Lloyd EcoDistrict is always looking for ways to highlight those in the community who are making change at the neighborhood level. Model the Way Sustainable Leadership awards are a great way to bring attention to individuals, businesses, and organizations who are conducting creative and progressive work for the betterment of the community. This week we would like to highlight two of the awards up for grabs; the Bedrock Award and Daredevil. 

The Bedrock award will be for a business or organization that has been a dependable leader in the Lloyd community. Their work provides foundational support for others to build off of, while the initiatives they put in place emphasize a triple bottom line approach. Last year the winner of this award was Bonneville Power Administration, who implemented a data-driven sustainability program. Through this program, they were able to track and report sustainability metrics and reduce their environmental impact. Bonneville Power Administration embodied collaboration, as demonstrated through their partnership with Xerces Society, another nonprofit located within the EcoDistrict. 

A Daredevil looks like a company that is willing to take risks and try something new. The risks this company takes aren’t at the expense of their employees or the environment, rather in addressing complex community challenges, or systematic issues. The Daredevil award is for a business or organization that is willing to disrupt the status quo, while addressing inefficiencies that may plague their industry. In 2019, the winner was Portland Garment Factory, a full-service design, and fabrication studio who provides creative direction and art fabrication. Portland Garment Factory is a great example of innovation, as shown through their ability to produce garments in a way that is as efficient as possible, through their reuse of fabric scraps, and ongoing commitment to being a zero-waste facility. 

Is there a business or organization that comes to mind when you hear these awards? Nominations will open up in March when you will be able to nominate your own organization or one you know!