FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 January 2012

CALENDAR ADVISORY

CONTACT
Megan Stein
503-823-7871
megan.stein@portlandoregon.gov

JoEllen Carothers
503-823-4165
joellen.carothers@portlandoregon.gov

20th Annual BEST Awards – Now Accepting Applications Through February 10

WHAT

The BEST Awards recognize companies that exemplify ambitious and creative solutions for sustainability while promoting social, economic and environmental equity for the Portland community.

The BEST Awards accept applications in three separate categories:

1. Best Practices for Sustainability (broken down by very small, small, medium and large organizations) 
2. Sustainable Products or Services 
3. Sustainable Food Systems 

Applicants respond to a series of questions using narrative and data to describe their achievements. A jury of regional experts will select up to ten businesses or organizations to be announced at the BEST Awards celebration, which will take place the evening of April 25 at the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. Ticket sales and event details will be available in February 2012 at www.sustainabilityatworkpdx.com.

WHEN

Applications will be accepted until February 10, 2012 at 5 p.m.

WHO

Companies within the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) are eligible to apply. The PMSA includes these seven counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon, and Clark and Skamania counties in Washington.

Applications, submission instructions and detailed eligibility requirements are available at sustainabilityatworkpdx.com/recognition/best-awards/.

BEST Awards are presented by Sustainability at Work, a program of the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability in partnership with Metro, Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Water Bureau and the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

About Sustainability at Work

Sustainability at Work offers free tools and expertise to help Portland organizations create more sustainable workplaces. Get matched with an expert Advisor, who will help you create a customized plan, connect you financial incentives and technical assistance from local partners, and help you celebrate your achievements. As a result, your business can lower the cost of its utility bills, provide a healthier workspace for employees and improve its image. Sustainability at Work is a partnership of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services, Bureau of Transportation, Metro, Pacific Power and the Energy Trust of Oregon. www.sustainabilityatworkpdx.com

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS)

To create and enhance a vibrant city, BPS combines the disciplines of planning and sustainability to advance Portland's diverse and distinct neighborhoods, promote a prosperous and low-carbon economy, and help ensure that people and the natural environment are healthy and integrated into the cityscape. BPS provides a forum for community engagement and education, and is a catalyst for action. With a city full of partners, BPS develops creative and practical solutions on issues as far ranging as comprehensive, neighborhood and environmental planning, urban design, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency and solar technologies. This innovative, interdisciplinary approach strengthens Portland's position as an international model of sustainable development practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps