A recent report released by Metro outlining the agency’s progress on its own sustainability goals shows significant increases in energy efficiency and recycling at Metro venues, including the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. The first annual sustainability report outlines progress on key objectives, highlights successes and describes strategies for improvement.
"We aim to walk our talk of sustainability with the way we operate our public facilities and provide our services to the region," said Metro chief operating officer Martha Bennett.
As a regional government committed to promoting environmental stewardship and policies intended to create and maintain sustainable communities, Metro is working to reduce its own ecological footprint and to be a good steward of public resources. The report details progress made in Metro’s five goal areas: reducing carbon emissions, choosing nontoxic products, preventing waste, conserving water and enhancing habitat.
Recent accomplishments at Metro’s facilities and venues are illustrated, including:
- Use of the “triple bottom line” business model, emphasizing green design and operations and social equity at the convention center’s Hoyt Street Café, a workforce development training venture
- Construction of a new natural materials play area at Blue Lake Regional Park
- Reduction of toxic chemicals and installation of energy efficient heating systems at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts
- Installation of seven public electric vehicle charging stations at Metro headquarters, the Oregon Convention Center and Portland Expo Center
- Introduction of zero waste events and use of energy efficient lighting at the Oregon Convention Center.