Winner

Bamboo Sushi

www.bamboosushipdx.com

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.

Employees in Portland metro area: 25
Type of business: Restaurant

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

Finalists

Bamboo Sushi

DeSantis Landscapes
DeSantis Landscapes is a family-owned, nationally recognized landscape company with offices in Salem and Portland. Our landscape projects range from commercial properties, to large private estates, to the most intimate residential gardens. In all cases, DeSantis creates and maintains balanced environments of extraordinary beauty and functionality. Owner, Dean DeSantis, states, “Our commitment to sustainability has become the foundation of our company. It goes beyond our commitment to natural landscaping practices and into the day-to-day operations of our business.“ DeSantis Landscapes: Creating Beauty, Respecting Nature

The Joinery
The Joinery designs & hand-crafts honest, inspired furniture. Committed to a sustainable business model of creating enduring, solid wood furniture using sustainably harvested woods, The Joinery also continually seeks to reduce waste from operations. The furniture is solid, durable and designed using timeless, classic references that will last forever. The Joinery are stewards in day-to-day operations by powering the workshop & showroom with wind power, composting, harvesting rainwater for use in our garden & encouraging employees to walk, bike, or transit to work.  The Joinery is proud to be a company who makes furniture that is handed down from one generation to the next.