BEST Award winner, 2010 – BEST Practices for Sustainability: Small Organization
In partnership with the world’s leading marine conservation organizations, Bamboo Sushi is proud to be the first certified, sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. Born out of a desire to change the existing business paradigm that says altruism and profitability are mutually exclusive, Bamboo Sushi represents an innovative business that aims to do good for its customers, its community, and the environment, while still earning a profit. Ultimately, Bamboo Sushi employs business practices that serve to achieve greater social equity and support the local economy, while ensuring the highest standard of environmental sustainability possible.
Unique features:
- First sushi restaurant in the US to be certified by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) as a “Certified Green Restaurant”
Energy conservation:
- Portland General Electric “Green Source” business
Water efficiency:
- Dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucet aerators
- Low-flow sprayers and dishwashers
- Two tankless electric water heaters
Waste reduction:
- Composts 100 percent of the permissible food waste
- Recycles 100 percent of allowable items
- All cleaning products are biodegradable and phosphate-free “Green Seal” certified products
Alternative transportation:
- Part of the Oregon Department of Energy “Transit Pass Project and Financial Incentives Program”
- Employees are given $50 per month if they bike or walk for more than 80 percent of their trips each month
- Hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle for business purposes
Purchasing practices:
- Creates a more efficient supply chain so that products need to travel fewer miles before reaching the restaurant
Encouraging sustainability in others:
- Construction and repairs in the restaurant are done exclusively by Green Hammer Construction Company, supporting a local green company
- More than 75 percent of the wood in the restaurant is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
- Chooses distribution companies based on environmental sustainability and social equity practices for employees
Promoting social equity:
- Diverse menu that meets different dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian
- Long-term, living-wage opportunities for workers
- Performance-based bonus structure with pay re-evaluations every six months
Community service:
- So far this fiscal year they have donated more than $12,000 in monetary contributions and gifts
- Gives a portion of its gross revenue to non-profit organizations whose mission it is to research and protect oceanic ecosystems including the Marine Stewardship Council, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Blue Ocean Institute
