About Sustainability at Work

Information

2021 Program Changes

With the significant challenges of 2020 and the evolving needs of Portland businesses, the City decided to sunset the Sustainability at Work program. 

Current Sustainability at Work certifications remained valid through 2023, and the Green Business Directory of certified businesses remained live through 2023.

Green business tips and resources are still available on the website, and program staff are still available to help Portland organizations with recycling, compost, and waste reduction.

Program History

Sustainability at Work was formed in 2007 as a solution for businesses lacking in time, budget and expertise and who want to improve their environmental practices. The program’s services were informed by national and local research, input from hundreds of Portland businesses and the technical expertise of our partners. The program helped thousands of Portland businesses advance green initiatives in the workplace, from small start-ups and nonprofits to large corporations.

Sustainability at Work Staff

Genevieve Joplin

Genevieve has years of experience helping Portland businesses set up successful recycling and composting programs. She is skilled at conducting staff trainings and is well-versed in industry practices at event centers, grocery stores, restaurants and hotels.

Paul de Block

With seventeen years of experience in resource efficiency, Paul has helped hundreds of businesses reduce their environmental impacts. His current focus is on assisting restaurants, caterers, commissaries and other commercial kitchens. Every dollar saved on energy, water and sewer costs strengthens a kitchen’s profitability.

Our partners

Our long-time program partners include:

Metro

Making the Portland metropolitan area an extraordinary place to live, work and play.

City of Portland Water Bureau

The Water Bureau offers small businesses customized technical assistance for reducing their water usage. Staff can provide answers to specific questions, create a water-use history report, identify potential savings and provide an on-site evaluation of water using devices based on your specific needs.

City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

Working to give Portland a better future and a better now.

Energy Trust of Oregon

An independent nonprofit organization helping Oregonians benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources.