The BEST Awards

Celebrating 20 years of business leadership

For twenty years, the Portland BEST Awards recognized business leadership in environmental, economic and social sustainability. Over 150 businesses were recognized for pioneering choices that reduce waste, source from the local economy and save energy, water and money. These businesses developed policies and practices that reduced their carbon footprint, established fair hiring and labor standards, and benefited the broader community. They have been models for the next generation of sustainable businesses, and are a great example of why Portland continues to be ranked as a leading sustainable city.

Looking ahead

The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is partnering with Sustainable Business Oregon (SBO) on their annual Innovation in Sustainability Awards. This partnership couples the City’s expertise with a respected sustainable business news source to increase visibility for the business leaders in our community.

The SBO annual business awards now take the place of the BEST Awards, highlighting innovation among local sustainable businesses. The City continues to recognize businesses who demonstrate sustainable best practices in energy, waste, water, and transportation through Sustainability at Work Certification. Sustainability at Work Certified, Silver and Gold businesses can be seen in our directory. Visit our certification page to learn how to earn certification for your business.

The application period for the Sustainable Business Oregon awards will begin in fall. Visit Sustainable Business Oregon to learn more about this opportunity.

2012 BEST Award winners

Congratulations to this year’s BEST Award winners! Visit their profiles in our business directory to learn more about their achievements and view videos about their companies. Look for the BEST Award icon on directory listings to learn about our previous winners. For a complete list of past BEST Award winners, click here.

BEST Practices – Large company: Purdy

BEST Practices – Medium company: Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

BEST Practices – Small company: Capital Pacific Bank

BEST Practices - Very Small company: FMYI [for my innovation]

Sustainable Food Systems: NatureBake - Oregon Grains bread

Sustainable Services: GO Box

Sustainable Products: Sustainable Northwest Wood

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