Clackamas County Leaders in Sustainability Gold Award
The Clackamas County Leaders in Sustainability certification program provides workplaces with guidance and recognition for meaningful achievements in sustainability practices; practices which are proven to benefit an organization’s triple bottom line through environmental, social, and economic advancements.
Certified businesses and non-profits are recognized for their positive impact on our environment and community. They have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through efforts in recycling and compost, energy and water efficiencies, sustainable transportation and community engagement.
Businesses qualify for certification by achieving numerous goals through a rigorous process. Awards are given at 3 levels —Certified, Silver and Gold — depending on how many goals are achieved. Willamette View was certified at the Gold level when it first applied in 2018. In 2022, having achieved even more goals, we were recertified at the Gold level.
The following supplemental statement accompanied our 2022 application, setting further goals for the next triennium.
Willamette View “Leaders in Sustainability” Recertification
March 15, 2022
Among the many elements that flow from Willamette View’s mission - “To Inspire the Art of Living Well” - is fostering a sustainable relationship with our natural resources and environment.
We’re committed to continually evolving our operation to be environmentally responsible, not only to our immediately served population, but also to the wider community. This multi-faceted effort considers the long-term health of our local, regional and global environment, as well as the financial well-being of the organization to serve current and future residents.
Managers, staff and residents of Willamette View have actively partnered to continually lessen the environmental impact of life on the campus. A few examples are:
- Our Blue Heron Foundation at Willamette View provides Green Fund grants of up to $10,000 to support resident- and staff-initiated eco-friendly projects across campus.
- The volunteer Resident Green Team is active and involved in supporting various creative “green initiatives” and education programs for residents and staff.
- New construction efforts focus on using and implementing cost-effective energy solutions. For example, our 47-unit North Pointe apartment building, completed in 2018, is a “Path to Net Zero” construction, utilizing numerous energy-saving features.
Sustainability Goals for 2022-2025
1. Expand the use of our “Greenie” program using reusable “to go” food containers to all campus restaurants by the end of 2022.
2. Relamp exterior parking lots to energy-efficient LED/comparable lighting systems, applying ‘Dark Sky’ friendly lighting systems wherever possible, by end of 2023.
3. Begin transitioning to electric/battery-powered equipment used by Willamette View’s Grounds Team and by contracted services in 2023.
4. Double WV daily Campus Shuttle ridership by end of 2023.
5. Launch car-sharing program for residents to reduce campus vehicles and traffic by the end of 2023.
6. Publish an annual Sustainability Report (“Green Paper”) starting in 2023. It will detail the Willamette View programs and services they support.