Sustainable Business and Job Development Publications

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https://hdl.handle.net/1794/13134

Resource Innovations work in sustainable business and job development is focused on building public education and communication, local and regional business and job economic impact assessments as well as projects related to sustainable food systems and sustainable mobility systems.

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Open Access
Creating closed-loop economies through reuse, recycling and bioproduct-based economic development: final site assessment report for Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties, Oregon
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 1998-01) Self-Reliance, Inc.
Specifically, CWCH and SRI have researched the opportunities that exist to stimulate environmentally sound closed-loop economic development within the Hood River/Columbia Gorge region based on (1) the re-use and recycling of materials in the municipal solid waste stream, (2) the re-use and recycling of materials in agricultural and forestry waste streams and (3) improvements in the local government reuse, recycling infrastructure. This assessment is part of a multi-year initiative to identify the policies, procedures and practices needed to stimulate closed-loop economic development through reuse, recycling, scrap-based manufacturing and bioproduct-based business enterprises throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Our first draft report focused primarily on mid-sized business opportunities in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties, Oregon. Since that time, a separate report has also been prepared identifying potential small scale business opportunities. In addition, a set of policy recommendations will be published in a final report outlining the steps required to support and foster closed-loop economic development at the state and regional levels.
Open Access
Creating closed-loop economies through reuse, recycling and bioproduct-based economic development: site assessment report for the Illinois Valley/Lower Rogue Region, Oregon
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 1999-02) Self-Reliance, Inc.
This report assesses opportunities for stimulating closed-loop environmentally sound economic development in the Illinois River/Lower Rogue region based on the reuse and recycling of 1) solid and industrial waste materials; and 2) agricultural and forestry biomass waste streams. Prepared by The Center for Watershed and Community Health (CWCH) and Self Reliance, Inc. (SRI), this assessment focuses on the Josephine and Jackson Counties in the Illinois Valley and is referred to as the Illinois/Lower Rogue River region. This report follows two previous assessments conducted by CWCH and SRI of the potential for closed-loop economic development in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties and the Southern Willamette Valley region. Initially, this report is being issued to the Illinois Valley Community Response Team which has voiced an interest in the findings. More than thirty participants from the Illinois/ Lower Rogue River area (including local government officials, community leaders, and business representatives) shared their time, experience and expertise with the research staff in the preparation of this report (see Appendix B).
Open Access
Creating closed-loop economies through reuse, recycling and bioproduct-based economic development: site assessment for Southern Willamette River Valley
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 1998-01) Self-Reliance, Inc.
This report assesses opportunities for stimulating closed-loop economic development in the Southern Willamette Valley region based on the reuse and recycling of: (1) materials in the municipality, (2) agricultural and forestry waste streams, as well as (3) local government infrastructure improvements. The researchers used the following methodologies in the first phase of this project: gather preliminary data; visit communities to hold meetings with government officials, agriculture, forestry, community and environment leaders; research and analyze recent technical innovations and current business conditions appropriate for unique needs of the community; make survey calls to environmentally sound enterprises interested in locating in the Southern Willamette Valley region; prepare this draft report; get feedback from citizens interested in the draft report; visit communities a second time, involving workshops and meetings to determine top priorities; issue and distributing a final report; and provide on-going technical assistance, due diligence, business site specification and financing plan leading to implementation of business enterprises.
Open Access
Creating closed-loop economies: transitioning to a "Carbohydrate Economy" by turning agricultural and forestry waste into industrial products report for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 1998-01) Institute for Local Self-Reliance
This report examines the agricultural and forestry economies in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on the potential for using agricultural and forestry waste as raw material for the manufacture of industrial products (e.g., liquid fuels, building materials and industrial chemicals, such as ink pigment). Transition to an economy based on waste biomass has been called a "carbohydrate economy". The report is a component of a multi-year initiative between the Center for Watershed and Community Health of Oregon and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance of Minneapolis, MN. and Washington D.C. to identify the policies, programs and practices needed to stimulate closed-loop economic development across the Pacific Northwest. The first chapter provides a general overview of the current availability and use of agricultural and forestry waste. The second chapter, divided into three sections by state, offers (1) a more detailed look at current industrial uses of agricultural and forestry waste in each state, (2) a review of research underway to promote the use of agricultural and forestry waste, (3) a survey of the potential for economic development in that sector, and (4) a review of the financing available to make that development possible. The third chapter draws conclusions and makes recommendations from the first two chapters. Appendix A describes the effort in Minnesota to promote the use agricultural products as a raw material for industry.
Open Access
Establishing environmentally sustainable and economically efficient economies: from waste management towards zero waste
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 1999-10) Doppelt, Bob; Dowling-Wu, Lynda
This document recommends establishing zero waste goals and policies in Oregon and the Northwest and suggests a number of steps that can be phased-in to achieve this. To aim towards zero waste, the region must move from an existing dominant focus on waste management to a new focus on preventing waste as it is currently defined, redesigning the waste management infrastructure, and on generating income and jobs through waste-based economic development. These steps will be good for the economy and environment. We believe that it is possible to move towards zero waste in Oregon and the Northwest through an interconnected three-part strategy: 1) develop "extended producer responsibility" goals and policies which require that manufacturers develop take-back strategies for all products that currently end up in landfills or incinerators. These policies are intended to force the emphasis "upstream" to stimulate new product designs and material selections which facilitate the reuse and recycling of products; 2) improve the "downstream" reuse and recycling of end-of-product-life materials through improved waste management infrastructure, waste exchange programs, recycled material market development and other steps; and 3) foster and support waste-based businesses as economic development and jobs creation opportunities, especially in low income rural communities or urban neighborhoods.
Open Access
Green building: saving salmon, the environment, and money on the path to sustainability opportunities for the Pacific Northwest
(ECONorthwest, 2000-09) Ebenhoh, Jim; Niemi, Ernest G.; Tapogna, John; Whitelaw, Ed
The Pacific Northwest faces a number of growing environmental challenges. For example, at least 19 wild salmon populations in Washington and Oregon are extinct and the remainder are in trouble. More than 70 percent of Washington and one-half of Oregon are covered by “endangered” or “threatened” listings of salmon under the Endangered Species Act. Conserving the environment, including water quality and salmon habitat requires widespread changes in how homes, offices, and shopping areas are built, landscaped, and operated. Some builders prove every day that conserving the environment and saving salmon does not have to hurt the bottom line. Wider application of green building practices makes good economic sense and would occur, even if there were no salmon crisis. Through common-sense actions, they stop wasteful uses of electricity and water that are expensive to produce; reduce the emission of pollutants that are a waste of resources and expensive to clean up; recycle building materials that are too valuable to throw away; and avoid creating compacted soils and other impervious surfaces that are expensive to manage, accelerate rainwater runoff, and increase the risk of flooding.
Open Access
"Just plain good business": the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability as exemplified by one hundred sixty case examples
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2000) Doppelt, Bob; Watson, Lisa
This report describes how over 160 companies and organizations have adopted practices and programs that generated savings of over $55 million annually while dramatically reducing their environment impacts. It follows the release of an earlier report, Saving Salmon, Saving Money: Innovative Business Leadership in the Pacific Northwest (Goodstein, Doppelt and Sable, 1999), which found data on 137 firms that had saved over $42 million from 1992-1999 taking steps to improve their environmental management. Saving Salmon, Saving Money was an analytical report that provided few actual descriptions of what the137 firms did to achieve the cost savings and environmental benefits. Since its release, we have continually received requests for actual case examples of how firms and organizations save money while improving the environment. This report is intended to fill this need.
Open Access
Saving salmon, saving money: innovative business leadership in the Pacific Northwest
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2000-01) Goodstein, Eban S., 1960-; Doppelt, Bob; Sable, Karin
This report documents that 375 businesses and other organizations in the Pacific Northwest, through aggressive pursuit of environmental efficiency opportunities, have substantially reduced water, energy, hazardous materials and other inputs, reducing pressure on stream habitats and the environment while at the same time saving millions of dollars. These firms are at the leading edge of a movement referred to as "eco-efficiency", creating a more economically and environmentally efficient economy through incremental improvements in resource use and environmental impact. They demonstrate that while there will always be initial investment costs, in both the short and the long term there are often much larger economic savings from efforts to reduce environmental impacts to conserve streams, salmon, and the environment. In sum, taking steps to restore regional environmental quality can produce significant economic benefits—not major costs—to companies, communities and the region.
Open Access
Saving salmon, sustaining agriculture: opportunities to conserve the environment while improving the economic well-being of farms in the Northwest
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2000) Sable, Karin; Doppelt, Bob
This report explores the validity of these concerns. It poses the question: do the costs of adopting more environmentally sustainable and salmon friendly agricultural practices outweigh the economic benefits? The result of our research suggests that this is not the case. To the contrary, we assessed the costs and benefits of changes in supply side and demand side farming practices and found that, at a minimum, adopting more environmentally sustainable practices may, at a minimum, have a neutral economic impact on most farms, and may, at best, save many farmers money, lead to increased market share, and for those who market their products as organic or sustainably grown, even increase price margins by 5%-30% or more.
Open Access
Sustainability and the financial sector
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2000-04-10) Doppelt, Bob
This document outlines some of the challenges facing the region’s financial community regarding its contribution to "sustainable development." Strategies and practices which reduce the pressures that economic and community development activities place on the environment in a manner which maintains or enhances economic well-being are often called sustainable development or sustainability programs. The financial sector may have two overall roles to play in promoting sustainable development. First, it could apply principles of sustainability to its internal operations and develop policies and programs to reduce its pollution and waste. Second, it could develop products and services which encourage environmentally sustainable investments and business practices.
Open Access
Extended producer responsibility and product take-back: applications for the Pacific Northwest
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2001-03) Doppelt, Bob; Nelson, Hal
This report examines the principles, practices and policies of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and "product take-back" programs, and their potential application to the Pacific Northwest. EPR is an emerging principle for sustainable development that encourages producers to design their consumer products and delivery systems to keep waste and hazardous materials out of the waste stream. At its core, EPR focuses on the responsibility that producers have for the waste and environmental impacts their products generate at the end of their life-cycle. We have examined EPR to determine the degree to which product take-back policies and practices can contribute to the development of an environmentally sustainable regional economy. The search for new approaches to sustainability is driven, in part, by the fact that the region is struggling to conserve energy and water while restoring endangered salmon and other ecological systems at the same time that pollution and waste are growing at, or above, the rate of economic and population growth. We begin this assessment by discussing the principles and practices associated with EPR and product take-back. We then examine a number of policy approaches and instruments that have been used to promote EPR. This is followed by case studies of selected take-back programs established voluntarily by major U.S. corporations. We conclude with an analysis of the key issues that must be addressed to develop effective EPR policies and programs in the Pacific Northwest. The appendix includes the information generated from our case studies of both voluntary and mandated take-back programs in nine countries, covering five major industries.
Open Access
Sustainable practices, jobs, and distressed communities in the Pacific Northwest: an overview
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2001) Niemi, Ernest G.; Doppelt, Bob
This paper provides an overview of how the adoption of sustainable practices by businesses, communities and governments can affect employment and economic opportunities for distressed communities in the Pacific Northwest. “Sustainable practices” reduce waste in the use of energy, water and other raw materials (especially toxins), and curtail harmful environmental impacts. “Distressed communities” include places, such as low-income urban neighborhoods and rural towns, as well as groups, such as low-skill workers, that exhibit high levels of unemployment or poverty. Understanding the relationships among sustainable practices, jobs, and distressed communities is especially important because businesses, communities, and governmental agencies are accelerating their adoption of sustainable practices to lower costs for energy, materials, and waste clean-up, and to comply with legal obligations that require reduced environmental impacts. Furthermore, to compete effectively in many regional, national, and global markets, businesses increasingly must satisfy sustainability standards. In some industrial sectors, global demand for goods and services associated with sustainable practices is growing, and businesses in the Pacific Northwest are striving to become market leaders. In sum, the adoption of sustainable practices is growing and many forces exist that suggest that the trend will continue and grow. Workers and distressed communities need to know what to expect so they can prepare themselves to take advantage of new, sustainable jobs and be prepared when jobs associated with unsustainable practices are lost.
Open Access
Lane County guide to green building: working draft
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2002-12-03) University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health; University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment
The Green Building Initiative operated by the City of Portland, Oregon, defines green building as "innovative building and site design techniques that improve the quality and performance of buildings while simultaneously reducing stress on the environment." Green building utilizes a wide set of design standards, building techniques, and alternative materials that provide for energy and water efficiency, low toxicity, increased livability, and decreased waste production. Green building practices not only preserve the environment, they provide quality comfortable living, and long-term cost savings.
Open Access
News release: PSU Waste to Work Partnership finds thousands of new jobs can be created in Oregon and Washington by "upsizing" waste materials
(Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, 2002-04-01) Garcia, Diane; Doppelt, Bob
The Waste to Work Partnership, a program of the Center for Watershed and Community Health at Portland State University, today released a report that concludes that thousands of new jobs could be created in the Northwest by expanding and starting businesses that add economic value to waste materials through reuse, remanufacture and recycling. Entitled Making Waste Work, the report is based on a survey of Northwest businesses that reuse or manufacture products using waste materials. The report says that a more intensive approach to waste management, called Waste-based Economic Development, would change our concept of waste entirely. Waste-based economic development focuses on adding economic value to materials once considered “waste,” thereby creating new businesses, products and jobs Two-thirds of the waste generated in Oregon and Washington is currently being incinerated or sent to landfills. If all this waste material were collected and manufactured into new products and services, 22,000 new jobs could be created. The report also found that waste-based businesses could help revitalize distressed communities and neighborhoods by providing family wage jobs and job opportunities.
Open Access
Eco-industrial development: eco-industrial parks, bio-refineries, renewable energy, and zero waste opportunities for Lane County
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-10-10) Atsusaka, Naoko; Darby, Kate; Shinabarger, Tim; Osdobo, Tom; University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health
This report outlines business and job opportunities for Lane County, Oregon, in the diverse field of Eco-Industrial Development. The research and writing was completed by a team of graduate student interns from the University of Oregon, along with Tom Osdobo from E4Partners, working with faculty and staff from the UO Program for Watershed and Community Health. In specific, the report assesses the potential to expand, incubate, or recruit businesses and engage civic and government organizations in the development of eco-industrial parks, bio-refineries and bio-based industrial systems, renewable energy systems including biomass, biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells and solar, and zero waste (waste free) programs. Using case studies, information gathered from leading local and national experts, and extensive web research, this report found significant potential for expanding existing businesses and incubating and recruiting new ones in Lane County in the field of Eco-industrial development. Numerous suggestions are offered for initiating and capturing these opportunities. One of the common themes found throughout the recommendations is the need for local and state government, business, civic, and academic leaders from throughout the county to form partnerships aimed at expanding their understanding of the opportunities and developing business and job development strategies. Business and job opportunities in the field of ecoindustrial development are growing rapidly across the globe. Lane County could become a center of excellence in this exciting new field with sufficient attention and proper focus. In doing so, the citizens and communities of Lane County would achieve significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Open Access
Growing the green building industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-10-10) Atsusaka, Naoko; LeVan, Shanda
In winter 2003, a team of graduate student researchers working with the University of Oregon Program for Watershed and Community Health initiated a project to analyze the costs, benefits, and potential opportunities for expanding the “Green Building” Industry in Lane County. This report summarizes the findings. Information and data were obtained through a review of the literature and websites, informal telephone interviews, meetings with local trade associations, and discussions with local government representatives. Information was also obtained from surveys of public agencies and of businesses deemed to be potentially part of the local sustainability sector.
Open Access
Growing the natural foods industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-10-10) Shinabarger, Tim; University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health
In winter 2003, graduate students researchers working with the University of Oregon Program for Watershed and Community Health analyzed the size, scope, and interrelationships of the natural foods industry in Lane County. This report summarizes the findings. In Lane County, the natural foods industry comprises more than 30 businesses and 30 organic farms. The 15 natural food companies that responded to a survey mailed to Lane County businesses that were believed to fall into the sustainability sector reported at least 334 local employees and annual local payrolls of at least $8.39 million. The lowest level of annual sales reported was $76,000; the highest was $16 million. This information suggests that the natural foods industry makes an important contribution to for local economy. Our research found that many local food producers, café’s, distributors and organic farms know each other and maintain business relationships. However, our research did not identify a well-defined business cluster. This suggests that with an effective approach, a major opportunity may exist to help stabilize and grow the natural foods industry as a major business cluster in Lane County. In addition, in assessing sustainable business practices within the sector, we found gaps in the supply chain that suggest potential business opportunities. Organic farming became one of the fastest growing segments of United States agriculture during the 1990’s, expanding at a rate of 20-25 percent annually. U.S. producers are turning to certified organic farming systems as a potential way to lower input costs, decrease reliance on nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. In Lane County, accredited certifying agents have certified 1,549 acres of organic farmland. Local farms sell produce in local and West Coast markets. Local consumers are educated about organic food, which stimulates local demand. The presence of knowledgeable local customers is often one of the prerequisites for the development of a strong business cluster. Farmers Markets provide direct connections between farmers and consumers. Local residents buy plant starts for home gardens, providing pre-harvest income for greenhouse farmers. These interrelationships suggest a framework may already exist in which to grow the natural foods industry.
Open Access
Lane County sustainable business and job project: background on sustainable industrial and job development
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-02-25) University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health; University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment
This document provides background information on the benefits communities in Lane County and vicinity can gain in terms of job retention and growth by expanding, incubating, and recruiting businesses in “sustainable” industry sectors.
Open Access
Lane County sustainable business and jobs: preliminary list of existing firms and potential opportunities for the Southern Willamette Valley
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-02-26) ECO Northwest, Ltd.
This document has two components. Part I includes a preliminary list of Lane County companies and organizations that can be considered part of the sustainability sector. Part II briefly summarizes information from readily available sources about opportunities for economic development associated with the implementation of sustainable practices by private firms and public agencies in the Pacific Northwest. The section separately presents information regarding sustainable practices in nine areas: renewable energy generation; nurseries; energy efficiency; organic retail trade; energy efficient public buildings; sustainable agriculture; green building; sustainable forestry; and waste based economic development.
Open Access
Status and trends of the arts and crafts business sectors in Benton, Lane, Linn, and Lincoln Counties: an analysis of survey data
(Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2004-02-19) LeVan, Shanda; Ackerson, Kristopher
In the winter of 2003 the University of Oregon Program for Watershed and Community Health completed an assessment of the local arts and craft sectors at the request of the Oregon Council for Business Education. The goal of the project was to determine the economic impact of the arts and craft sectors in Benton, Lane, Linn, and Lincoln counties, and to determine the potential for growing the sectors. Based on the data we received, we drew six overall conclusions: 1. The arts and crafts businesses make an important economic contribution—especially for certain populations. 2. The sectors represent businesses with a diversity of locations, ages, educational attainment, and art and craft media. 3. The sectors appear to be making a particularly important economic contribution to low income residents. 4. Arts and crafts businesses are an important source of income for women who are single wage earners. 5. The potential seems to exist for growing the sectors. 6. A suite of strategies may be helpful to grow the sectors.