SAIF knows that being an industry leader means doing our best to tread lightly and not taking the environment for granted. We have adopted Governor Ted Kulongoski's aggressive goals for reduction of greenhouse gases, and we are working to reduce our carbon footprint along with other public agencies. By 2015, we plan to reduce our energy consumption to a level that is 20 percent below our consumption in the year 2000, as well as to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Other measures SAIF has taken include eliminating excess paper use (saving more than 4.8 million pieces of paper per year in 2009 over 2008); expanding our recycling program; organizing our first employee Green Fair, which included more than 25 vendors; moving our Portland office into the downtown core, where it can more easily be accessed by public transit; and providing incentives for bicycle riders, bus riders, carpoolers, and vanpoolers.
SAIF's new Portland office has earned G/Rated Tenant Improvement Certification from the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development. This certification recognizes tenant improvement projects that are environmentally friendly and improve the comfort and health of occupants.
In 2009, SAIF's Salem headquarters was awarded Marion County's EarthWISE Certification for completing such requirements as forming a green team, tackling high paper use, improving recycling, and making the HVAC system more energy-efficient.