In 2006, Ross & Associates made a commitment to analyze the firm’s environmental footprint and look for ways to reduce it. We are proud to say that we are now a carbon-neutral business as a result of that decision. Through The Climate Trust and its Pacific Northwest affiliate, NetGreen, we have purchased offsets to match our carbon footprint, which includes our air travel, energy use and employee commuting. 

In examining our footprint, we identified a number of interesting facts about the firm, including that more than 90 percent of our commuting trips are by public transportation, walking, or bicycling. A number of us participated in the Cascade Bicycle Club's "Commuter Challenge" in 2007, and we were able to field two teams for the 2008 event. The firm supports the staff’s environmentally-friendly commuting choices by providing FlexPasses, which provide all employees an annual bus pass and other transit incentives and benefits. Because of this and other activities, we are now one of EPA’s and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Best Workplaces for Commuters. 

We are continuing to reduce carbon emissions and other aspects of our environmental footprint on both an individual basis and firm-wide. Several of us participated in an “Energy Diet Challenge,” setting personal emission reduction goals and achieving them through simple household and lifestyle changes. The firm has committed to continued action by joining the Seattle Climate Partnership. In a recent renovation of our office space, the firm used recycled or rapidly renewable materials for flooring, wall board, millwork, and carpet in addition to using low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint and energy-efficient lighting. On a day-to-day basis, we use tree-free paper and recycled office supplies.

Turning the lens on ourselves gives us insight into the services we bring to clients in the areas of climate change, energy efficiency and others. Some of these projects include:

• Helping organizations apply “Lean” business methods to reduce their use of energy;
• Assisting the State of Washington in developing a state-wide climate strategy;
• Facilitating the development of “Roadmap for Climate Protection: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Puget Sound” by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Climate Protection Advisory Committee;
• Working with EPA’s Office of Air to measure greenhouse gas and other emissions; and
• Supporting the West Coast Collaborative in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diesel engines.

Going forward, Ross & Associates is committed to helping clients devise innovative ways to address climate change and other pressing problems. In addition, we will continue to look in the mirror to find ways to make Ross & Associates a better steward of the environment.