What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means balancing three key areas: economic and fiscal health, caring for the environment, and supporting communities and staff.
The
Oregon Sustainability Act defines "sustainability" as using, developing and protecting resources so people can meet their needs today, while ensuring future generations can meet theirs.
Sustainability in State Government
Oregon has over 100 state agencies and more than 40,000 employees. These efforts can have a big impact on cutting emissions and fighting climate change:
- Saving energy and water.
- Using alternate transportation and increasing electric vehicles in the state fleet.
- Reducing waste.
- Using more sustainable materials.
- Promoting equity and inclusion.
Many agencies already have Sustainability Plans and programs in place to address the Governor's goals.
Department of Administrative Services' (DAS)
DAS plays a key role in carrying out the Governor's goals and leads by example. It provides services like budgeting, purchasing, information technology support, human resources and building operations.
DAS leads agencies and works to make its own operations efficient, guided by a
Sustainability Plan that includes:
- Energy efficient and sustainable buildings.
- Managing a fleet for better fuel efficiency and use of electric vehicles.
- Supporting planned, green purchasing.
The DAS Office of Sustainability advised on and support these efforts.