would be preferable, particularly bricks and/
or cinderblocks to create interior thermal 
massing. A material to avoid as much as 
possible is asphalt. Often used in surface 
paving as well as in traditional roofing 
shingles, it is petroleum-based and non-recyclable.
Material Performance
Material quality depends strongly on the overall performance and lifespan of the 
product, therefore, Orchard Village should look for materials that will endure. 
Some of these materials include finishing products such as bamboo flooring 
and recycled-fiber carpets, while some are construction components including 
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber, recycled insulation, and 
double-glazed windows. Windows can especially contribute to both the quality 
of the finished product and quality of life for the residents. 
In addition, a large-scale project with repetitive components lends itself to off-
site construction. Particularly in a climate with as much rain as Oregon, any 
construction that can be done in an off-site warehouse by subcontractors would 
result in faster, higher-quality, and more predictable construction. Prefabricating 
certain components involves more people and greater coordination, but with the 
proper forethought, it often saves money.
Waste Management
Waste Management is defined as the 
management of any physical material that 
will be deemed as waste in the construction 
process and lifespan of the entire SHA 
Community. At the pivotal moment where 
a material has been deemed “waste,” 
the desire to discard it quickly to avoid 
sanitary, aesthetic, and personal discomfort 
concerns usually leads to suboptimal waste management. Landfills filled with 
municipal solid waste (MSW) are costly to maintain and initiate. Time Magazine 
announced in 2007 that the average person in the U.S. generated 1,643 lbs of 
trash in 2005 (Numbers 2007). In addition to the space and economic issues, 
landfills also contribute significantly to the off-gassing and distribution of some 
of the most toxic and detrimental pollutants. 
Placing studs at 24” 
intervals rather than 16” 
intervals is effectively as 
strong as the traditional 
method, but can save 1/4 of 
the material.
The U.S. contributes 40% 
of the world’s waste even 
though it only occupies 5% 
of the world’s population ( 
www.recycling-revolution.
com 2010).
68
Reusable Materials 
Reuse of materials can alleviate the demand for waste removal. We recommend 
an innovative program that provides residents with a small move-in package 
that includes items that enable reuse. For example, reusable tote bags, 
reusable water bottles, to-go coffee mugs, and reusable food containers for 
lunches would all provide opportunities for residents to limit their waste. Not only 
does a move-in package provide a warm, welcoming feeling for new residents, 
providing items that encourage waste reduction is a great educational tool. 
Providing Recycling and Composting as Utilities 
Recycling and the composting of organic materials are two effective alternatives 
to traditional waste disposal. Both options reduce the demand on landfills 
and provide other environmental and economic benefits as well. Recycling 
minimizes the need to extract and produce raw materials for new products. 
Composting can assist in the enrichment and remediating of soils, as well as 
preventing erosion and the pollution of stormwater runoff. The use of compost 
can also “reduce the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides,” which makes it 
a “marketable commodity that is a low-cost alternative to standard landfill cover 
and artificial soil amendments” (www.epa.gov 2010).
Currently, Allied Waste Services is the waste service provider for the zone in 
Salem that includes Orchard Village (www.sanitation.com 2010). Allied Waste 
offers multiple options for waste removal, including recycling and food and lawn 
waste composting. Recycling can be incorporated into the service for no extra 
cost. Since recycling is free, adding it to the service contract can reduce the 
amount of MSW that the community produces, which in turn can reduce service 
costs. The addition of composting to the service does require small additional 
fees; however, they are minimal in comparison to that of the waste removal. For 
this reason, the use of composting as an alternative to standard MSW can also 
reduce the demand on waste costs and pickup. 
In addition to providing these services to the community, it will be optimal 
for SHA to ensure residents are well educated on the rules and regulations 
associated with recycling and composting. Upon move-in, we suggest giving 
tenants a durable list of recyclable and compostable materials and directions 
on how to dispose of them. By providing basic information, there should be 
greater utilization of the service and less chance of contamination of recyclables 
with food products or non-recyclable materials. Community recycling and 
composting bins could be placed near trash containers and properly labeled 
and maintained, so they are easy to find and access for both tenants service 
providers. 
69
Composting
Community Composting
The easier and more intriguing it is for each member of the community to use 
on-site composting, the greater the chance for successful MSW, cost, and 
energy reductions. Therefore, we recommend designing housing units with 
space designated for recycle, compost, and trash containers with the bins 
already in place. We also recommend space within the community grounds 
for composting that is both easily accessible and separated from areas where 
personal comfort and hygiene could be affected. Members of the community 
or on-site maintenance staff can potentially maintain this area. Compost bin 
cleaning stations could be located at key areas around the site. This would 
involve something as simple as a hose and drain, and would aid in the cleaning 
of personal compost bins and gardening tools. Another option is to provide a 
shed that contains gardening and composting supplies, which could be shared 
by the community through the use of a code lock. 
Personal Composting
If SHA finds that interest in community composting is minimal, it may be more 
appropriate to provide small, personal outdoor composting bins to the interested 
tenants. Specific bins are easy to use and maintain, and reduce issues with 
unsightliness and odor. These can easily be stored on a patio or personal 
outdoor space associated with the unit. There are upfront costs associated with 
the purchase of composting bins, however, this upfront cost would be offset 
rather quickly in the cost savings due to the lower demand on MSW pickup. It 
would also be a one-time bulk cost, since bins can be reused and redistributed 
to future tenants.
Figure 40: Composting bins in a community garden.
70
Composting Toilets
To further assist in the reduction of waste, considerations should be given to 
issues of sewage. While there are seemingly many options for human waste 
removal, they are not without their environmental and economic problems. 
Traditional toilets often require large amounts of water, which can have a 
significant cost and simultaneously waste a valuable resource. In addition, 
sewage treatment facilities that currently deal with human waste are constantly 
under heavy loads, and any reduction to their demand is greatly valuable (Kwok 
2007).
While it is not currently a conventional multi-family residential option, Orchard 
Village might benefit from the specification and utilization of advanced 
composting toilets with remote, continuous composting tanks. Even though this 
option requires a moderate degree of design analysis, upfront cost, and perhaps 
more routine maintenance than traditional sewage options, it has potential 
for payback. Money could be saved due to the reduction in sewage fees and 
water costs associated with traditional toilets. Continuous composting toilets 
require little to no water for use, and in some cases small amounts of energy. 
Another added economic benefit to the composting of human waste is that 
humus, a soil-like product used as fertilizer, is created through the breakdown 
(Kwok 2007). Humus can be collected and potentially sold to companies or 
independent parties for use on non-edible agricultural-crops; this sale could 
become a source of revenue for the Orchard Village Community, and for Glen 
Creek if a new building is constructed outfitted with composting toilets. 
Proper maintenance will be one of the biggest concerns to the success of 
composting toilets. Instructions provided to tenants on the proper daily uses, 
limitations, and cleaning options associated with this unconventional system will 
be essential. However, if people are properly educated, they will find that having 
a composting toilet is almost the same as having a conventional toilet, with 
the main differences being in the cleaning and disposal of hygiene products. 
Maintenance of the composting tanks will generate the largest human demand 
(www.composting-toilet-store.com 2010). The compost does require turning, 
introduction of materials that are high in carbon (sawdust, straw, or bark), as 
well as emptying the humus (Kwok 2007). However, this type of maintenance 
is minimal based on load factors, sometimes as little as once or twice a year 
per tank. While this might be an added cost to the community, it will likely be 
offset by the cost savings and revenue generated by the system. Additionally, 
hiring a maintenance crew internally within the community can produce job 
opportunities. 
Many projects and communities take advantage of composting toilet systems, 
and have made great efforts to advocate their success and gains. One 
community is the NutriCycle Systems Demonstration Site in Jefferson, Maryland 
(www.smartcommunities.ncat.org).
71
Proposal
Pivotal: Provide literature to all residents about recycling and composting; 
establish a shared recycling station for each development.
Progressive: Connect with local waste service providers to offer composting 
services in conjunction with providing all residents with small composting bins.
Pioneering: Establish an on-site composting facility for residents. Include 
composting toilets in new construction.
72
Resource Use and Social Interaction
As further exploration of the above suggestions continues, it will be useful to 
assess possible scenarios with an interdisciplinary approach. Not only will the 
development of a truly sustainable and green site be dependent on looking 
at green design, technology, and innovative solutions, but both developments 
should be designed with social justice, health, and residents’ well-being in mind.
Creating a Community
Strong communities provide residents with a sense of enrichment, 
empowerment, and a desire to maintain the integrity of the site. If the SHA 
wants to provide innovative examples of environmental and social sustainability 
in the low-income housing sector, we recommend focusing on building the 
social infrastructure as much as the green building infrastructure. 
Announcing and inviting the community to help construct the suggested projects 
can help spark community involvement, which could lead to decreased labor 
costs. Civic engagement is a necessity for the success of the projects defined. 
Because of the possible struggle with community activism in developments and 
programs, initiatives could be set up to help popularize a new way of living. 
Implementation of these strategies at the Glen Creek site can help provide the 
SHA with a good example of what could work at Orchard Village as well. 
We recommend future teams consider:
• Playgrounds: Offer a safe place for families to congregate and children to 
play at the site and in the adjacent housing community. 
• Educational Center: There will be a number of innovative design and 
building aspects as well as ecosystems present on the sites. This collection 
offers educational opportunities. Providing a person on site who can give 
tours, teach weekend classes, and answer general questions provides 
learning opportunities for the adults and children and the greater Salem 
community.
• Community Center: Children, parents, and single adults alike need a safe 
place to spend their nights and weekends. Developing an active community 
center on site where families can be together reduces the need to figure out 
how to get off site. 
• Community Clothes and Goods Exchange: Useful goods exchanges 
occur across the country and enable families and neighborhoods to 
exchange items as they outgrow or no longer need things, while keeping 
reusable items out of landfills. This is especially useful and successful in 
communities with a large population of children. 
Many schools have ‘swapping weekends.’ A successful exchange takes place 
typically before Christmas and the beginning of school (Monacelli 2010). An 
73
exchange can be similar to a garage sale where a specific day or weekend is 
determined where the families gather to “trade.” However, some complexes 
have a small community space for individuals to place goods they no longer 
need or want. This is a location for families to either drop off used items or find 
items that may be useful to them.
Community Spaces
A main concern in the Glen Creek community is the amount of time kids play in 
the street rather than in the green spaces, play areas, and basketball court. The 
east side of the site is highly underutilized by the entire community, yet it has 
the potential to provide an area for children and adults to play, learn, explore, 
rest, and be active if designed properly. 
Creative Sitting Areas
Glen Creek lacks a welcoming outdoor area – there are no benches or sitting 
areas – and both sites should strive to implement one. Benches provide a place 
for all individuals to have space to sit and enjoy being outside. If designed 
correctly, benches may also double as play areas. 
Opportunities for original designs for these structures could be derived from 
students in the departments of Architecture or Art from the University of 
Oregon or Oregon State University, or from similar fields at local colleges and 
universities. It may also be possible to create a contest between the residents 
to design their own structure. Using these resources would cut down on design 
costs while providing unique pieces of functional art. Once a design is chosen, 
children from the developments may also play a role in the building of these 
pieces by helping to paint or helping to lay mosaic tiles. Students could provide 
creative designs that would be both inexpensive and unique to the area.
Pathways 
We hope that by developing areas with garden beds, native species, sitting 
areas, and pathways, a welcoming space will be created to draw the children 
away from playing in the streets and lure the adults to the outdoors. With the 
proposed garden beds set on the east side of the Glen Creek site, we propose 
developing the area so that it is not only more accessible to residents, but more 
enjoyable as well.
Currently, there are two main paths connecting the inside of the Glen Creek 
complex. A proposed path between buildings 3 and 4, as well as a path from the 
parking lot of buildings 1 and 2 along the stream connecting to building 8, would 
create an increased walking interior. The latter path could feature a number of 
native species that have been planted and become a nature walk for families.
74
Outdoor Brick Oven and Picnic Area
We believe the addition of a barbeque or outdoor brick oven would be a 
welcoming space for friends and family to gather outside their living space. In 
addition, we suggest extending the current deck at Glen Creek around the east 
side of the building to create a more private area. An overhang could be added 
to cover part of the deck, which would allow the space to be both open and 
sheltered from the elements. Moreover, this open space would be welcoming 
for the used good exchanges during dry weather, as well as provide a space for 
educational meetings on gardening and other topics.
Most materials for the barbeque and overhang can be purchased at Salem 
building supply reuse stores, allowing close to 100 percent recycled materials. 
To construct the deck, we suggest materials such as Trex decking, which is 
typically more expensive but is weather- and insect-resistant, extremely durable, 
and has low maintenance costs.
The overhang can be constructed of 2x6 rafters, plywood, and shingles. The 
design of the overhang must include suitable gutters to keep the rain from 
flowing straight onto the deck. Gutters may also be attached to rain catchment 
systems, which would add to the proposed rainwater catchment system. Finally, 
the barbeque could have two separate grills, so that families can share the area. 
The interior of the barbeque pit would need to be made out of firebrick, and the 
exterior could be built with 8x4x16 Concrete Masonry Units. 
Taking a Systems Approach
Each suggested idea alone has potential, but taken as a system, they hold real 
promise. Taking a systems approach will help to establish of a successful living 
place and a sense of community within both sites. A sense of community can 
improve the successful long-term viability of a housing complex and can create 
a sense of pride that leads to empowerment of its members. A community that 
is unified facilitates an involved attitude toward community concerns. Getting 
neighbors involved in the community fosters a viable barrier to issues such as 
crime and motivates people to help each other. 
75
Conclusion
The Sustainable City Year program gives students a chance to put what they 
learn in the classroom into action. The SHA has an opportunity to draw from the 
creativity of students and be a leader in making a difference in public housing. 
The recommendations in this report would provide for sustainable growth in 
low-income housing, addressing the City of Salem’s environmental, economic, 
and social health. While the Glen Creek and Orchard Village sites are small, 
localized communities, the example they will set has the potential to make a 
significant impact. The City of Salem has the opportunity with these sites to be 
on the cutting edge of addressing environmental conservation and community 
building through public housing.
While there are many strategies and recommendations that can be implemented 
within both developments, it is imperative that the needs of the residents are 
met through these upgrades. In order to meet these needs, focus should be 
placed on the input of the community, while promoting the aforementioned 
recommendations related to water, food, energy, resources, and transportation. 
Through these action items, a wealth of change can occur on the site, while 
incurring minimal net costs to SHA. These changes will foster a greater sense 
of community within the residents of Glen Creek and Orchard Village, giving 
them an opportunity to be part of a decision-making process that can improve 
their lives. These developments can become a model community for future SHA 
developments and for affordable housing communities throughout the region.
76
Appendix: Case Studies
CASE STUDIES
THESE CASE STUDIES ARE INCLUDED AS A 
REFERENCE SEE THE KEY BELOW FOR SPE-
CIFIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO MATE-
RIALS, ENERGY, WATER, GOODS/SERVICES, 
WASTE, AND FINANCING.
A supplementary resource list is included
at the end of the studies
Materials:
Pertains to sustainable sourcing & safety of 
construction materials and methods. 
Energy/Heat:
Information regarding energy harvesting 
and distribution methods, both passive & 
active systems
Water:
Potable, storm & wastewater strategies. 
Goods & Services:
Development pattern: included uses, tran-
sit, community involvement & industry. 
Waste:
How has waste been reduced & behaviors 
changed?
Financing:
Addresses any pertinent collaborative 
financing efforts & strategies. 
77
Hammarby Sjostad is one of the best models of a 
development that promotes a comprehensive sus-
tainability model. The development was the impetus 
for the development of the “Hammarby Model” an 
aggressive closed loop resource system. 
Project Stats:
495 Acres
9,000 Units
Design Team: Jan Inghe-Hagstrom - Stockholm 
City Planning Bureau
Hammarby Sjostad - Sweden
Constructed on a remediated industrial site, Hammarby 
Sjostad demonstrates a honorable commitment to 
reuse during the construction stage; only sustainable, 
tested eco-friendly materials were used.
Buildings were planned to take advantage of passive 
heating cooling and ventilation but also utilize many 
more unique and advanced strategies. Half of resident 
energy is provided for within the development. This is 
done through the implementation of solar panels, the 
use of biogas in cooktops and a district heating plant 
that runs on sewage bio-fuel and household waste
All aspects of water treatment are considered. Storm-
water is treated on-site through a network of swales, 
ponds, green-roofs and the lake. Lake water is 
collected and treated locally for drinking. Wastewater is  
broken down and used as bio-gas for cooktops, in the 
district heating plant, and as fertilizer. 
Hammarby Sjostad is outside of Stockholm proper it is 
well connected by ferry, bus, subway, bike and walking 
paths and the development has a 25 vehicle car-share. 
The site also has several schools, shops restaurants, a 
church, many parks, a library and sports center. 
The Hammarby Model(included in the report) is a com-
prehensive waste management strategy. It utilized 
wastewater, household waste, recyclables, food and 
hazardous waste in a well executed ‘closed loop’ 
model to reduce impact and provide municipal 
services to residents. It cannot be fully described here, 
please see the resource list for more information.
Project cost about $ 2.25 billion. 
It was primarily financed by the city of Stockholm and 
through partnerships with utilities providers and materi-
als manufacturers.  
Hammarby Sjostad
wetlands & nature path
local transit
apartments & retention pond
recycling/waste system
78
The first residents moved into High Point in 2009. This 
HUD project in the west part of Seattle has been 
praised for it’s comprehensive stormwater manage-
ment strategies, community design process, and the 
air quality of the homes in the neighborhood. 
Project Stats:
120 acres
1,600 Units
Design Team: Mithun, Nakano Landscape Archi-
tects, SVR Engineering
High Point- Seattle, WA
The redevelopment salvaged many materials that had 
been used in the army barracks on the site previously. 
Some of these were used in new construction. 
All new homes were constructed to high air quality 
standards to reduce the probability of youth asthma 
diagnoses. This included the use of low VOC(volatile 
organic compound) offgassing materials and both 
natural and active ventilation strategies 
The major energy strategies employed are passive, 
taking advantage of passive ventilation and daylight-
ing where possible.
The entire development is included in a comprehensive 
stormwater management strategy designed to reduce 
runoff into adjacent Longfellow Creek. There are more 
than four miles of grass and vegetated swales, and a 
drainage retention pond. 
High Point is adjacent to bus lines on the Seattle Transit 
network, making it easy for residents to take advantage 
of pubic transit. Within the site there are many other 
amenities; a community center, library, medical and 
dental clinic, mixed use shopping center, and ‘neigh-
borhood house’ designed to provide health, educa-
tion, employment and family and social services to 
residents
A portion of demolition and construction waste was 
salvaged and recycling is encouraged. 
The project cost $550 million dollars and included the 
collective contributions of private investment, public 
funding, public borrowing & finance matching, and a 
HOPE VI grant. 
Swales, sidewalk  homes
street-side swales
retention pond
shared green spaces
community design input
community garden
79
Completed in 2006, Vauban in Frieburg, Germany is 
a model car-free development. Featuring an ag-
gressive solar energy portfolio and a comprehensive 
transportation strategy Vauban demonstrates the 
positive results of community input & collaboration.  
Project Stats:
98 Acres
5,000 People
Collaboration: Forum Vauban(community design 
collective) City of Freiburg. 
Vauban - Freiburg, Germany
Once the site of an army barracks Vauban recycled 
some buildings and materials.
Homes and building were constructed to facilitate 
good air quality and achieve low-energy standards. 
The district has a CHP Plant (combined heat & power,) 
utilizes passive resources (sun & wind) and an extensive 
network of solar collectors to provide energy.  All build-
ings are constructed to meet the lowest energy stan-
dards, several are passive house or better rated.  
80% of stormwater is treated locally and the neighbor-
hood utilizes an ‘ecological’ sewage plant that harvests 
biogas from wastewater for use in homes. 
Transit and community building are key principles in 
Vauban. Nearly half of residents live without personal 
vehicles. This is possible through proximity to public 
transit networks, car-share programs and bike purchas-
ing assistance. The project contains mixed resident 
base; students, families, and professionals all of whom 
have stake in design and planning decisions for the 
entire neighborhood. 
Waste and stormwater is treated locally. In addition 
recycling is encouraged. 
Total Project cost $702 million. 
The financial collaboration on this project led not only 
to a diverse and interesting built environment but also 
lower costs, allowing greater accessibility to lower & 
middle income buyers. 
shared green-space
solar village
community building
identity through material
limited car access 
adjacent to transit
80
High Point
http://mithun.com/projects/project_detail/high_point/
pdf: High Point-Case Study
http://www.seattlehousing.org/redevelopment/high-point/
High Point - Re-Inventing Infrastructure from the gutter up, Peg Stae-
hell & Miranda Maupin, Arcade 2003.
Vauban
http://www.vauban.de/info/abstract.html
http://www.cabe.org.uk/case-studies/vauban
http://www.madisonfreiburg.org/green/vauban.htm
Hammarby Sjostad
http://www.cabe.org.uk/case-studies/hammarby-sjostad
http://www.hammarbysjostad.se/
http://www.urbandesigncompendium.co.uk/hammarby%20sj%C3%B6
stad
The Hammarby Model.pdf - found on hammarbysjostad.se
Hammarby Sjostad- A unique environmental project in Stockholm.pdf 
- Found on hammarbysjostad.se
Other Projects
Dockside Green - Victoria, British Columbia
 Water treatment, Biogassifier Energy Generation
Prairie Crossing - IL, USA
 Habitat preservation, local agriculture, community design
Millennium Waters - Vancouver BC
 District heating plant, stormwater plans, net-zero building.
bedZED - London
 Energy strategies, mixed uses
Bo01 - Malmo Sweden
 Public spaces, innovation energy systems
Helensview - Portland, OR
 Low-income, LEED-ND Project
Newington, Homebush Bay - Sydney, AUS
 Financing for a solar neighborhood. 
Bibliography-Resources
81
Additional Resources
Informational Resources 
Salem Electric — Programs and Services brochure, Home Energy Use Guide 
— http://www.salemelectric.com/
Home Energy Saver (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) — http://hes.lbl.
gov/consumer/learn
Energy Savers (US DOE, EERE) — http://www.energysavers.gov/
Alliance to Save Energy — http://ase.org/
Smart Communities Network — http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/
buildings/affhousing.shtml
Energy Efficiency Factsheet (EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse) — www.energyideas.
org/documents/factsheets/residresources.pdf
School to Farm Case study example: http://thefoodproject.org/
Contacts
Evolution Paving Resources
Scott Erickson
PO Box 20610
Salem, OR 97307
503-393-5050
Native Plants of the Northwest
2158 Bower Ct. S.E.
Salem, OR 97317
503-581-2638
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
1249 13th St. SE
Salem, OR 97302
82
References
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 Salem Housing Authority (SHA)
 US Census Bureau. Census 2000. SF3
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Water 
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(2010). Pace Law Faculty Publications. Paper 559. http://digitalcommons.
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Engineering Strategies.” Population and Environment, 6.2 (1983): 96-112. 
JSTOR. Web.
85
Kwok, Alison, and Walter Grondzik. The Green Studio Handbook: Environmental 
Strategies for Schematic Design. Burlington, MA: Architectural Press, 2007.
Lens, Piet N.L. Decentralized Sanitation and Reuse: Concepts, Systems and 
Implementation. London: IWA Publ., 2001. 174-238. Print.
Waterfall, Patricia H. “Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use.” University of 
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Vollum, Jean. Personal Interview November 2010.
Agriculture
Hansen, Wallace. “Native Plant Nursery & Gardens.” Wallace W Hansen Native 
Plants of the Northwest. 2010. Web. 26 Dec. 2010. <http://www.nwplants.
com/>.
Hill, Holly. “Food Miles: Background and Marketing.” ATTRA. NCAT, 23 June 
2010. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. <http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/foodmiles.
html>.
“Marion-Polk Foodshare Garden Locations.” Google Maps. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. 
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Symington, Paul. “High Point Community Garden.” Wikimedia Commons. 
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Resource Use and Social Interaction
Monacelli, Nikki. “Useful Goods Exchange « Sunnyside Family Swap Shop and 
Play Space.” Useful Goods Exchange. 18 Apr. 2010. Web. 20 Nov. 2010. 
<http://www.sunnysideswapshop.org/wp/events/useful-goods-exchange/>.
Materials
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recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html>.
86
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Knecht, Barbara. Designing for Disassembly and Deconstruction. Architectural 
Record, Oct. 2004. Vol. 192 Issue 10, p. 181-188
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Numbers. Time, 6/25/2007, vol. 169 issue 26. p. 14
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