VT Group is proud to be Gold Certified by Portland’s Sustainability at Work Program.
Sustainability at Work was formed in 2007 for Portland businesses who want to improve their environmental practices. The program’s services have been informed by national and local research, and by the technical expertise of Portland Metro, Portland Water Bureau, City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, and Energy Trust of Oregon.
This achievement encompasses many areas of our business—from the way we use resources at our facilities to our purchasing decisions. Some our sustainable policies and practices include:
Food
Vegetarian and/or vegan meals are available.
Seafood is purchased from sustainable sources such as Marine Stewardship Council or Seafood Watch.
Food is purchased from certified organizations working for environmental and economic justice throughout the supply chain (Food Alliance, Fair Trade USA, etc.).
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Food scraps are monitored, and actions are taken to reduce food waste.
Our excess edible food is donated to staff and/or food donation program.
Food scraps are composted and cooking fats, oils & grease are recycled.
We use reusable dishware & silverware, and cups are provided for customers and employees.
Major paper supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, to-go containers) are made with recycled content.
Specials are listed on a chalk/white board or shared verbally rather than printed.
Electronic alternatives to paper are used whenever possible (invoicing, payroll, orientation materials, etc.).
Purchasing decisions (food & beverage, office supplies, décor, etc.) take environmental impact into account.
Sustainable catering practices are offered to customers (minimal packaging, buffet style serving, etc.), and our food and supplies are delivered in reusable containers when possible.
Employee Engagement
Our employees & green team are supported by management in implementing sustainability efforts.
Employees are educated annually (at minimum) about sustainability best practices.
Sustainability practices are communicated to customers (through menus, website, etc.).
New employees are informed about sustainability best practices — including waste reduction, recycling, and commuting options.
Transportation
Twenty percent or more of our employees walk, bike, carpool, or take transit as their primary commute method. We also display alternate travel options on our website for guests.
We offer secure bike parking for customers and sheltered, secure bike parking for our employees.
A “no idling” policy is promoted for vendors who deliver goods and services.
Energy
Our staff is trained to ensure optimal airflow of refrigerated cases and walk-in coolers.
Annual maintenance checks are conducted on HVAC system (or more often if recommended by manufacturer).
The majority of cooking equipment and refrigerated appliances are ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Cooking equipment is turned down or off during slack periods and after hours.
Automatic door closers and/or strip curtains are installed on walk-in cooler doors. And our doors are weather sealed.
Linear lighting uses either LED bulbs, T8 or T5 fluorescents. Track & spot lighting use LEDs or CFLs.
Occupancy sensors or timers are used for lighting in storage room, offices, restrooms and other common rooms.
Programmable thermostats automatically reduce heating and air conditioning during closed hours.
An energy audit has been conducted in our workplace within the past 5 years through either our electric utility or Energy Trust of Oregon.
Renewable energy is purchased for a portion of our electricity use.
Water
Dishwashing pre-rinse sprayer has a flow rate of 1.15 gallons per minute or less.
All water-cooled equipment and dishwashers are regularly checked and adjusted for water efficiency.
Interior faucets and exterior hoses do not leak.
Rinse water from equipment that is cleaned outside flows into a sanitary sewer, not storm drain.
Restroom faucet aerators have a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute. Toilets and urinals are WaterSense-approved.
A majority of landscaping is native and drought tolerant.
Our business has signed up as a Green Street Steward and adopted a bioswale in our neighborhood.
Community Engagement
Sponsorship, in-kind services or products are donated to community organizations.
One or more employees serve a community leadership role (business association, government advisory committee, etc.).
VT Group supports over 90 non-profits annually by assisting with catering, venue, décor, and production for galas/fundraisers.
Volunteerism and team-bonding is promoted internally in our “Community Giveback” program, selecting a different organization monthly.