NW Natural's sustainable operations earn Gold Level Green Business Leaders Certification from Washington County
Sherwood facility lauded for comprehensive efforts to reduce waste, conserve water and energy, use cleaner products, and support employees and the community
Media contact: Jason Cox (he/him), NW Natural Public Information Officer, jason.cox@nwnatural.com; 503-383-1141
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2024
SHERWOOD, Ore. — An all-hands commitment to sustainability has earned NW Natural’s Sherwood Operations & Training Center the Gold Level Green Business Award from Washington County.
To be eligible for this recognition, companies must demonstrate comprehensive, successful efforts to recycle, use less resources like energy, water, and office supplies, reduce the use of toxic products, educate and engage employees and support the community.
“NW Natural has long been committed to extensively reducing environmental impacts from our operations and facilities,” Joe Karney, NW Natural Vice President for Engineering and Utility Operations said. “We’re honored to receive the Green Business Certification from Washington County, and especially want to congratulate our facilities employees who made this possible.”
NW Natural takes sustainability in operations seriously. For years, the company has maintained a Sustainability & Equity Engagement Committee (SEEC) – a group of employees who volunteer to promote continuous improvement, adopting environmentally friendly practices and engaging on equity issues. Many of the practices that earned NW Natural this recognition from Washington County resulted from ideas and pilot projects generated by the group.
Among the specific actions the company takes as part of greener businesses practices is going paperless whenever possible, using recycled materials, re-using supplies and materials whenever possible, using third-party certified green cleaning products and Green Seal-certified paint, ensuring employees are trained on dangers associated with hazardous products, installing low-flow faucets and toilets, using high-efficiency lighting, and following best practices on weatherization like double-pane windows, weather sealing doors and using programmable thermostats to reduce heating and air conditioning after hours.
The certification also recognizes NW Natural’s commitment to sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The company must exhibit best practices on sustainability and equity through purchasing practices, seeking feedback for continuous improvement, and training to advance DEI in the workplace.
About NW Natural
NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through more than 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for 165 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.
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