Today Metro announced its progress toward sustainability goals in internal operations. Metro’s second report shows a year of results reaching key objectives in its Sustainability Plan, highlighted with success stories and strategies for further improvement.
As a regional government committed to promoting environmental stewardship, and policies that help create and maintain healthy and livable communities, Metro is working to reduce its own ecological footprint and to be a good steward of public resources.
“Sustainable practices just make sense,” said Metro Chief Operating Officer Martha Bennett. “Reducing our impact on the environment conserves energy, supports healthy ecosystems and saves money.”
The report details progress in Metro’s five goal areas related to operating more sustainably: reducing carbon emissions, choosing nontoxic products, preventing waste, conserving water and enhancing habitat.
Recent accomplishments at Metro facilities and venues:
• The Metro Central Household Hazardous Waste facility in Northwest Portland installed a 2,665-square-foot ecoroof.
• The Oregon Zoo won the Green Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for significantly reducing the environmental impact of day-to-day operations over the past 21 years.
• PCPA’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall switched to LED lighting, which uses 85 percent less energy.
• The Oregon Convention Center hosted a “zero waste” summer concert series, recycling or composting 79 percent of its waste.
• Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC) venues caterer pacificwild won a second place Portland BEST Award for local food purchasing, which puts $1.8 million into the local economy each year.
• The Portland Expo Center more than tripled its recycling and composting in two years.
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