For 75 years, the Bonneville Power Administration has been a steward of one of our nation’s greatest resources, the Columbia River hydropower system. Public and social responsibilities are at the core of BPA’s role and mission of providing reliable, low-cost power to the people of the Pacific Northwest, protecting fish and wildlife, encouraging the expansion of renewable energy and promoting energy efficiency.

Now the agency is being recognized for another commitment — its sustainability program at its corporate headquarters in Portland, Ore.

On Dec. 5, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability recognized BPA’s sustainability efforts at its headquarters with its Sustainability at Work gold certification. BPA becomes the first federal agency to achieve the gold level of certification in the city’s program.

BPA’s accomplishment was based on completing 60 out of a possible 74 actions related to initiatives including education, transportation, materials and waste, and energy and water use. The actions were verified during an onsite visit by a Sustainability at Work adviser.

“Very few organizations have achieved at such a level,” notes Paul de Block, Sustainability at Work adviser, Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

 

 

BPA formed a sustainability team in 2009 and began implementing an action plan the following year that included conserving energy and water, reducing waste and petroleum use, and installing a green roof which included 32,000-gallon storm water harvesting tanks. Other notable accomplishments include electronic recycling, a recycling and composting program that cut waste by 44 percent, electric vehicle charging stations in its motor pool and a number of employee commuting options. In 2012, the agency launched a successful printing reduction campaign. Beyond the environmental benefits, the changes saved BPA about $400,000 in printer-related costs over the previous year.

Larry Buttress, BPA’s acting executive vice president, Internal Business Services, says BPA’s approach to sustainability is founded on the agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. “Finding more earth-friendly, cost-effective ways to operate is just another way we’re being a responsible steward and a good neighbor.” 

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability awards its Sustainability at Work certifications to Portland organizations that create a more sustainable workplace. “We’re impressed and grateful. BPA’s setting a high bar in terms of gold certification,” says Michael Armstrong, research and innovation manager, Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

Adds Buttress: “This really is an achievement by Bonneville employees. A lot of dedicated people turned our sustainability program from a grass roots effort into an agency success story.”

BPA’s next challenge is scaling up its sustainability program to reflect its footprint across the Northwest. For 2013 and the near-term, the agency will shift its focus from its corporate headquarters to reducing energy, water and waste at its other facilities.

“We’re proud that Bonneville Power is headquartered here in Portland and excited to see what they’ll continue to accomplish,” adds Armstrong.

For a list of BPA’s gold certified achievements, see the Sustainability at Work listing. To learn more about BPA’s program, read its 2012 sustainability report.

In a city known for its commitment to clean air and water, and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle, BPA is the first federal agency to be certified by Sustainability at Work at any level. Thirty-eight organizations have achieved Sustainability at Work’s gold certification, including Portland Roasting Coffee, Travel Portland and Widmer Brothers Brewing. Silver level organizations include Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Northwest Natural Gas Co. and Portland General Electric. To see all of the certified organizations, visit the Sustainability at Work directory. The certification is valid for three years.​