Earned Symbols

We like to give credit where credit is due, so we've come up with a way to let you know which local businesses are going above and beyond to run their business in a way that considers their impact on the environment.

The businesses listed in The Green Spot meet some and in many cases, most of the following criteria in order to be listed.  A business that meets the minimum requirement for each of the following categories will display the corresponding symbol with their listing.

MEMBER GROUPS

Organizations displaying this symbol are one of thirty-four member groups whose efforts are supported by The Environmental Center's programs.  By working together, we are able to more effectively protect and restore Central Oregon's natural environment. 

ENERGY – RENEWABLES & EFFICIENCY

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 3 of the following criteria:

• REQUIRED - Business powered by a renewable energy option from power provider, i.e. Blue Sky or business powered by a renewable energy source such as solar, wind, geo-thermal or micro-hydro.
• During operating hours, programmable thermostats set to 68˚ for heating in the winter and 78˚ for cooling in the summer. During closed hours, 60˚ for heating in the winter and 80˚ for cooling in the summer.
• Solar water heater system or “on demand” hot water heater used
• CFL or other high efficiency bulbs are used in all applicable fixtures
• Motion/occupancy sensors or timers are in use
• Appliances/computers meet Energy Star standards
• Have installed or are using high efficiency heating/cooling systems
• Lights, computers and appliances are turned off at end of the day

WATER CONSERVATION

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 3 of the following criteria:

• Low flow aerators attached to all faucets
• Ultra low flow toilets, faucets, hoses or water displacement devices used
• Use of native or drought tolerant plants (amend with compost) in landscaping 
• Use drip irrigation where appropriate and audit entire irrigation system in the spring
• Do not need irrigation (no landscape to water)
• Use compost to top dress lawn and water only during the evening or early morning
• Do not have a lawn

TRANSPORTATION

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 3 of the following criteria:

• Offers incentives to employees for alternatives to driving alone, i.e. biking, walking carpooling, telecommuting
• During business hours, use an alternative to driving for deliveries, such as print jobs, food pick-ups, and other needs.
• Off-set carbon emissions when traveling for business
• Business vehicles are highly efficient or powered by alternative, i.e. non-fossil fuel, hybrid technology  List alternative

3rd PARTY CERTIFICATION 

A business must meet the following criteria to receive this symbol:

Completed a third party certification process for environmental and/or social criteria, i.e. Fair Trade, Organic, EcoBiz, LEED, Earth Advantage, Green America, Green Seal.

WASTE REDUCTION

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 5 of the following criteria:

• Recycling program in place for paper, bottles, cans, aluminum, and glass, plastic and cardboard.
• Order in bulk to reduce packaging and use/offer refillable containers
• Packaging is reused to its fullest extent before it is recycled
• Items purchased are reusable, recyclable and/or durable
• Double side all office paper when printing is necessary
• Use recycled content paper including office paper, paper towels and toilet paper
• Participates in a compost program for food waste
• Events hosted follow zero waste guidelines, avoiding disposable items
• Donate items you can’t reuse to thrift stores, salvage yards, food banks, homeless shelters or used equipment stores
• Offer discounts to consumers for bringing their own bags, cups

TOXICS PREVENTION

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 3 of the following criteria:

• Non-toxic/biodegradable cleaning products/services used
• Low or no VOC paints, finishes, adhesives and other building and maintenance products have been used in the building
• Recycle used fluorescent light bulbs, computers and other electronic equipment, batteries and oil
• Dispose of biological and hazardous waste at an approved facility
• Avoid the use of toxic chemicals, synthetic herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals that may harm the environment or health of living things

COMMUNITY

A business displaying this symbol has met at least 4 of the following criteria:

• Educate all current staff and new employees with regards to eco-friendly practices
• Educate all customers with regards to eco-friendly options for their purchase
• Market your businesses green efforts by word of mouth, in print and on your website
• Support local community organizations/causes
• Participate in COEC’s Sustainable Business Program
• Utilize goods and services from businesses listed with The Green Spot
• Offers employee benefits such as subsidizing medical insurance premiums and/ or providing vouchers to offset medical expenses and providing retirement benefits, such as 401(k) options, etc.
• Offer discounts to other green businesses