Check out the newest certified Clark County Green Business – The Port of Camas Washougal!
The Port of Camas-Washougal has long had sustainability at the forefront of their operations. The port focuses green actions on several different key areas around the facility – healthy stormwater management, environmentally friendly water usage and waste reduction.
Founded in 1935, the Port's mission is to strengthen and diversify the existing economic base of the port district in Clark County. The Port provides facilities and services for land, air, and water-based commerce to enhance employment and recreational opportunities, which contribute to the quality of life in the community. The property is home to many local businesses and boasts a wide variety of community resources including: a boat marina, airplane runway, miles of waterfront trails and several parks along the Columbia River.
Earth Day Event
Picture caption: community volunteers work alongside Port staff to clean up litter in honor of Earth Day
Annually the Port of Camas-Washougal hosts a volunteer driven community Earth Day event. Staff from the Port work alongside dedicated community members, who volunteer to complete a large-scale litter clean up around the waterfront businesses, recreation trails and park grounds.
Commitment to Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Picture caption: Newly installed electric vehicle charging station located at the Port of Camas-Washougal.
The Port is committed to renewable energy efforts. Over the last year, they have installed 7 electric vehicle charging stations, purchased an electric vehicle for admin use and a hybrid work truck.
According to Jennifer Taylor, the Environmental Projects manager, the Port is partnering with Clark Public Utilities to develop a new renewable energy source, the Community Solar East project. The project includes a 799-kilowatt solar array that will be located on five industrial building rooftops at the Port of Camas-Washougal. In 2023, the energy efficiency at Port building #10 will be improved by upgrading to more energy efficient lighting and insulation.
Energy efficiency is a top priority. The Port completed and exterior lighting assessment with Clark Public Utilities. Lighting around the facilities has been upgraded to efficient bulbs. Lights are only used when necessary by turning off indoor lights when appropriate and installing lighting sensors and controls. The Port is committed to continual improvement of their energy usage by regularly monitoring energy consumption and identifying opportunities to reduce use.
Waste Reduction
Picture caption: an aluminum can and plastic recycling receptacle is pictured in the Port of Camas-Washougal facilities building
The port is committed to waste reduction through implementing recycling efforts and adopting waste prevention strategies. All employees receive recycling training, recycling receptacles and signage is placed appropriately around the facility.
Picture caption: a dishwasher has been installed for staff use in the breakroom area at the Port of Camas-Washougal
The staff breakroom has installed a dishwasher as the Port has transitioned away from providing disposables to employees. Reusable dishware and silverware are now offered in the breakroom areas. This has eliminated the use of disposable materials in the lunchroom areas.
If you'd like to become a Green Business the Clark County Green Business team is here to help your business meet your sustainability goals. Reach out to our team at info@clarkgreenbiz.com!
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