Sustainability is an important value and sustainable industries are a critical sector in Oregon. And green practices also are key to being a great place to work, according to a new survey by Oregon Business Magazine. To honor that, Oregon Business launched its first annual 100 Best Green Companies project in 2009.

Based on its widely recognized 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon project, the 100 Best Green Companies were determined by an anonymous employee survey and an independent assessment of the employers’ sustainability practices. This survey then gives companies useful and credible information to help guide their workplace practices.

In 2009, there were 372 companies that participated in the project. The 100 Best Green Companies was announced in the June “Green Issue” of Oregon Business and at the Gerding Theater in Portland on June 1. The Gerding is the first National Register-listed building in the country to receive a LEED platinum certification.

The 100 Best Green Companies were determined by satisfaction and importance ratings of sustainability statements from the 100 Best Employee Survey as well as answers to 10 sustainability questions in the 100 Best Employer Benefits Survey. Both surveys were conducted in the fall of 2008. The 100 Best Employee Survey included questions on the organization’s support for waste reduction; reuse and recycling; renewable energy and conservation; alternative modes of transportation; use of nontoxic materials; environmental stewardship; and employee recognition and rewards for meeting or exceeding energy and waste-reduction goals.

The 100 Best Employer Benefits Survey asked the organization about recognizing employees for reducing energy; helping subsidize employees’ public transit passes; allowing for green means of transport; using energyefficient lighting; purchasing of renewable energy; recycling office waste; using nontoxic materials; making business decisions based on sustainable values; reducing energy consumption and pollution; and commitment sustainability as part of the organization’s core business strategy.

Companies interested in entering the survey should contact Brandon Sawyer, research editor, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is no cost to participate.