Eugene is—by Portland standards—perhaps a little sleepy and not as progressive. More business news comes out of Portland. Large employers are few and far between in Eugene and Springfield. Yet the companies of Eugene - Springfield are by no means slow to embrace ‘green goals’.
For the first time, on Monday night June 1, 2009 Oregon Business magazine recognized the 100 Best Green Companies in Oregon. The ceremony was held at the LEED® Platinum Gerding Theater in Portland, with a key note address by Governor Ted Kulongoski.
According to Oregon Business, “The 100 Best Green Companies were selected based on sustainable practices sections from the 100 Best survey process, completed by 372 employers last fall. Participation in the 100 Best survey is voluntary and free of charge. Companies had to employ at least 15 Oregon workers at the time of taking the survey. For the 2009 survey near5ly 30,000 Oregon workers rated satisfaction and importance in five statements related to sustainable practices. Company representatives also answered 10 questions about their company’s sustainable business practices. The employee survey counts for half of a company’s score, out of a possible 100 points, which average employee satisfaction and importance ratings each representing ¼ of the total. The employer benefits survey is also scored on a 100-point scale, accounting for the other half of the overall score, and resulting in a total possible score of 200.”
The rankings were calculated by Oregon Business and research partner Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall.
And, it was refreshing to see a number of Eugene - Springfield area businesses recognized on this list. Winners include #4 Isler CPA, #12 SOLARC Architecture and Engineering Inc., #19 PakTech, #22 Slocum Orthopedics PC, #30 Arlie & Company, #61 Valley River Inn, #66 Oregon Research Institute, #67 Pivot Architecture, and #99 Northwest Community Credit Union.
"The recognition from Oregon Business has inspired us to figure out more ways to improve our sustainable practices” says Jodi Sommers, Marketing and Communications Director for SOLARC Architecture and Engineering (SOLARC). “I can hardly wait to meet with our Green Team and strategize.”
SOLARC which is also a member of GreenLane would like to see more Eugene area firms make the 100 Best Green Companies list next year. “Our hope is that through GreenLane, all member firms can share ideas on how to improve all of our sustainable practices” says Sommers.
SOLARC has offices in Eugene and Portland and provides architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, energy analysis, sustainability consulting, LEED consulting and commissioning services to improve the energy and resource efficiency of the built environment. More information is available at www.solarc-ae.net.
