City of Spokane creates programs to stimulate sustainbility

Even in these tough economic times, consumers want green products. And because shoppers need to get more bang for their buck, they also want to support companies with green practices and a long-term plan toward sustainability. But in order to be truly “green,” a business needs to do more than just recycle or install energy-efficient light bulbs. According to Green America, businesses also must adopt policies and practices that promote health and environmental sustainability as well as social and economic justice. Locally, dozens of small businesses and non-profits are now on this path toward long-term sustainability. Earlier this year, 40 area businesses were recognized through the City of Spokane’s new Sustainable Management of Assets, Resources and Technology Recognition (SMART) Program. Many more are implementing green and sustainable management practices in order to be certified or receive recognition. As more people choose to shop or do business with companies that share their environmental ethic, it’s helpful for consumers to know which ones are making the effort to become sustainable, said Susanne Croft, incentives specialist for the City of Spokane’s Business & Development Services Department. According to a January 2009 survey conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, the demand for environmentally-friendly products continues to grow. More consumers bought green products in 2008 compared to 2007. Shoppers also are willing to pay more for green products if they were considered to be of higher quality, according to the survey. By becoming involved in the SMART program, local businesses that attain a “participant” or “certified” level in seven categories – waste reduction and recycling, renewable energy, water conservation, green building, energy efficiency, transportation/commute trip reduction, and pollution prevention – demonstrate their commitment to the same ideals espoused by their customers. “We hope people will see this as a seal of approval for these businesses,” Mayor Mary Verner said in a press release earlier this year. “We see it as an additional opportunity to grow our green economy.” Businesses that receive a “participant level” status are those that have made a commitment to change so that they can better manage their assets, resources and technology while the ones that are “certified” must have evidence that show they already have adopted changes. Companies or non-profits that demonstrate “outstanding achievement” in any of categories also are eligible to receive an “innovation” status. Some of the businesses that became certified through the SMART program include: the Davenport Hotel for energy efficiency; Sonderen Packaging for pollution prevention; Out There Monthly for transportation and Azar’s Restaurant for waste reduction. The Saranac Building LLC, the Spokane Club and CH2M Hill, Inc. earned “innovation” recognition in several categories. Businesses that attain SMART recognition receive a SMART Sustainable Business decal that they can use on their store front, letterheads and marketing materials. This makes it easier for eco-conscious consumers to recognize and support these companies. The SMART program was developed by the city’s Business & Development Services Department in partnership with Avista, Eastern Washington University, and the Washington State Department of Ecology. Its goal is to “encourage Spokane businesses to adopt policies and practices that focus on good management of financial, built, natural and human capital.” By making these improvements, these companies and non-profits can foster a healthy work environment for its employees, which could then result in higher productivity, customer satisfaction and profit, said Croft. “This appeals to customers who are value-driven in their shopping,” she said. “It also promotes local economic development.”