GREEN @ RACC
In 2010, RACC established new goals around developing a sustainability vision and plan; one of the parts of the plan is the environmental piece, reducing RACC’s ecological footprint. The new goals prompted the formation of a staff green team, with advisement from several RACC board members. Members distribute information, attend meetings and presentations, and organize projects, events and outreach. The team provides a place for employees to share eco-friendly ideas and accomplish goals.
Members include: Marci Cochran, Office Manager and Green Team Chair; Cindy Knapp, Director of Operations; Windy Hovey, Workplace Giving Coordinator; Danielle Davis, Public Art Collections Registrar; Allie Maki Maya, Right Brain Initiative Program Assistant; Jennifer Matsumura, Finance & HR Specialist; John Henry Dale, IT Helpdesk Technician.
RACC Staff to Contact
HAPPENINGS
Recently our staff participated in a green team created Commuter and Eco Challenge for a two week period. Our hope was to inspire staff to continue environmentally friendly activities they were already doing, or start some new habits. Categories included Alternative transit (walk, bike, mass transit, car pool); Energy and water conservation; Recycling and composting; Using non-disposable items (bags, coffee cups, cloth napkins), and an Other column for things we did not think of. Staff logged their daily points in a simple Eco Challenge Log that automatically calculated their points; at the end of the two weeks whoever had the most points won.
There was also a photo raffle contest, where staff could submit pictures of their eco-activities for a chance to win fun prizes. We had a lot of fun, about half of our staff of 33 participated, and the discussion and competition was lively.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY VISION
To be a leader in environmentally sustainable practices committed to achieving zero waste as we work to ensure a thriving arts and culture community.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote environmentally sustainable operating practices by; reducing waste, conserving energy and water, lowering our carbon emissions, encouraging sustainable purchasing, and being actively involved in creating ways to minimize our impact on the environment.
GOALS
- Provide resources to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Achieve Sustainability at Work Gold Certification by Spring 2013.
- Raise employee and community awareness about sustainability, and encourage participation through sustainable practices, education and fun events.
- Evaluate & assess current footprint.
- Promote the use of alternative transportation through transportation incentive programs and resources.
- Outline a metrics and tracking system, for regular environmental sustainability reporting.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Formed a recycling task force to research and recommend a new recycling system for curbside and non-curbside items. With their recommendation we purchased new receptacles, created signage, and launched a new, and more functional recycling process.
- Appointed a recycling specialist to monitor and recycle non-curbside recycling items offsite, and to serve as the recycling point person.
- Held a recycling training for staff to prepare for the new recycling system.
- Applied sustainable practices to office move in 2011, including the build-out for the new space.
- Set up composting in the office.
- Completed a sustainable practices action list to be considered for certification through the City’s Sustainability at Work program. Action items cover information & education, materials & waste, energy, transportation, and water. Received Sustainability at Work Silver Certification in 2012. Actions accomplished:
- The Green Team met with a representative from the City’s Smart Trips office; who shared alternative low- to zero-carbon commuting options and incentives. Planning to schedule a bike clinic with staff to share bike maintenance and safety tips.
- Replaced kitchen aerators with 1.5 gallon per minute or less aerators.
- Most supplies have 30% or greater post-consumer recycled content.
- Thermostats are set to 78° F min for cooling and 68° F max for heating as close as we can control, and programmed to run less at night and over the weekend.
- Measured and monitored ways employees commute; working on incentives and options to encourage alternative transportation.
- Measured non-metered & metered energy use; will be evaluating how best to monitor and use this information, and decrease our energy usage.
RESOURCES
sustainabilityatworkpdx.com providing free tools and expertise to achieve your goals
recycleatwork.com provides free, customized assistance to all types of businesses throughout the Portland metropolitan area
scrappdx.org inspiring creative re-use
communitywarehouse.org donate household goods to help others
energytrust.org energy incentives and information
naturalstep.org framework for Strategic Sustainable Development
rebuildingcenter.org & www.ourunitedvillages.org a non-profit community enhancement organization
oregonmetro.gov Metro's Recycling Information hotline
farwestfibers.com recycling at the curb and beyond
resourcefulpdx.com great resource
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