Oregon Department of Energy Celebrates 11 Years as Certified EarthWISE Business in Marion County

Contact:
Jennifer Kalez, 503-480-9239
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294

SALEM — The Oregon Department of Energy is celebrating 11 years of certification through Marion County’s EarthWISE program, which recognizes businesses and organizations in the county that are committed to environmentally-friendly practices.

ODOE was certified following a comprehensive assessment of the agency’s environmental footprint, from building design and energy use, to employee sustainability practices. Protecting the environment is at the heart of ODOE’s mission to lead Oregon to a safe, clean, and sustainable energy future – and the agency works to ensure its workplace practices live up to its mission.

ODOE was first certified in 2008, and was the first State of Oregon agency to earn the EarthWISE title. Since the agency’s move to a new building in late 2016, the team has continued and improved actions to reduce waste, boost recycling, and save energy – so a recertification in the new building is an important milestone.

ODOE’s current headquarters near the Capitol in Salem is owned by the State’s Department of Administrative Services. ODOE partnered with DAS on the building’s updated windows and insulation, and more sustainable interior with recycled and recyclable carpet tiles, reclaimed wood accents, refurbished office furniture, low-VOC paint, automatic light sensors, and auto-dimming LED bulbs. The building also includes electric vehicle charging and an 8,300-kilowatt solar array. Employees play an important role in maintaining the EarthWISE certification by using reusable dishes and utensils, reusing office supplies before buying new, prioritizing zero-emission electric options when using fleet vehicles, and more.

“We’re grateful to Marion County for recognizing ODOE’s work, and for the county’s leadership in sustainability,” said Kaci Radcliffe, ODOE Energy Analyst and the agency’s Sustainability Coordinator. “Their guidance has helped us reduce waste, save energy and water, and make more sustainable decisions. For example, when recycling options became more limited in our community, Marion County helped us understand how to adjust our practices to make sure we ‘recycle right’ in our office.”

Learn more about Marion County’s EarthWISE program and ODOE’s sustainability policies.