BEST Award winner, 2010 – BEST Practices for Sustainability: Medium Organization
Hopworks Urban Brewery is Portland’s fist Eco-brewpub. HUB is committed to sustainable building construction, healthy land use and management, mindful water use and re-use, organic and local ingredients for food and beverage production, healthy and fun work environment, excellent customer service, 100% smart energy and a 0% waste initiative.
Energy conservation:
- Energy efficient light bulbs, timers and sensors
- ENERGY STAR appliances including hand dryers in bathrooms
- Purchase 100 percent renewable energy through PGE
- Offset 100 percent carbon emissions with ClearSky Climate Solutions
Water efficiency:
- Low-flow toilets, faucets and dish-washing machinery
- Catch and store 1,100 gallons of rainfall for dry season irrigation and cleaning
- Use impervious pavers on 6,000 square foot parking lot
- Roof run-off infiltrates to groundwater through a 5,000 gallon retention pond
Waste reduction:
- Zero percent waste initiative
- Mandatory waste training program for all staff
- Participate in Portland Composts! program
- Work with local companies such as St. Vincent de Paul Food Recovery Network, Organic Valley Coop and Dragonfly Chai to have materials reused
Alternative transportation:
- 25 percent of employees walk or ride to work
- All company vehicles are run on biodiesel which is supported by a portion of used fryer grease
- Hosts September bike commute challenge
Purchasing practices:
- Support and work with like-minded businesses as much as possible
Encouraging sustainability in others:
- Educate our staff on methods they can implement at home and at work
- Encourage other associate businesses to support sustainability and regenerative initiatives
Promoting social equity:
- Supply employees with livable wages and a 30 percent shared tip pool
Community service:
- Donated $35,000 in 2009 to schools and organizations
- Volunteer coordinator that organizes efforts in the community with Trillium Family Center, Polar Plunge, Friends of Trees, Growing Gardens, SOLV, Jackson Creek and others
