Tag Archives: sustainability

Double Up Food Bucks

SLCgreen is excited to highlight the Double Up Food Bucks program, which began July 1^st, 2015 and is available at 19 different farmers’ markets around the state.

Back for its second year, this program helps low income families who participate in SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) stretch their food dollars by matching dollar for dollar on farmers’ market and farm stand purchases. This win-win-win program helps families afford fresh, healthy produce, while also supporting local farmers, and keeping food dollars within the local economy.

“According to a study completed by Sustainable Seattle, every dollar spent at a farmers’ market generates $2.80 of local economic activity. The benefit of Salt Lake City’s portion of the grant has potential to contribute as much as $336,000 to our local, Salt Lake City economy while increasing access to healthy food among our food insecure residents.”

Salt Lake City is committed to developing a more accessible, healthy, and equitable local food system. Food Security is one of the twelve core areas in the City’s Livability agenda. Therefore, Salt Lake City has committed $60,000 to the Double Up Food Bucks program. This funding will support the program in conjunction with additional Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant funding awarded to Utahns Against Hunger.

So far this season there have already been 500 SNAP/ food stamp transactions at local farmers’ markets. With nearly 32,000 individuals participating in SNAP in Salt Lake City, the Double Up Food Bucks program will help even more families put fresh fruits and vegetables on the table.

For more information about how the program works, and where you can find a farmers’ market near you that supports this program, click here and visit the Utahns Against Hunger website.

e2 Business Best Practice Lunch Series Returns, Tackles Core Values

Today marked the first Salt Lake City e2 Business Best Practice lunch, hosted by Sustainable Startups and catered by Bud’s. The topic of discussion was incorporating new core values into existing business frameworks, and the group heard from eBay, USANA and Larry H. Miller Group about their sustainability initiatives, successes and missteps.

Ken Vance with eBay shared how they have used the core value of reuse to drive innovation, including building the country’s first LEED certified data center, and integrate with other businesses and nonprofits, Patagonia’s Common Threads program among them, to forward that goal.

Jeff Robertson with USANA shared how the company has been shifting from a traditional sales model to a more modern one based on the value of health promotion and better health outcomes. He shared that they have found most success with the “light and often” approach to talking about heavier issues like climate change and air quality.

Robert Bell with Larry H. Miller Group shared how their efforts to clearly define their core values has laid the groundwork for further sustainability initiatives in their growing company.

Thanks to Sustainable Startups for hosting us at your new location! Learn more about how Sustainable Startups is helping incubate new businesses in Salt Lake City.

The e2 Business program is a free program offered to Salt Lake City’s businesses. Participating businesses receive expert consultation and guidance in incorporating sustainable business practices that will save money and reduce their impact on the environment. The Best Practice Lunch Series takes place March-August and features in-depth discussions on a variety of topics pertinent to today’s business community.

e2 Business Yearbook: 2014

Did you know that Salt Lake City maintains a network of local businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact? These green businesses belong to the e2 Business Program, a 100+ list of SLC businesses that are taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and seeing a positive return on their balance sheets.

The e2 program recently hosted their annual Members Night with Mayor Ralph Becker at Wasatch Brew Pub in Sugar House. At that event, they unveiled the 2014 e2 Business Yearbook, highlighting a year of standout initiatives and fantastic networking by SLC’s top businesses.

Check out the new e2 Business Yearbook for the full scoop!

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Five Quick Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food and great company. Unfortunately this most American of holidays can generate a lot of waste: food waste, disposable plates, plastic utensils and cups, and wasted energy.

Here are five quick tips to reduce waste and focus on the things that matter.

1. An Organic Bird: When it comes to buying the holiday turkey, we recommend buying an organic bird. Look for labels saying, “USDA certified organic” or “No Antibiotics Administered” with a “USDA Process Verified” seal. e2 Business Liberty Heights Fresh offers some great options.

2. Local Sides: Swing by the Winter Farmers Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rio Grande Depot to pick up local greens, squash, root vegetables, etc. Also, think about minimizing your use of meat in recipes — vegetarian dishes have a lower carbon footprint. For recipe suggestions, visit our Green Thanksgiving Pinterest board.

3. Durable Tableware: We understand the temptation, but please resist the urge to purchase single-use table settings. After their one use, they go right to the landfill where they take years to degrade (if they ever!) If you’re hosting, ask your guests to pitch in to help wash dishes. If you’re headed to a celebration away from your home, pack up some silverware, plates, and cups (or a water bottle) and bring them along. The extra ten seconds it takes to pack up your own dishes saves landfill space and energy.

4. Creative Leftovers: Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but we all know that there is plenty of food left over after the big meal. If you’re planning to take some leftovers home with you, bring along a few empty glass food containers from home, which will eliminate the need for disposable containers. You can also minimize food waste by turning your turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and other foodstuff into innovative leftover recipes. Dispose of spoiled fruits and vegetables food in a compost bin.

5. Compost and Recycle: For those hosting Thanksgiving meals, be sure to clearly mark bins for recycling and composting. This will eliminate the build-up of trash in your home and will keep unnecessary waste out of the landfill.

For more information, visit these websites:

Project Skyline: October Recap

Building Operator Certification

Beginning in October, Salt Lake City facilities staff began attending the Level 1 Building Operator Certification training as part of the City’s internal efforts to lead by example and meet the overall energy goals of Project Skyline. BOC training focuses on the improved operating efficiencies that can be realized in existing buildings by ensuring that mechanical systems are properly functioning and synchronized with each other. While this may sound like an obvious course of action, many existing buildings systems do not function as they are designed. BOC training explores the methods of evaluating and fine-tuning building systems to cut energy waste and maintain maximum efficiency.

Members of Salt Lake City building staff are very enthusiastic about what they have already gained from these courses. “My work in the facilities division is on the preventative maintenance team, and the first few days of this course were closely related to my day-to-day assignments,” says Ron Lindquist of Public Services Facilities

What’s most compelling about the BOC training is the focus on major building efficiencies that can be gained from no-cost measures. Salt Lake City plans to continue participating in these training opportunities in the future.

Energy Star Certification Nation

To celebrate 15 years of ENERGY STAR certification for buildings, EPA launches Certification Nation 2014, awarding special recognition for multiple-building certifications. If your buildings have an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or better, there has never been a better year to certify. Join today !

Project Skyline Welcomes new participant Fidelity Investments

Fidelity focuses its environmental sustainability efforts on the tangible steps they can take to minimize the effect our operations may have on the environment. In that regard, they focus on reducing consumption of resources such as paper, water, and energy. As a result they are expanding LEED® certification to 65% of the North American corporate real estate portfolio to 6 million square feet of green office space.

October News

Project Skyline attends the Intermountain Healthcare Energy Summit

On October 29^th, Intermountain Healthcare, one of our Mayor’s Skyline Challenge participants, hosted the company’s Energy Summit at the Marriott City Creek in downtown Salt Lake City. The day-long event featured panel discussions, break-out sessions, as well as the announcement of the Intermountain Energy Innovator of the Year award. The panel discussions explored the topics of Utah’s Energy Landscape and Energy Demand Management, and featured a long list of experts including Dr. Laura Nelson, Utah Director of Energy Development. While each of the panel discussions were engaging and insightful, one of the most remarkable aspects of the event was seeing the level of focus placed on energy management by Intermountain Healthcare. The Project Skyline team was happy to be in attendance and learn first-hand from Intermountain’s own expert energy staff as well as their guest speakers. Congratulations on a successful Energy Summit Intermountain Healthcare!

Project Skyline hosted another successful workshop

The Mayor’s Skyline Challenge workshop series continues, most recently with our October 30^th installment that focused on Energy Action Plans. An Energy Action Plan serves as the road map for how you will move forward with efficiency improvement projects.

Leslie Cook of Energy Star took attendees through the various components of an energy action plan and what tools are available on Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to assist in this process. Next, Troy Jensen of Intermountain Healthcare answered questions from attendees about the company’s own 10-year strategic energy plan. All of this tool place over coffee and pastries sponsored by official Project Skyline partner Rocky Mountain Power.

Thanks again to our presenters Leslie Cook and Troy Jensen, as well as Energy Star, Intermountain Healthcare and Rocky Mountain Power for sponsoring our breakfast. We hope to see another great attendance at the next fall workshop on November 19^th for presentations on building commissioning and recommissioning.

Project Skyline at the 2014 USGBC Green Build Conference and Expo

Thank you to the Challenge participants who have recently submitted 2013 baseline data. If you haven’t submitted the 2013 baseline data for your participating buildings yet, please visit this link to get started!

Project Skyline director, Sonal Kemkar, attended the USGBC Green Build Conference last week in New Orleans to discuss the progress being made on commercial building efficiency in Salt Lake City. In addition to highlighting the newest technologies in green building design, the conference brought together leadership from various levels of government and the real estate community who are working on the next-generation of energy efficiency programs. With the launch of the Mayor’s Skyline Challenge, Salt Lake City joins cities like New York, Denver, and Atlanta who are also working with local business leaders on increasing awareness of building performance. Salt Lake City joined members of USGBC and USGBC Utah, AIA, and BOMA at the annual conference.

Le Croissant: Caterers with a Green Mission

Businesses around Salt Lake City are “greening” their operations with the help of our e2 program. Le Croissant Catering is one of those success stories we just had to share!

From purchasing renewable energy through the Blue Sky program, to retrofitting their workspace with high-efficiency lighting, and now exploring options for a more efficient heating and cooling system, Le Croissant has worked diligently to reduce their environmental impact. Of all the changes that this company has made, perhaps the most notable is the sustainability efforts to green their waste stream. Previously, items like food waste, disposable utensils, and basic trash materials were put into an overflowing dumpster and everything was sent to the landfill.

Through consultation with Momentum Recycling, another e2 business member, Le Croissant’s now saves 90% of waste from the landfill. They do this with separate containers for mixed stream recycling, green waste, glass, & landfill. This not only allows for Le Croissant to maximize the amount of material that gets recycled, but director Chris Sanchez says that it has made the waste pick-up area of the business much cleaner.

Of course, such a dramatic transformation of their waste stream required that the employees be educated about what can be recycled, and how to ensure that the correct material finds its way into the proper receptacles. Le Croissant accomplished this by placing clearly marked signs on various containers throughout the kitchen and office spaces so that each employee can see what goes in each container.

Changes were made in the kitchen, too. Employees have access to a large container within arm’s reach where they can put food scraps that will be transferred to the green waste containers. Sanchez says that the employees have fully embraced this new model, and appreciate that the company has made recycling a business priority.

However, as a catering business, much of their work takes place off-site, away from their array of recycling containers. They continue their efforts off-site by using their own re-usable plates and utensils whenever possible to minimize the production of waste. When this is not an option, Le Croissant features biodegradable materials made from bamboo and corn starch.

Le Croissant also works with local farmers to provide local ingredients in their food, and they make a conscientious effort to partner with other organizations that prioritize sustainability practices.

All of these efforts have proven not only important to the staff of Le Croissant, but to their clients as well. Sanchez says that many of their new clients have approached them not only for their excellent services as a catering company, but because of their strong sustainability commitment. Likewise, many of their previous clients have maintained their loyalty to the company based on these efforts.

We’d like to thank Le Croissant for their bold and diligent contribution to sustainability practices and for paving the way for a greener Salt Lake City.

Recycle Snapshot: Mattresses

Status:
It’s complicated

Likes:
Nighttime, bedrooms, soft linens

About:
Sleep well last night? Well, that’s because of me. If you’re moving and you can’t take me with you, or you’re upgrading a new mattress, it’s time for you to take care of me. If I am in good condition, donate me! If I’ve seen my last slumber party, bring me to Spring Back Utah, which is a local business that specializes in keeping me out of the landfill.

Don’t forget to bring along my other half; the box spring!

Intern with SmartTrips SLC!

SmartTrips Intern – Salt Lake City Division of Sustainability

SLCgreen is recruiting a summer intern team for the SmartTrips program!

SmartTrips Salt Lake City is a neighborhood-based program that encourages active and public transportation through collaborative community events, educational newsletters and free kits delivered by bicycle.

SmartTrips is modeled after similar efforts in Portland, Oregon and other communities, which have all successfully reduced vehicle trips and emissions among participants.

This year SmartTrips is visiting Sugar House and the neighborhoods along the recently launched S-Line streetcar. Learn more here: www.smarttripsslc.com.

Intern Learning Opportunities

Enjoy getting to know your neighborhood by bicycle? Want to support and work with local businesses to incentivize their customers to leave their cars at home? Looking for an outlet to write about air quality? Like collaborating with schools, libraries and local organizations on environmental education?

The opportunities for interns to get involved are many! We invite you to bring your own interests, skills and ideas to our team.

Requirements

Ideal candidates are passionate and knowledgeable about alternative transportation, sustainability, community organizing, and/or the Sugar House area.
We ask for a 15-25 hour per week commitment from May to August 2014. Know that there is opportunity to start as early as April or extend through September.
Be flexible to attend some SmartTrips events and bicycle deliveries that may occur in the evening and on weekends.

To apply:

Visit www.slcgov.com/jobs and “click here” for Current City Job Openings.
Follow the directions to apply for the Mayor’s Office “Voluntary Intern” listing (Bid #12002).
In your application, please be sure to specify your interest in interning with SLCgreen’s SmartTrips program.

** Please note that this is a volunteer, unpaid internship.

Questions? Please contact SmartTrips Coordinator, Sara Rose, at: sararose.tannenbaum@slcgov.com.

SLCgreen is Hiring!

The SLCgreen crew is looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our 2014 intern staff!

Please note that is a seasonal PAID position for 20-25 hours a week.

Review the job description below and email your resume to kate.lohnes@slcgov.com by Friday, March 14th for consideration.

Job Title: SUSTAINABILITY INTERN

Job Code Number: 330066

FLSA: Non-Exempt

EEO CODE: 6

Pay Level: SEAX

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists with SLC Green internship program, including development of intern orientation and serving as a resource for intern projects. Ensures advancement of intern projects through collaboration with interns and full-time office staff.
Coordinates public outreach at community events to promote sustainability initiatives. This includes applying for booth space and scheduling interns to staff these events.
Organizes and keeps up to date log of outreach and education materials. Requests print bids for projects and submits print orders. Contacts government agencies to obtain outreach materials.
Updates sustainability information and events on the city’s website; responds to resident and business inquiries to sustainability programs; administers sustainability email list serves.
Develops and coordinates the SmartTrips program.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Sustainability Position at Hogle Zoo!

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is hiring a environmental coordinator — a brand new position that will be focused on facilitating the Zoo’s move towards sustainability.

Here is the official job posting —

Posted: February 20, 2014
Position: Environmental Coordinator
Department: Conservation

Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s Conservation Department is announcing the opening of a full-time position as the Zoo’s Environmental Coordinator.

The Zoo is seeking an enterprising and energetic individual for a newly created Environmental Coordinator position. The Coordinator will assist in facilitating the Zoo’s move towards sustainability. This position reports to the Zoo’s Conservation Coordinator. The Environmental Coordinator will be responsible for developing and tracking the organization’s carbon footprint, tracking environmental compliance, expanding staff and guest awareness programs and assist with the development of the Zoo’s Sustainability Plan.

This is a full time position compensated at an hourly rate with excellent rewards program including a comprehensive benefits package, work-life balance programs and opportunities for professional development.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in environment and sustainability studies or related field are preferred. Candidates with previous experience in an environmental related position are also preferred. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational, communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills. Individuals with a strong working knowledge and dedicated interest for the concept of sustainability, awareness of the central issues and controversies should consider applying.

Additionally, applicants must be able to:

Work positively in a team environment,
Represent the Zoo’s mission in public forums,
Be self-motivated, organized and reliable
Be flexible and adapt to complex situations,
Demonstrate strong computer skills in data management word processing and presentation software
Work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Stand or walk for long periods of time, bending, stooping, and lifting of heavy objects (up to 40 pounds)

Anyone interested in this position should email a cover letter and resume to Liz Larsen, llarsen@hoglezoo.org, Conservation Coordinator at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, by March 15, 2014.