Washington County recognized for strategic energy management

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 22, 2022

2021 Strategic Energy Management Awards

The Energy Trust of Oregon recently recognized Washington County with several Strategic Energy Management awards for ongoing efforts to save energy, improve energy efficiency and advance sustainability goals. Since 2012, Washington County has been a long-standing member of the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program and is one of 35 organizations in a cohort of various businesses and allied agencies. The following accomplishments were awarded for 2021:

• Exemplary Employee Engagement - awarded for the most activities in the cohort related to engaging employees in energy savings.
• Most Engaged Energy Team - award for the most motivated and active Energy Team.
• Earned all Milestones - Washington County completed all five program milestones for 2021 and received a $1,000 incentive for each. Milestones achieved include development of an annual energy plan, development of a standard operating procedure, support of an Energy Team, energy operations and maintenance projects, and executive sponsor engagement.
• Attended all Calls - the County’s Energy Team participated in all 12 monthly SEM progress meetings.

Additionally, the County received more than $13,000 in additional incentive payments for energy savings projects and intern staff support throughout 2021. A related project facilitated by the County’s first SEM intern was the creation of an Energy Policy to advance the efficient and effective use of energy resources throughout the organization. According to Washington County Sustainability Manager Robin Straughan, “This recognition is not only directed to staff in our Sustainability and Facilities Divisions who make up the Energy Team but also our entire workforce who continue to operationalize energy conservation strategies. I’m grateful for their efforts and also for the Board of County Commissioners in their ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.” For an in-depth overview of the County’s strategic energy management activities, please review the 2021 SEM Impact Report.

Washington County is committed to operating, maintaining and building energy efficient facilities, expansion of renewable energy, transition to an alternative vehicle fuel infrastructure, and promoting an energy conscious culture. To learn more about the County’s commitment to sustainability initiatives and practices that include environmental, economic and social equity considerations, please visit www.co.washington.or.us/Support_Services/Sustainability/index.cfm.

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