The 2009 Green Washington Awards

The best practices and practitioners of environmentally-friendly business.

By Randy Woods |   October 2009   |  FROM THE PRINT EDITION

There are many ways to be green, but none of them are easy. For most businesses, being green is about cutting production waste, conserving resources and, above all, saving money. Others see green as a sure-fire marketing tool to build trust with consumers and strengthen a brand. For nonprofits and governments, the green movement is about educating the public and changing outdated policies. For all parties, however, being green is simply the right thing to do to make the world a better place for future generations.

In this year's Green Washington Awards program, Seattle Business Magazine honors the many businesses, utilities and organizations that have demonstrated their leadership, innovation and commitment to protecting the environment. Through their actions and initiatives, they have made substantial contributions toward environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of Washington state.

After examining entries of more than 140 businesses and organizations from across the state, the Green Washington judges had the difficult task of narrowing down the field to these winners and runners-up in nine categories: Manufacturing, Services, Technology, Green Building, Retail, Academic & Health Care Institutions, Natural Resources, Utilities and Nonprofits.

In these pages, Seattle Business profiles a wide range of green programs that have had demonstrated results, from energy-efficient office buildings to hybrid-fuel trucks to grass-munching goats. On the government side, we show you which municipalities and public utilities are leading the way with progressive environmental policies that provide incentives to small businesses and help create jobs. From century-old industrial titans to mom-and-pop startups, the Green Washington Awards represent the very best green initiatives that businesses in the state have to offer.

Manufacturing

Kenworth Truck Co.           

Kirkland | Employees: 600 | kenworth.com

Kenworth's new line of diesel-electric hybrid trucks are expected to save both on fuel costs and on greenhouse gas emissions.

When considering the greenest manufactured products available, a diesel-exhaust-spewing truck engine may not be the first image that leaps to mind. Yet Kirkland-based Kenworth Trucks, a division of Bellevue's Paccar Inc., managed to haul its way to the top of the judges' list this year with a new line of fuel-efficient vehicles that could make a significant dent on truck emissions across the country.

With Kenworth's new T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid delivery trucks, customers can save up to 30 percent in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent,

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