A Sustainable Economy

Why We Care

A sustainable economy is one in which resources are not used up faster than nature renews them. It also marks a thriving climate for business that balances environmental, social, and economic vitality. The movement toward sustainability has grown from the dreams of a few idealists to being a mainstream concept. Because of its popularity, sustainability has become a driver for business practices that protect the environment. Sustainable businesses tend to reduce costs, enhance profits, attract and retain employees, and have consistently strong bottom lines. Because sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, profitable, exportable technologies are developed when business leaders take sustainability to heart.

The Oregon Environmental Council envisions Oregon as a model in developing local sustainable businesses and industry clusters in a range of areas such as green building, green chemistry and manufacturing, biofuels and renewable energy, and agriculture. We believe that rural and urban businesses can thrive economically by integrating environmental stewardship as standard practice into their operations.

The reality is that most businesses have yet to adopt the concept of sustainability and integrate it into their operations. It is both Oregon’s challenge and Oregon’s opportunity to ensure that the corporations in our state are socially and environmentally responsible.

What We Do

OEC supports the growth of sustainable businesses by promoting policy and economic development strategies.

• OEC works to ensure Oregon food and farm businesses can meet the growing demand for regional products that demonstrate environmental stewardship and social responsibility through our Healthy Food & Farms program

• OEC promotes a sustainable biofuels industry and advocates for low-carbon fuels

• OEC promotes state policies that encourage the early adoption of sustainable business practices

OEC helps businesses choose environmentally responsible practices and catalyze pilot projects that demonstrate sustainability.

• OEC is facilitating increased implementation of green chemistry principles in Oregon manufacturing, in addition to hosting the  Growing Green Chemistry in Oregon event this fall
  
• OEC provides an online guide to businesses for reducing their carbon “footprints”
• OEC works with the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition to promote alternative fuels. Cities and businesses can benefit from switching to readily available alternative fuels
• OEC works to reduce diesel emissions from Portland-area construction equipment

OEC engages Oregon businesses in supporting public policies that protect the environment.

• OEC works with the Governor’s office and business leaders to find ways that sustainability can be better incorporated into the state’s regulatory framework so that state policies are both pro-business and pro-sustainability
• Via our past Forum for Business & the Environment series, OEC has educated businesses about emerging sustainable industry clusters, businesses and opportunities to influence policy