Keep an eye out for our new bimonthly virtual coffee-hour series where industry experts will share tips on how your business can be more sustainable. In the meantime, please contact us if your business could use recycling bins, posters, decals or other free resources and assistance, would like a customized presentation for your staff or would like to learn more about our newly updated certification program. We're here and eager to help your business reach new sustainability goals in the new year and beyond!

Leupold and Stevens made the jump from the silver level to gold when renewing their Green Business Award earlier this year. The company uses programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors and schedules janitorial services during business hours help keep energy usage low. They creatively repurposed an old smoking shelter into a covered, secured area for employees to store their bikes when commuting to work and to encourage more bike commuters. Congratulations Leupold and Stevens for reaching the gold level!

Originally certified in 2018, The Partners Group recently recertified their gold level Green Business Leaders award after moving into a new office space equipped with solar panels and many other energy efficient features. They have a robust employee education and engagement program, and they adapted quickly last spring to bring their Earth month program to a virtual format. The company encourages employees to volunteer in the community and matches employee charitable donations. In fact, the company chooses to volunteer together in lieu of having a holiday party. Keep up the great work!

First time certified Thermo Fisher has been committed to reducing energy use by installing solar panels in 2017 and regularly conducts energy audits to find more ways to save energy. They were early adopters of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for staff nearly ten years ago with an enthusiastic group of EV drivers. Thermo Fisher supports many non-profit organizations with volunteer work and fundraising that includes Habitat for Humanity, Adelante Mujeres and the Urban League of Portland. Big congrats on earning gold!

U-Haul Hillsboro is the fourth U-Haul location in Washington County to receive the gold level Green Business award. With a robust corporate sustainability program, this location has become a role model for other locations across the region. They offer reusable moving box rentals and make it easy for customers to donate and support their partnership with The Conservation Fund. Because of this partnership the company so far has raised over $500,000 in 2020. Welcome to the Green Business Leaders community, U-Haul Hillsboro!

Jesuit High School has been awarded Premier level certification by Oregon Green Schools. Premier level green schools complete a rigorous application process and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to implementing and promoting sustainability in their schools and within their communities. The students and staff completed waste and recycling audits, measured utility usage, and began composting food scraps from the cafeteria during the 2019-2020 school year. As part of future building renovations, the school has plans to update the school cafeteria to make it even easier for students and staff to compost and recycle correctly.

Keep up the great work, Jesuit High School!

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