By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Vancouver USA recently highlighted its efforts on sustainable business practices in its annual “We Can!” report, a blueprint for how it can improve and set tangible goals for sustainability in people, planet and profit.
“The benefits to this organization, community and region are numerous,” said Environmental Program Manager Mary Mattix. “The ‘We Can!’ Program provides a platform for innovation and the type of outside-the-box thinking that has become such an important part of our culture here at the port.”
According to the report, the port created more public engagement opportunities and added more followers on its social media accounts. It saved about 1 million kilowatt hours and about $100,000 annually for the port, port tenants and customers by modernizing lighting. It also issued $30 million in revenue bonds at an interest rate below market expectations, a move that saved $4.2 million in interest over the life of the loan.
