⁄Ask the Execs⁄ How do you encourage employees at every level of the organization to participate in and take ownership of your sustainability efforts? Carly Colgan: We encourage employees to participate in sustainability efforts by connecting sustainability directly to the purpose and day-to-day realities of each area of our work, rather than treating it as a separate organizational initiative. In our retail operations, the ReStores, sustainability is closely tied to waste reduction, reuse and financial stewardship. Team members see firsthand how diverting materials from the landfill and maximizing donations not only benefits the environment but also strengthens revenue that supports our mission. In construction, sustainability is tied to building high-quality, durable, energy-efficient homes that create long-term stability for homeowners. Staff take pride in knowing that sustainable building practices reduce utility costs, improve home performance and contribute to healthier living environments for families. Within our administrative and support teams, sustainability is connected to operational efficiency, thoughtful resource use and long-term organizational health. This includes reducing paper use, improving digital systems, streamlining processes and making decisions that support both environmental responsibility and organizational sustainability over time. Michael Jones: At Hartmann&Forbes, sustainability isn’t a department. It is part of the company’s culture and daily decision-making. Employees are encouraged to participate by feeling connected to the impact of their work, whether they are designing products, supporting clients, managing operations or handcrafting products. Through initiatives like Project Green, volunteer opportunities, internal education and company-wide sustainability goals, employees are empowered to contribute ideas and take meaningful action. Ownership comes from transparency and purpose. When people understand why sustainability matters — not only for the environment but for the health of our homes, communities,and future generations — they naturally become invested in helping move the mission forward. Sarah Vinicor Mason: “Walking Lightly on the Earth” is one of Softstar’s core values, but it is not just about making sustainable leather shoes. We continuously evaluate our environmental initiatives and seek out new ideas for reducing our carbon footprint on every level. This includes not only the materials that go into our products but also the daily activities and processes used by our staff, the infrastructure of our building, our involvement with our community and many other seemingly small changes that add up to make a big impact. Lynn White: Epson’s purpose — to enrich lives and create a better world through efficient, compact, and precise innovation — and our guiding principles outlined in the Epson Way create a strong foundation for employee engagement in sustainability efforts. Preserving the natural environment with future generations in mind is embedded into how we operate as a company and how employees approach their daily work. We encourage employees at every level of the organization to participate in sustainability by Leading Green Four executives from this year’s 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon share how sustainability shapes company culture, operations, employee engagement and more. CARLY COLGAN CEO | Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity MICHAEL JONES CEO/Founder | Hartmann&Forbes “We encourage employees at every level of the organization to participate in sustainability by fostering a culture of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and collaboration.” LYNN WHITE HR MANAGER, EPSON PORTLAND 18
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