In 2013, Metro made continued progress toward more efficient use of both economic and natural resources in its operations, which include a variety of venues and facilities around the region, from the Oregon Zoo to the Oregon Convention Center to thousands of acres of parks.
Its third annual sustainability report, released last week, details progress in the five goal areas of the plan adopted in 2010.
Using 2008 as the baseline year, and 2025 as the target year for goal completion (and 2050 for greenhouse gas emissions), Metro has:
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions 9 percent
- increased recycling 7 percent
- decreased water consumption 7 percent
- shrunk impervious surface (that is, replaced artificial surfaces like pavement with plants, bioswales and other natural features) by 5 percent.
The report also identifies areas for improvement, including toxics reduction, waste prevention and water conservation.
What do sustainability goals look like at Metro parks and facilities?
- Energy efficiency takes center stage at Portland'5 Centers for the Arts: A new chiller system was installed at Antoinette Hatfield Hall, home to the Newmark, Brunish and Winningstad Theaters. The new system will save an estimated 87,500 kWh of electricity and 2,300 therms of natural gas, adding up to more than $24,000 a year.
- Oregon Convention Center is re-certified Salmon Safe: The Oregon Convention Center renewed its Salmon Safe certification, which requires building management practices that protect water quality, restore habitat, and reduce stormwater runoff and water pollution.
- Park improvements help protect the Columbia River: The recent expansion of Metro’s M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp on the Columbia River included the addition of more than 117,000 square feet of native plantings, including bioswales that filter stormwater runoff from the parking lot and prevent it from entering the river.
- Oregon Zoo switches to electric vehicles: The zoo replaced three gas-powered vehicles with clean-running electric carts for transport on zoo grounds, saving 150 gallons of gas per year.
To learn about Metro’s sustainability program, contact Metro Sustainability Coordinator Molly Chidsey at [email protected] or 503-797-1690, or visit www.oregonmetro.gov/greenmetro.