Check back soon for TacomaACTS updates on our 2011 partnership year. For details on this partnership contact Chelsea Levy at 253-627-2175

Home Depot Foundation

1) Take the TacomaACTS pledge to measure your CO2 emissions at your business. This voluntary action will help recognize what you need . . . → Read More: Your Businesses Resolution for 2011: Implement Sustainable Practices!]]> A great way to kick off the new year is to “refresh” your business plans to incorporate sustainable practices. These changes will benefit your community, the environment and your wallet. January is a great month to:

1) Take the TacomaACTS pledge to measure your CO2 emissions at your business. This voluntary action will help recognize what you need to focus on in the new year and what your business is already successfully implementing.

2) Recieve your FREE CO2 tool specific to Pierce County after you take your pledge. 

3) Come LEARN and NETWORK at the BE Green South Sound event on January 31st.  Experts and an abundant amount of resources will be at your finger tips to ask questions, learn through case studies and network with other businesses who are taking the first step to “go green in 2011″.

One of their most exciting projects is their  “Cold Ironing” Shore Power project for the Orca Class vessels. This allows . . . → Read More: TOTE’s progress towards more sustainable shipping]]> Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) has pursued numerous sustainable business practices prior to becoming an Alliance member. A tour of the TOTE’S operations shows how they are thinking about how they do business.  

One of their most exciting projects is their  “Cold Ironing” Shore Power project for the Orca Class vessels. This allows the Orca Class vessels to shut down their diesel engines while at berth, eliminating 2,600 tons of CO2 by plugging into the shoreside utility at the Tacoma terminal. TOTE received an Environmental Protection Act (EPA )/Diesel Engine Reduction Act (DERA) grant to retrofit the electrical infrastructure shipboard on the Orca Class vessels and shoreside at the Tacoma terminal. Thanks to their 6,600 volt electrical distribution systems, TOTE’s Orca Class vessels are ideally suited for shoreside ‘cold ironing.’ This advanced technology is the same electrical distribution system used by the new generation of cruise ships, but TOTE will be the first US Flag vessel and first Port of Tacoma operator to implement shore power. The project is being managed by Port Engineer Daryl Swiggs (on right in photo 1). Rand Lymangrover (on left in photo 1) is the Terminal and Facility Environmental and Security Manager. There are many environmental benefits associated with cold ironing: reduced diesel engine emissions, reduced particulate matter (PM) and reduced noise levels. (photos 1-5)

TOTE is also working towards reusing its galley oil as biodiesel (B20) in their loading trucks (photos 6 and 7)

TOTE also Worked with Tacoma Public Utilities to update their HVAC equipment. This reduced electrical energy consumption, lowered energy cost, decreased equipment downtime and maintenance expenses, and had a 6 month return of investment.

Starting in 2011, TOTE is working on their Carbon footprint. A kick off to “what sustainability means” was presented to TOTE’S Anchorage and Fife terminals by TacomaACTS staff. The brief PowerPoint presentation can be found here

Please click here—> TacomaACTS Survey

Participants will be added in a drawing for El Toro Restaurant gift cards. YUM!

Business Sustainability in Seattle from Sustainable Industries on Vimeo.

Energy Competition:

Obtain powerstrips, or smart PDUs that are internet enabled . . . → Read More: Start a competition at work to spur innovation, financial savings, and to conserve natural resources.]]> Many successful businesses have created sustainable competitions in their workplace. Work competition adds value to workplace comradely, show cost savings, resource conservation, and generates staff innovation. Your staff wants to get involved, make a difference, and save operating costs- here are some ideas:

Energy Competition:

Obtain powerstrips, or smart PDUs that are internet enabled and can report individual socket power usage and offers remote power management as well. This will be generic for all machines and results can be captured and shared. This enforces the importance of turning off electronics when not in use and wearing a sweater rather then using a personal heater at staff work stations.

Waste Competitions:

Your garbage bill plays a toll on your wallet and our ecosystem. Help change your staff’s behavior by creating a zero waste competition.  Remove their waste bins at their desks and encourage staff to bring a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and lunch container.

Transportation Competitions:

There are numerous benefits to businesses that offer alternative transportation for their staff.  It Attracts and keeps the best employees, increases staff productivity, frees up parking, expands your customer base and saves on taxes- just to name a few. Pierce Transit can help your business start a competition to encourage biking, walking, van/carpooling and taking the bus.

To hear about more ideas on energy savings and to get ready for Energy Awareness Month, attend the September 29^th Energy Management Workshop at the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber. Free and open to the public from 11-1.