"Intel will do everything it can to go above and beyond existing efforts by providing leadership as a member of both the global and Washington County community. -- Intel staff"

Intel plays a large and important role in our community as a global company that manufactures computer chips, employing roughly 17,500 people in Washington County. That number doesn't include the indirect creation of jobs in the industries that supply, support and service Intel's manufacturing efforts. And while its influence as a major employer is impressive, equally impressive is its sustainable management of garbage, recycling, food scraps, energy and more that has earned Intel the Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling Program's Recycle at Work Award.

Intel has a long-standing commitment to reduce its environmental footprint with the hope of inspiring the next generation. This global objective carries with it a commitment to care for the planet and the communities to which Intel belongs.

Numerous individuals oversee sustainability efforts at its four main Washington County-based campuses - Aloha, Hawthorn Farm, Jones Farm and Ronler Acres. In order to encourage employees to properly dispose of the materials they generate, desk-side containers have been removed from workspaces. Instead, each work group is provided with a centralized recycling and trash center. The centers provide recycling options for paper, plastics, cans, bottles, batteries, cardboard, food scraps and other materials.

Intel also does all it can to prevent the generation of waste in the first place. Intel's cafeteria vendor, Bon App�tit Management Company, provides reusable dishware and silverware in all of the cafeterias and for on-site catering needs. For employees that take food back to their work area, conveniently located staging areas have been placed throughout the buildings where they can put trays and dishware to be returned to the cafeteria.

Bon App�tit purchases local, sustainable provisions for the cafeteria meals it prepares across Intel's campuses. When food isn't being purchased, it's being grown by Intel employees. Multiple campuses have impressive community gardens dedicated to growing food for both cafeteria use and for donation to the Oregon Food Bank. Additionally, all food scraps generated are recovered for composting.

Reuse is also important to Intel. Engineers are always trying to find ways to reuse assets and materials. For example, Intel has a global resale and reuse organization that is in charge of reselling and donating furniture, equipment and more, keeping useable goods out of landfills.

Energy conservation practices include:

• Purchasing of green power - Intel is the nation's biggest purchaser of green power for the last six years.
• Conducting regular energy audits with the Energy Trust of Oregon.
• Installing solar panels across the campuses.

Other sustainable efforts include:

• Working with Metro to host household hazardous waste collection events for the community and its employees to properly dispose of hazardous materials.
• Building all its new facilities as LEED Gold, including the D1X and its Process Utility Building.
• Purchasing new hybrid vehicles for its security patrol.
• Subsidizing transit passes and vanpooling costs for employees.
• Providing employees with information and resources at an annual sustainability fair.
• Providing bikes for employees to commute to other Intel buildings and campuses.

Even with all of these practices in place, Intel strives to do better. According to company officials, Intel will do everything it can to go above and beyond existing efforts by providing leadership as a member of both the global and Washington County community.