Sustainable Beaverton

2011-10-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

10 Tips to Increase Support for Your Sustainability Program

Starting a city’s journey toward sustainability is a challenging task. The goal of this article is to share lessons I learned with other local government sustainability professionals who are beginning the process of public engagement.

Most sustainability programs start with an internal operational focus on sustainability basics: an assessment, setting up a green team, starting green house gas inventories, establishing a committee and getting the momentum internally to institutionalize sustainability throughout the organization.

My city’s administration had different plans. The expectations were to focus externally, which ran contrary to the direction of typical sustainability programs of nearby cities and agencies.

My role was to make Beaverton, a first-tier suburb, a progressive sustainability leader through programs that reached the citizens in their homes. Though it was recognized that the basics of integrating sustainability into City operations were clearly important, this was not going to be my main role at the beginning. This left me to ponder:

Is it a good thing to first focus on reaching out to the residents of a city versus concentrating on a city’s internal operations?

This question created interesting discussion among my sustainability colleagues. A city focusing externally from the outset was not the typical path that government sustainability programs take. It was believed that a city government should concentrate on “walking the walk, not just talking the talk” and must “lead by example.” I heard it repeatedly. I was torn, but knew what the expectations were from my administration.

Two years into my role as a sustainability manager, I have been privileged to develop, witness, and celebrate a wealth of successful sustainability projects that have focused on the Beaverton community as a whole. My viewpoint has evolved:

It IS okay to engage the public in sustainability from the outset of a city program and shout it from the mountain top - loudly!
Below are 10 key points that I want to share with all government local sustainability professionals as they begin to engage the public -- and their municipal colleagues.

1. You don’t have to have your house “in perfect order” before you talk to the public about sustainability.

Will your organization ever truly be sustainable? Not likely. It is a journey, the destination unclear and ongoing. It is about doing the best you can, striving for improvement to make better choices and institutionalizing the thought process into everyday operations. To wait to “achieve” sustainability before reaching out to the public is not necessary. Your organization can simply declare where it is at and what it is doing to move forward.

2. Take a chance: Do a public pilot program and learn from it.

Before we rolled out Solar Beaverton, our city-wide residential bulk solar installation program, we conducted a targeted pilot. The beauty of a pilot program in local government is you can test the waters and declare that you are learning from the test. Come out declaring that you are “gauging the interest of the community” and state a goal. Evaluate and use the data to determine your next steps. This is a great way to educate your community and organization while still allowing you to get the kinks out along the way. If a pilot proves successful, then prepare for a city-wide roll out based on the lessons learned.

3. The public likes to see demonstration on their turf, not just at City Hall.

Introduce green technology as a demonstration in a high-traffic public place. One example from the City of Beaverton was the installation of a solar canopy in the Farmers Market. The canopy demonstrated solar power and became a community booth for local sustainability-minded organizations to use for engaging the community. People were relaxed and welcomed to participate in conversations about sustainability.

4. Market, market, market. Paint the picture internally and externally. Brag and pitch it right.

Shout it from the mountain!

Get to know your public information department; they are your friends. The media team can help your program get the right buzz to reach the citizens in your community. Tell the residents what your City has already done, what it means, and where you want to go. Report your progress publicly. Remind everyone through your communications that you are not just “all about the environment” (in other words, don’t be an insular eco-hippie—be savvy about your community’s current priorities!).

Show them that you understand how your program supports the efforts of the economic development program, stimulates the local economy, saves money, supports the Mayor’s and Council’s agendas, and builds community. For example, the Solar Beaverton program, chose a local company for its solar installations, used materials manufactured in the same county and generated local jobs.

Talk about your great environmental program in two languages: your administration’s language and the public’s language. What does your Mayor or City Manager talk about when he/she engages the citizens? What are his/her main goals? Find a way to make your program language support the main organizational goals.

Externally, our Solar Beaverton staff highlighted the 12 local jobs that the program created, how the use of solar electricity would save on a homeowner’s bills and how the tax credits would bring state and federal money to our local community. We did not emphasize that everyone should go solar because renewable energy was the best for the environment; that point took a back seat to the economic benefits.

Internally, we repeatedly communicated that the Solar Program Pilot stimulated over a 1000% increase in permits in a few short months, during a recession. This environmentally focused program helped stimulate revenue in a department that was experiencing budget deficits due to the economy. Changing the message internally and demonstrating how the program affected the City without dwelling on the environmental benefits, drove the program forward with great support. I loved that our Mayor quoted the permit increases repeatedly in his presentations.

5. Make it about money—creatively. Talk about green tech and why it is important to your city and the state’s economy; then support it and welcome it.

Make the conversation about supporting green technology so that new industries feel welcome in your city, and demonstrate it. The City of Beaverton installed a charging station that was donated by a local company, to show support for that company as well as to demonstrate the new technology.

6. If you save money, ask for it.

Ask for any money savings to roll back into an account to continue your program. For example, the City of Beaverton set up a budget line item to transfer the electricity savings from the installation of LED street lighting into a fund to buy more lighting, instead of just letting it fade into the general fund. Track the savings, tell your administration how much your program saved and try to get the savings back into your program to keep it moving forward!

If you generate savings through a joint project with another department, ask for your share of the money saved to go to a sustainability-designated fund. If your request is rejected, don’t give up: Keep asking and make sure you maintain good records of money savings to back up your proposal.
7. Act like a consultant to other departments and programs.

Show all departments how your sustainability program can work with them and add to their objectives. If you are in the Mayor’s office, make sure you are accessible to other departments.

8. Don’t forget to keep the important things on your work plan—even if you get diverted.

You know that the sustainability plan needs to be completed, the green team initiated and the inventories finalized. Find time for the basics and keep them moving forward. You can and should still work on getting the internal ducks in a row when the focus is outside.

9. Hire whomever you can and don’t let them go.

It is likely your position is new and of course, you need more staff. Sustainability is a huge job. One person - huh! No way. Be creative, look to interns, volunteers or existing employees to help your program. Are there departments that have slower workloads due to the down economy? Perhaps there are opportunities to share some projects. Once you get staff, try to use money from your demonstrated savings to cover the costs of keeping them. Don’t forget to write grants and use the funds for staff. Philadelphia is a great example of this, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to hire key staff. AmeriCorps members are a great way to build up your team as well.

10. Pick your battles. Your work is so important.

Reach out to colleagues for support when you hit the “sustainability wall.” We have all been there! Keep driving and be tenacious, but accept defeat or delays. If you cannot make something happen at that time, set the project aside for another day and remember to pull it back out when the opportunity for success is better.

Beaverton Recycling Day

2011-07-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

The City of Beaverton’s Sustainability and Recycling Program, in partnership with the Neighborhood Program and the Beaverton Committee for Citizen Involvement, recently collected more than 85,000 pounds of recyclable items from more than 1,200 vehicles during the third annual Recycling Day event in June. This was a 28 percent increase from 2010.

Check out this article!
http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-beaverton/2011/07/beaverton_recycling_day_collects_more_than_85000_pounds_of_recyclable_items.html

2011-06-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

We love our Farmers Market.. check out the great things going on in Beaverton!

BEAVERTON FARMER’S MARKET EVENTS!

As the largest all-agricultural market in the state, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market is the perfect place for families to spend the day. In addition to an abundant selection of Oregon’s best produce, meat, fish, flowers, plants, and handcrafted goods, the market offers live music and educational tours free to the community. Next door to the Beaverton Library and City Park with a playground, fountain, and picnic tables, there is ample room to play and relax in the summer sun or enjoy a fresh market meal.
On Saturday, June 18, 2011, Beaverton Farmer’s Market celebrates seniors with a day devoted to the health of individuals 55 years and better. Resources will be available for seniors as well as information for caretakers and family members. Speak with Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services, Partners for Hunger Free Oregon about nutrition and food support, Elsie Stuhr Center for fitness assessments, Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at OHSU, Elders in Action and Road Scholars for social opportunities and trips, and Discover Ride Connection for transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. Market Tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00. Meet at the information booth.

On Saturday, July 9, 2011, head downtown for Ten Tiny Dances. 5 stages with a total of 10 tiny dances from 10 am to 1 pm. Performances begin at 10:30 am and will repeat every half hour. The dances will take place between the Beaverton Farmer’s Market at City Park and First Street and will feature dancers representing diverse cultures and dance genres. Pick up programs and instructions at the Farmer’s Market Ten Tiny Dances stage at 10 am. Visit beavertonarts.org for more information.

We’ll see you at the market!

SATURDAYS

5/7/2010 - 10/29/2011 and 11/29/2011

8am - 1:30pm

WEDNESDAYS

6/22/2011 - 8/31/2011

3pm - 6pm

SW Hall Boulevard, between Third and Fifth Streets, Beaverton, Oregon

503-643-5345

For map/Directions go to: http://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com/

SHOPPING AT THE MARKET MEANS:

• Enjoying whole foods that are at their peak of flavor

• Enjoying foods that have not been shipped across the country burning precious fossil fuels

• Buying plants that were raised and nurtured by the people who sell them

• Supporting artisans who produce products that are made with attention to craft and quality

• Boosting our local economy by supporting Northwest producers

Mayor Doyle appointed to Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee

2011-05-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah!

Mayor Doyle was appointed to the the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2011 Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Advocacy Steering Committee. This Committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions in the areas of energy, clean air, solid and hazardous waste, water quality and supply, national wetlands, and endangered species.

The NLC is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. The NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
“This appointment will give Beaverton a stronger voice on a federal level,” said Mayor Doyle.
As a member of the committee, Mayor Doyle will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions, while advocating on behalf of America’s cities and towns on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and at home.
The chair of this year’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee is Matt Zone, council member, Cleveland, Ohio. Serving as this year’s vice chairs are Matt Appelbaum, council member, Boulder, Colorado, Christopher Jones, deputy mayor pro tem, San Marcos, Texas, and Michael Sesma, council member, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
For more information on NLC’s other committees and councils, please visit http://www.nlc.org/

Solar Beaverton

2011-04-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article from KATU about Solar Beaverton - Submitted by KATU Communities Staff

Solar Beaverton is a community solar program that helps Beaverton residents learn about renewable energy. Residents that sign up for the program can take advantage of significant financial incentives. Installing a solar system as part of a community program brings lower prices and increases energy independence for the community. After installation, a household's electric bill will reflect the savings from the solar energy that has been generated and used. Some households may even get credit each month for unused solar energy that flows back to the power grid.
Solar Beaverton will also be at other NAC meetings in April to provide an overview of the program. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.:

West Beaverton - April 14, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 14645 SW Davis Road
South Beaverton - April 21, Southridge High School, Community Room, 9625 SW 125th Avenue
Vose - April 21, Beaverton Community Center, Community Room, 12350 SW 5th Street

For more information about Solar Beaverton, including workshop dates or signing up for a no obligation solar assessment, call Rebecca Fitzsimmons at 503-526-2413, e-mail solar@beavertonoregon.gov or visit http://www.solarbeaverton.org/.
Full article can be found at:
http://beaverton.katu.com/news/community-spirit/solar-beaverton-coming-your-neighborhood/439537

Enjoy! ~Cindy

Solar Beaverton aims for 220 solar installations!

2011-03-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Mayor Denny Doyle kicked off the program launch for the 2011 city-wide Solar Beaverton program at a press conference held at Beaverton City Hall on March 1.

“We want to help educate our residents about the environmental benefits and affordability of renewable energy use,” said Mayor Doyle.

Keith Knowles of LiveLight Energy, the program’s community partner and contractor, talked about how solar benefits Beaverton and the community.

SolarWorld’s, Marvin Talbert, also shared his thoughts about the exciting program and the potential of supporting the local economy and green technology manufacturing.

The Mayor is anticipating that more citizens will embrace solar as a viable energy alternative as people become more aware of the environmental and cost benefits associated with solar energy production.

The Solar Beaverton partnership is with LiveLight Energy, LLC, a family-owned Beaverton, Oregon solar design and installation company that was awarded the contract through a competitive process. LiveLight exclusively uses SolarWorld solar panels. SolarWorld is the largest and most experienced U.S. manufacturer of high-performance solar electric panels, with production facilities and U.S. headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon. Other system components will be provided by LiveLight Energy’s Pacific Northwest trade allies.

This year’s program not only offers solar electric systems, we have added solar hot water, solar attic fans, charging stations, and home energy assessments! With all these options there is something for everyone to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels

Check out www.solarbeaverton.org to learn about all the great options and sign up for a free workshop or no obligation solar assessment.

Solar Beaverton - Goes City-wide

2011-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Solar Beaverton launches community initiative to promote energy independence

City of Beaverton’s 2011renewable energy program demonstrates Mayor’s sustainability vision

BEAVERTON, ORE., Feb. 15, 2011 –Beaverton’s Mayor Denny Doyle and the City Council have endorsed a fixed-price, consumer-driven solarization program. The Beaverton City Council approved the contract on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The program is expected to launch on March 1.

After 2010’s successful Solar Beaverton pilot program, Mayor Doyle directed his sustainability team to develop a city-wide program to stimulate the installation of solar technology, promote the use of renewable energy, while supporting local jobs in the Beaverton community.

The City reviewed 13 proposals during the competitive process. LiveLight Energy LLC, a family-owned Oregon solar design and installation company, was awarded the contract for the City’s 2011 community-wide solar program. LiveLight Energy’s trade ally for solar panel arrays is SolarWorld, the largest and most experienced U.S. manufacturer of high-performance crystalline silicon solar electric panels, with production facilities and U.S. headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon. Other system components will be provided by LiveLight Energy’s Pacific Northwest trade allies.

According to Cindy Tatham, project manager for the Mayor’s sustainability program, a core component of the 2011 Solar Beaverton effort is supporting partnerships and building community education and awareness about one’s energy use.

“We want to help educate our residents about the environmental benefits and affordability of renewable energy use,” said Mayor Doyle.

The Mayor is anticipating that more citizens will embrace solar as a viable energy alternative as people become more aware of the environmental and cost benefits associated with solar energy production.

Check out the Oregonian’s coverage.

2011-02-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Pay Caution before Purchasing Flowers This Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day accounts for 40% of all fresh flower sales annually. Before you pick up the phone to order flowers for your sweetheart, find out where those flowers come from.

Many retailers—such as Whole Foods—offer Fair Trade flowers to consumers from Fair Trade certified farms that abide by strict standards for workers’ rights.

Information from Change.org

Buy Food From A Local Farmer!

2011-01-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, that's my farmer!
Don't I have good taste?
We're taking back our food system!
It needs a human face.

I just can't wait till Tuesday
To see what's in our box.
Community Supported Agriculture really rocks!
Harvest bad? Harvest brisk?
We share the bounty, share the risk.
Cheap food gone berserk,
We pay directly, to those who do the work…..

http://www.emoregon.org/

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A farmer offers a certain number of shares to the public. The share consists of a box of seasonal produce throughout the farming season. CSA is advantageous for farmers because they receive payment for the shares early in the season, helping their farm's cash flow. CSA is advantageous for consumers because they get to eat fresh food, they are exposed to new vegetables and ways of cooking and they know where their food is grown while developing a relationship with the local farmer.

CSAs are not confined to simply produce; some farmers include bread, eggs, meat, cheese or other farm products.

If you wish to learn more about sustaining our planet and local economy by participating in a CSA, please visit www.localharvest.org/csa/

Enjoy!

~ Cindy

Young Adults Talk About Sustainability

2010-12-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

Sustainable Beaverton and the Beaverton Sister Cities Project are happy to present the International Sustainability Project (ISL). ISL is an exciting educational, business engagement and community development event to be held in Beaverton from July 18-August 5, 2011. For three weeks young adults, ages 18–24, from Germany, France, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, United States and possibly Mexico, will converge in Beaverton to cooperatively explore important sustainability issues and to evaluate local city, corporate and community sustainability initiatives and successes from a global perspective. Through the ISL Project, we seek to enhance community and corporate awareness of and connections with our cities’ global partnerships and to increase each participant’s knowledge and leadership potential for sustainable development.

Sustainability topics will include, but will not be limited to: renewable energy and energy conservation, sustainable transportation, sustainable building, waste management, sustainable food systems and water management and conservation.

Learning activities will include, but will not be limited to: sharing knowledge and experiences related to sustainability development among international participants, local and regional site visits of local sustainability projects, products and services, experimental learning workshops and activities, participation in group discussions with local leaders in business, governmental and community organizations on aspects of sustainable practices, perceived barriers and strategies utilized to overcome challenges.

Please visit www.beavertonoregon.gov/departments/sistercities/isl/ for more information.

Solar Workshop for Beaverton Businesses

2010-11-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

The City of Beaverton wants to help your business take advantage of the current round of generous Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC). The current incentives can dramatically reduce the costs of solar panel installations (up to 90% or more). This round of generous BETC funding will only be available for a limited time starting January 1,2011. It is imperative to get the process started now to take advantage of this funding.
Come to a Basics of Going Solar for Business workshop Tuesday, December 7 at the Beaverton City Library from 5 PM to 6:45 PM. Knowledgeable presenters from Energy Trust of Oregon and Solar Oregon will teach you about available solar technologies and the tax credits and incentives available to your business. Vernier Software and Technology, a local business that has installed solar on their building, will also be available to share their experience of going solar. So come to this great workshop, get your questions answered and leave with the knowledge and tools to install solar at your business!
Contact Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Solar Beaverton Program Coordinator at (503) 526 2413.
Solar Beaverton Business Workshop

Sustainability Discussion Group - “Discovering a Sense of Place”

2010-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Beaverton City Library has partnered with the Northwest Earth Institute and Partners of Sustainable Washington County to provide an opportunity for discussion about sustainability for Beaverton community members. The Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) is a national leader in the development of innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to transform culture toward a sustainable and enriching future. Today, NWEI offers eight, self-guided discussion courses for small groups.
Currently, the Beaverton City Library is hosting a discussion group entitled "Discovering a Sense of Place". Members of the discussion group become informed on special topics prior to their meeting and then discuss the content of the information provided to gain a bioregional perspective while learning to protect the place in which we live. With increased interest, the Beaverton City Library hopes to host other discussion groups of varying topics related to sustainability. For more information regarding the program, contact the Beaverton City Library at (503) 644-2197.

A Broken CFL

2010-11-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a broken compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and wondered how to properly dispose of it? You're not alone! Breaking a fluorescent light bulb is similar to breaking a thermometer, thermostat, or any other instrument containing elemental mercury. Once the light bulb has been broken, it is impossible to see the mercury. This is very dangerous; however, according to the DEQ, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:

Scoop up the glass and all other pieces of the broken light bulb wearing gloves to protect against cuts.
Put all pieces of the broken bulb in a rigid container such as an old paint can. Make sure to seal this container and remove it from your living area.
Air out the room where the light bulb was broken for 12-24 hours.
Take the container to a hazardous waste collection center that accepts elemental mercury. To find out where to take it, call us at (503) 526 2665.

For more information please visit: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/mercurycleanup.htm.

EcoDistrict Summit- Join us!

2010-10-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

I'd like to encourage you to attend the second annual EcoDistricts Summit in Portland, Oregon — the premier annual conference dedicated to neighborhood-scale sustainability innovation. This year's Summit promises to explore the projects, practices and ideas needed to create next-generation neighborhoods. Discussion will focus on a wide set of questions: How does thinking at the district scale drive innovation? How does a neighborhood create a sustainability management association? What do district energy systems look like in practice? How can equity be thoughtfully incorporated into neighborhood redevelopment projects?

The speakers at EcoDistricts Summit 2010 include John Knott, President and Co-founder of the Noisette Company, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Mayor Sam Adams, and leading developers, policy-makers, and business leaders from around the country. It will be a great event, featuring thought leadership alongside cutting-edge projects that take advantage of the opportunities found at the district scale.

I also encourage you to send this invitation to colleagues who may be interested in attending.

EcoDistricts Summit 2010
October 25-27
Portland, Oregon
www.EcoDistrictsSummit.com

Thanks - Cindy

Get an energy monitor from the Beaverton City Library

2010-09-24T15:13:00.001-07:00

Kill A Watt, conserve some energy and save some green!

Energy Trust of Oregon has teamed up with local libraries to offer a Kill A Watt energy monitor to check out just like a book. This is an easy way to measure just how much energy your appliances and electronics use.

You will probably be very surprised with the results!

The monitors come with instructions and advice on how to apply what you learn to start conserving energy.

So head down to the Beaverton City library and start killing those watts today!

Get paid for your solar power!

2010-09-22T11:30:00.001-07:00

Got solar panels on your home? You can choose the Solar Payment Option through PGE, and get paid for the electricity you produce!

This alternative to Net Metering has two reservation dates per year and the next one is coming up soon on October 1, 2010 and then again on April 1, 2011.

The last registration process closed in a very quick six minutes!

Reservations and details about the program are on line at:
http://www.portlandgeneral.com/renewables_efficiency/generate_power/home/solar_payment_option/default.aspx

Our Green Washington County

2010-09-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

Learn about "green" things going on in Washington County.

Partners for a Sustainable Washington County is teaching a PCC Community Ed class on Wednesday nights this fall called "Our Green Washington County". This will be a sustainability education course with in-class discussion and site visits to Partner locations (like Beaverton's Central Plant!) This is your chance to learn more about the scientific basis beyond sustainability and see how things are being implemented around the county. We're excited for this course. For more information on the curriculum and to register, see the link below. Feel free to spread the word to others that might be interested!

http://www.pcc.edu/schedule/default.cfm?fa=dspCourse2&thisTerm=201004&crsCode=GREENWC&topicCode=ENV&subtopicCode=

Join us at the City wide open house!

2010-09-07T16:14:00.001-07:00

Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the City's Fountain Park by the Farmer's Market.

http://www.beavertoncivicplan.com/2010/08/upcoming-events/

The Sustainability program will be hosting a 6 foot wind turbine (thanks to PGE for lending it to us!) and you can check out the all – electric Smart Car! There will be a lot of information about sustainability and recycling too. You can grab your reusable shopping bag too. There will be a lot of information about the City's programs and major planning efforts. Come on out and see us.

Beaverton “Plugs In” First Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2010-08-12T16:46:00.001-07:00

Exciting news! Beaverton just plugged in our first-ever public electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Mayor Doyle and Dexter Turner from local EV supply company OpConnect drove one of the first electric drive Smart fortwo cars up to the station for a charge at the kick-off event today. The new charging station is located on SW Hall Blvd, right next to the Beaverton City Library. Stop by and check it out or look for the new Smart Cars to be charging up there while visiting the library or the Beaverton Farmer's Market! Thanks to OpConnect for the donation of the charging station, PGE for donating green energy to the station and to Smart Car for sharing their electric vehicle.

Check out the photos below, read the press release or watch the coverage on KGW-TV News!

Beaverton ranked as a top green city!

2010-08-06T15:15:00.001-07:00

Hi... We got some great news today on the sustainability front! Beaverton was one of just 22 cities nationwide designated a “Smarter City” energy leader by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The selection process began with a list of 655 cities with populations greater than 50,000. The list was whittled down to 22 by comparing carbon dioxide emission reductions, home heating and electricity consumption as well as considering factors such as designation as an EPA Green Power Community. We enjoyed some national coverage as the list ran in USA Today. In addition, KATU and KPTV featured the story in their broadcasts.

http://smartercities.nrdc.org/topic/energy/beaverton-or-2010-smarter-city-energy

Solar Beaverton and Tax Credits

2010-07-20T15:59:00.001-07:00

Please read the following article about the solar residential tax credits program. If you have a signed contract dated before July 14, you should be okay for the higher level of credits. The Solar Beaverton program will continue, but the residential tax credits will be reduced substantially.

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/07/oregon_trims_tax_credits_for_r.html

Oregon third in new sustainability rankings

2010-07-01T15:40:00.001-07:00

Published: July 1, 2010

In a play to cater to green-minded businesses that might be shopping for a new home, Site Selection magazine released its inaugural sustainability rankings Thursday, placing Oregon third on its list behind California (No.1) and Washington (No. 2).

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/06/28/daily42.html?ana=e_du_pap

Recycling Day 2010

2010-06-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone involved for making the event another great success. Over 150 event staff (community volunteers, city staff and vendors) helped over 1,000 vehicles unload scrap metal, home electronics, styrofoam and more! There is no need to save up your items for recycling, call the City of Beaverton Solid Waste and Recycling Program to learn about your options all year long, (503) 526 2665.

It is hard to recycle this…

2010-06-22T09:47:00.001-07:00

Beaverton residents love to recycle: our community has one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in the state. But what about those hard to recycle items that do not belong in your curbside recycling roll-cart? You do not have to wait for Recycling Day 2011 to recycle many of these things. Here are some options:

Electronics: The Oregon E-cycles program provides an opportunity for free recycling of many home electronic devices (computers and televisions). http://www.oregonecycles.org/

Plastic Bags: Do not put plastic bags in your curbside recycling. Many grocery stores and some recycling depots will take your clean plastic bags for recycling.

Bulky Waste: If you have a large item you want picked up, you can call your garbage hauler and make special arrangements for collection for a fee.

Hazardous Waste: If you have unwanted hazardous household products such as pesticides, leftover paint, solvents and automotive fluids you can take them to one of Metro's hazardous waste facilities (call 503-234-3000 for options). They will recycle them or dispose of them safely.

Reuse: Instead of recycling, offer your materials for reuse at any local charity.

For more information contact the Sustainability and Recycling Program at recyclingmail@ci.beaverton.or.us, or (503) 526-2665 or visit our Web site BeavertonOregon.gov/recycling. General recycling information is also available at www.oregonmetro.gov/findrecycler.

Chickens- to be or not to be?

2010-06-09T11:43:00.001-07:00

Last night we had nearly 100 people attend a forum to discuss an urban poultry ordinance in Beaverton. It was a well-received format with a panel of experts from poultry owners to code services officers and lots of terrific questions were asked. Some of the issues that arose at the event include:

A review of the ordinance after a year to adjust if needed.

The setbacks from property lines should not be too restrictive.

Permitting- what is needed and what would it look like.

Butchering and Disposal- what is allowed and not allowed.

A survey was also taken to help staff continue to shape the ordinance before it goes to the City Council for a decision. If you'd like to let us know what you think or learn more (including watching a video of the forum), please visit www.beavertonoregon.gov/urbanpoultry.

Solar Beaverton Update!

2010-05-25T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hello Beaverton residents! For those of you that have decided to look into solar power, I hope you are enjoying the process (and don't forget to ask for the SolarWorld panels as part of the premium option). If you have any comments please share them.

Thank you to everyone who attended the launch event of Solar Beaverton last Wednesday at Beaverton City Hall! The event was very successful. I opened with a short summary of Beaverton's sustainable efforts and introduced Mayor Doyle, who spoke about how Solar Beaverton will help ensure a bright future for upcoming generations. Rob LaVigne from SolarCity- Oregon closed with a short description of the program. Representatives for SolarCity were available for individual questions and more detailed explanations. I encourage anyone who is interested in solar technology to attend one of the upcoming workshops. A schedule of the dates and times can be found here: http://www.solarbeaverton.org/workshops.aspx.

A little about the vendor for this pilot program- SolarCity is a national leader in solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services. Although SolarCity is headquartered in San Diego, they employ 15 locals and are expecting to expand their local office to 30 in the near future. They have been a licensed contractor in Oregon since 2008, are part of the Better Business Bureau and are an employee-owned company that hires local installers.

We're looking forward to learning a lot about this process through the pilot program and bringing a larger program to the community in 2011!

Solar Beaverton

2010-05-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bulk Solar Panel Purchasing has come to Beaverton.

Come and join Mayor Denny Doyle to learn about Solar Beaverton — a major new collaboration between the City of Beaverton and SolarCity — developed to foster a renewable energy future for Beaverton. Learn about new community incentives for solar power and how Beaverton is making measureable strides in sustainability as part of Mayor Doyle’s 10 Point Plan for 2010.

May 19, 2010 10 am City Hall Council Chambers

Solar Beaverton is a pilot project to bring solar panel energy options to Beaverton homes at reduced costs through bulk purchasing.
The event will guide residents to sign up, attend workshops and go through the process.
The pilot project will include 50 home installations in Beaverton.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T09:53:00.001-07:00

A day of celebration! Celebrate Earth Day every day of the year. That's my motto at least. Little things can go a long way. I challenge you to do your carbon footprint today to learn about your consumption and think about ways to reduce your footprint. I am going to consider driving instead of flying for our family vacations this year.

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in held on April 22, 1970.

Living Greener Summit 2010

2010-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a great summit this year! Thanks for coming to learn and explore how we can be more environmentally friendly in our homes. We had a very exciting line up of presenters! I loved learning about the Energy Trust's programs and native gardening techniques(from someone who really knew what she was talking about!) The conversation about electric vehicles was amazing. I liked the debate and the overview that George Beard (PSU) gave us from the international level down to the car user's perspective. Remember to come again next year!

If you missed the event, we posted the presentations about Weatherization, Natural Gardening and Electric Vehicles Coming to Oregon online!