Committee finalizes scoring framework for Eco Oregon program

The City of Oregon Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee on March 9 agreed on a points-based framework to evaluate participation in its Eco Oregon program, assigning one to three points per category and establishing a total of 81 possible points for full implementation. The committee also discussed levels of achievement, incentives and "growth awards" to encourage adoption of sustainable practices.

Committee member Steve Rypkema suggested offering business owners the chance to meet with a committee representative to walk through the program and participation steps; the committee also agreed to review the program logo at the next meeting. "A total of eighty-one points could be earned for successfully implementing sustainable practices within the program," the committee noted as it discussed scoring and outreach.

The discussion focused on creating clear, achievable criteria for businesses and other participants so the program can be accessible while still rewarding higher levels of implementation. Next steps identified by the committee include finalizing the category scoring, developing incentive language, and preparing outreach materials for local businesses ahead of broader recruitment.